Fukuoka Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin

HOTEL ORIENTAL EXPRESS FUKUOKA TENJIN Fukuoka Japan

Fukuoka Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin

Fukuoka Luxury: My Love-Hate Letter to the Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin (and Why You Should Probably Go, Maybe)

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sumo-sized beans on the Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin in Fukuoka. This isn't just a review; it's a therapy session, a love letter, and a potential breakup all rolled into one travelogue. I'm talking raw, unfiltered, and probably a little too honest for its own good. Let's dive in.

First Impressions, and the Great Elevator Debacle of '23 (Accessibility - Almost Nailed It)

My first encounter? The lobby, sleek and modern, promising a luxury experience. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I do appreciate thoughtful accessibility. And let me tell you, the Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin gets close. They had the ramps, the elevators (more on those later!), the designated rooms… but sometimes "close" just isn't the sushi roll you were hoping for.

The elevators. Oh, the elevators. They were slow. Like, "watching paint dry" slow. And honestly, I'm not sure if the button-to-door ratio was correct. One time, I swear I mashed that thing about ten times before it listened. Dear sweet elevator gods, please install some faster ones! But hey, the fact that they had accessible elevators, and the staff were genuinely helpful with any issues, is a massive plus. So, A for effort, maybe a B+ for execution.

Inside the Fortress of Comfort: My Room! (And That Glorious Wi-Fi!)

I booked a non-smoking room (because I like breathing, ya know?). And oh my sweet heavens, the Air Conditioning! It was like stepping into a perfectly chilled cloud after a Fukuoka summer day. Divine. The Blackout curtains were a godsend, keeping the city lights at bay. And the bed? Extra long, supremely comfy. Seriously, I considered never leaving that bed.

Now, the Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely bonkers fast. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet Access - Wireless? Check and check! I was able to work, stream, and generally live my online life without a hiccup. Plus, a Laptop workspace made remote work a breeze. Internet access - LAN? I didn't even try it, but it's there. They also have Internet services, but I didn't need it. This is a HUGE win in my book. This is a win for everyone.

Room Perks & Pet Peeves: The Air conditioning was the bomb. The bathrobes? Plush. The complimentary tea (and the Coffee/tea maker) were lifesavers. The mini-bar was a temptation I mostly resisted. The additional toilet was a welcome touch. And the refrigerator was great for chilling my sake. The shower was hot and powerful, and I’m a big fan of the shower! Slippers were provided making it an easy experience. The hair dryer would have been nice, instead of the slow airflow I encountered.

However, the mirror placement was a little wonky, making applying make-up a challenge. And while the mirror was a bit off, the seating area was amazing. The soundproofing was generally awesome, though the occasional late-night karaoke from the street still managed to seep in. (Note to self: Invest in earplugs).

Cleanliness and Safety: They Take This Seriously & I Appreciate It

Okay, folks, this is where the Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin shines. Rooms sanitized between stays. Rooms sanitized between stays. I swear, the place practically gleamed. They had the Anti-viral cleaning products, the Daily disinfection in common areas, the Staff trained in safety protocol, the Hand sanitizer everywhere. Hygiene certification? You betcha. Individually-wrapped food options? Yup. Safe dining setup? Absolutely. Professional-grade sanitizing services? I suspect so. And while I didn't partake, the opt-out option wasn't a hard sell. I felt safe and protected. This is HUGE.

Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment)

Let's talk food! The Asian breakfast was a decent and offered a good mix. They also offered a Western breakfast, with a breakfast [buffet]. The Breakfast service was fine, but the coffee was a bit… weak. Okay, it was basically brown water. But the coffee shop offered a much better brew, so I’m not complaining. They have Restaurants, offering A la carte in restaurant, with Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. I’m not a huge fan of Soup in restaurant, but the other selections were not bad. They have a Vegetarian restaurant, but I didn’t try it. The Poolside bar gave a great option.

