A Winter Trip to Fukuoka – Hakata Edition by @owncolorstravel, an Okinawa-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blogger
This time, I’m sharing a hotel from my trip to Hakata that was super comfortable to stay in. It had great access to the city and was perfect for exploring on foot. With a lifestyle hotel concept, this place had a stylish vibe that made the stay even more enjoyable. Let’s dive into what makes it such a great choice!
・HOTEL THE LIVELY FUKUOKA HAKATA
THE LIVELY FUKUOKA HAKATA 5-2-18 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 810-0801
One of the key things I look for when choosing a hotel—especially in a place I’m not familiar with—is easy access from the airport, proximity to train stations, and whether there are shops nearby that I want to check out.
I also consider things like whether it’s close to a lively downtown area or if it offers a great view. On top of that, comfort and good value for the price are always important factors.
If a hotel also delivers great hospitality and well-equipped facilities, it can take the whole stay to the next level.