Things To Do (and Feeling a Little Lazy):

They have a Fitness center if you're into that sort of thing. A Gym/fitness is available. I didn't. I'm a travel sloth. They have a Sauna and Steamroom, but again, too lazy. They have a Spa. The Spa/sauna offers several options. But I did manage to see a Pool with view. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was nice, if not a little small.

Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag

The concierge was friendly and helpful, despite some (minor) language barriers. Daily housekeeping was on point. Laundry service was available, which was a lifesaver. The elevator was a godsend. The concierge was friendly and helpful, despite some (minor) language barriers. Contactless check-in/out was great, and check-in/out [express] made the departure less painful. However, I found it annoying when the elevator was unavailable because it's sometimes difficult to wait.

Value For The Price: Hmmm…

Look, it wasn’t the cheapest place in town. But with the location, the cleanliness, the comfort, and the generally amazing staff, I felt – in the end– it was worth it.

The Verdict: Return? Maybe… with Reservations.

The Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but the pros far outweigh the cons. If you want a comfortable, clean, well-located base for exploring Fukuoka, this is a great option. Just pack some patience for those elevators, and maybe your own decent coffee. And most importantly, go knowing you’re in for a generally lovely stay with, more than likely, delicious food and comfy digs. I probably will return. I’m just not sure when.

Escape to Paradise: Garden Court Polokwane Awaits!

Book Now

HOTEL ORIENTAL EXPRESS FUKUOKA TENJIN Fukuoka Japan

Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the real, ramen-stained, jet lag-fueled chronicle of my Fukuoka adventure, centered around the Hotel Oriental Express Fukuoka Tenjin. Think of this as less a polished brochure and more a slightly frantic postcard from the edge of sleep deprivation.

THE UNGLAMOROUS BEGINNING: DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AND THE (UN)FORTUNATE CURRY

• Time: 6:00 AM (or, as my body clock was screaming, 2:00 AM).

• Event: Landed at Fukuoka Airport. The flight was long. Remembered I’d forgotten my earplugs. The tiny screaming baby in row 24 will forever be etched on my retinas.

• Mood: Utter exhaustion. A primal urge for a shower.

• Transportation: Airport to Hotel via the subway. Smooth as silk! Surprisingly easy to navigate, even with my brain currently operating at maybe 30%.

• Hotel Check-In: The Hotel Oriental Express lobby… ah, blessedly, the A/C was on full blast. Relief! Quick check-in; even managed a smile at the smiling woman behind the desk. (A small victory in my battle against sleep deprivation.)

• Room: Tiny, but clean. That’s all I needed. I’m pretty sure the bed was made of clouds. Pure, unadulterated bliss.

• Lunch - The Great Curry Debacle: Stumbled out into Tenjin. Starving. Found a curry place. Looked authentic. Ordered. Regretted it immediately. I think I ordered the "Super Spicy Apocalypse" curry. My tongue is still recovering. Tears. Actual tears. Lesson learned: always order the mild.

• Afternoon: Recuperated. Slept. Glorious, glorious sleep. Dreamt I was made of curry then woke up.

• Evening: Got lost trying to find a convenience store. Ended up eating a ridiculously good convenience store onigiri (I'm talking next-level rice triangles).

• Emotional State: Mostly happy, but with a lingering phantom heat from the curry. And a healthy dose of self-deprecation.

DAY 2 - RAMEN, RETAIL THERAPY (AND A MOMENT OF ZEN)

• Morning: Slept through my alarm. No regrets.
• Breakfast (Sort of): The hotel breakfast… well, let's just say it filled a hole. I learned that Japanese breakfast is an adventure in itself. A plate of weird, salty things. I opted for toast and coffee. Safe.
• Ramen Quest: Determined to redeem myself from the curry catastrophe, I went on a Ramen quest. Found a legendary place near Canal City Hakata. The line was long. So worth it. This ramen… this was life-changing. The broth, the noodles, the perfectly boiled egg, all of it. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Possibly the best thing I've ever eaten.
• Afternoon - Retail Therapy (Or My Bank Account's Demise): Tenjin. The shopping mecca. I might have gotten a little carried away. A new bag. A quirky t-shirt. Several unnecessary (but adorable) stationery items. My credit card whimpered. I ignored it.
• Quirky Observation: Japanese people are so polite. Constantly bowing. Even when you accidentally bump into them. I need to learn to be more polite when home.
• Evening - Temple Time and Lost in Translation: Found a beautiful temple. Spent a hour just wandering around. It was so peaceful. Then I got lost. Again. Ended up asking for direction. The helpful woman spoke no English. I spoke no Japanese. We both just laughed, bowed, and I (somehow) found my way back to the hotel. It doesn't matter that I went the wrong way. It was a beautiful experience of human connection.

DAY 3 - ISLAND HOPPING AND A DESPERATE SEARCH FOR A COFFEE

• Morning: Woke up with the sun! Not complaining, even if it's a bit earlier than I like.
• Transportation: Day trip to Nokonoshima Island. Ferry. The sea, oh, the sea! Got a bit seasick.
• Nokonoshima Island: Picturesque, but I was really craving coffee. A desperate caffeine-fueled hunt ensued. Finally, found a small shop that sold a terrible, but most welcome, cup of joe.
• Afternoon: Returned to Fukuoka. Got back to exploring, though was a bit moody. Probably a crash from the coffee.
• Hotel: Back at the comforting embrace of the Hotel Oriental Express. A quick nap. Pure heaven.
• Evening: Last night in Fukuoka. Dinner at a small Yakitori place near the hotel. Delicious. Ate far too much. Feel completely content at the moment.

DAY 4 - DEPARTURE AND THE REALITY OF HOME.

• Morning: Woke up. Packed. Said goodbye to my cloud bed.
• Event: Check-out, final look at the city from a train.
• Transportation: Airport. Flight. Back home. Back to the real world.
• Mood: Slightly sad to leave, but also excited to be home.
• Emotional State: Tired, but filled with amazing memories. Ready for a hot shower, the reality of my life, and maybe some more ramen when I get back.

Final Thoughts:

Fukuoka, you've been amazing. Hotel Oriental Express, you were perfect, clean, and a great place to sleep. I'll definitely back. And if anyone needs me, I'll be over in the Ramen aisle of the supermarket, reliving the glory days of my trip.

Unbelievable Chiba Getaway: APA Hotel Chibachuo Ekimae Awaits!

Book Now

HOTEL ORIENTAL EXPRESS FUKUOKA TENJIN Fukuoka Japan```html

Fukuoka Luxury: Hotel Oriental Express Tenjin - Maybe Worth It (or Definitely Not? Let's Dive In!)

Okay, So... Is This Place ACTUALLY Luxurious, or Just... Fancyish?

Alright, let's be real for a second. "Luxury" is a slippery word, right? Like, what's *your* definition? Because if you're expecting gold-plated everything and a butler named Jeeves, maybe temper your expectations. I mean, the lobby *is* kinda sleek. Think minimalist chic, with a touch of, well, "Japanese hotel lobby." It's clean, everything's polished, and you *do* feel a little…important walking in. (Possibly because the check-in desk staff look impeccably put together and I was clearly still recovering from jet lag.) But… that's the good part. The rooms? Yeah, they're nice. Modern, well-designed… but small. Look, I'm a small person, but if you're bringing a mountain of luggage (like I am, let’s be honest), you’re gonna be playing Tetris with your suitcases. And the “view”? Mine was a brick wall. Romantic, right? So yeah, it's not Buckingham Palace, but it's a solid, *stylish* choice. Maybe “upmarket comfortable” is more accurate. Still, the little touches… that’s where it shines, I tell ya…

The Location: Tenjin. Amazing, or a Tourist Trap Nightmare?

Okay, Tenjin. Absolutely *the* spot to be. I mean, it’s the epicenter of everything in Fukuoka. Shopping, food... the energy is just...wow. Seriously, you could spend a week just wandering around, getting lost in the arcades, and eating every weird and wonderful thing imaginable. (Ramen! Oh, the ramen!) Right outside the hotel doors? Boom! Everything. Literally. Public transport is a breeze (thank GOD, I'm useless at navigating), so you can hop on the subway and be anywhere in the city in, like, minutes. (Except for that one time I ended up on the wrong train… rookie mistake. Ended up by the port, which was beautiful, but not where I *meant* to go. Made it back eventually, after a lot of frantic pantomime.) So, yeah, it's touristy. But you're a tourist! Embrace it! Just be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. My advice? Go to the shops first thing, or late at night. Avoid the rush, and you'll be in heaven!

Ramen! God, the Ramen. Is the Hotel's Breakfast 'Good' Ramen, or Just... Hotel Ramen? (Important Question.)

Alright, listen up. Ramen is a *serious* business in Fukuoka. If you come here and don’t eat a boatload of the stuff, you're doing it wrong. The hotel breakfast situation...it's not *bad*. It has the usual stuff: eggs, toast, some weird jelly that I wasn't brave enough to try... But the ramen? They *try*. They really do. But it's… well, it’s not *the* ramen. It's a sad little bowl compared to the local joints. It's a pale imitation, a polite nod to the culinary gods of Kyushu. Don't get me wrong, I ate it. I’m not going to *not* eat ramen. It's a crime. But… it's not worth the price of the full breakfast. The noodles were a bit overcooked, the broth was kinda…bland. My advice? Eat the toast if you must, the eggs are alright. But *skip* the ramen and go find a proper ramen shop! I had one *amazing* bowl just down the street. You can practically smell the pork fat from the hotel lobby! (That's a good thing, by the way.) Prioritize those local ramen houses, please. Your taste buds will thank you, and your wallet won't hate you.

The Room: Tiny? Comfortable? Did You Cry?

Alright, full disclosure. I may or may not have had a small minor breakdown when I first saw the room. Not a *full*-blown sobbing event, more of a quiet internal scream. (Mostly about the lack of space to unpack the four suitcases I had dragged across the world.) Yes, the rooms are…compact. Think “efficiently designed,” which is a polite way of saying "cramped". But, and this is a *big* but: everything is immaculate. The bed was seriously comfortable (I slept like a log every night, which, consider my jet lag, is a miracle). The bathroom was spotless, the shower pressure was *divine*. And, here's the thing, you’re not going to be spending your entire trip locked in the room, are you? It's all about perspective. Yeah, I wished for a walk-in closet and a bigger mirror to avoid those awkward contortions to get dressed. However, the *cleanliness* and the ridiculously comfortable bed made up for a lot. So… no, I didn’t cry. (Much.)

Service: Are the Staff Angels, or Just... Polite Robots?

The staff? Generally, wonderful. They are unfailingly polite, efficient, and helpful. Their English is good, and they are always happy to assist with anything you need. I can't fault their service on a professional level. Truly, they are impeccable. However… and I’m being a bit nitpicky here, because this is *my* experience…it sometimes felt…a little *too* perfect. A little…robotic. Like, I tried to have a chat with one of the front desk staff about the weather (it was raining, of course), and it felt a little…stilted. "Yes, ma'am. The weather is…wet." (Okay, thanks for that meteorological insight, I'd never have guessed). But, that’s a cultural thing, I think. They were still incredibly helpful when I needed directions, or help with booking a taxi. I mean, in Japan, service generally is an art form. And so, I guess I shouldn't *expect* anything more, and overall, I was very impressed. I just wished I could have had a proper conversation. (Maybe I'm just a chatterbox. It's possibly the jet lag talking. Or, well, maybe I just wanted a friend.)

Unbelievable Japan: Tabino Hotel's Secret Matsumoto Escape!

HOTEL ORIENTAL EXPRESS FUKUOKA TENJIN Fukuoka Japan

HOTEL ORIENTAL EXPRESS FUKUOKA TENJIN Fukuoka Japan

Share :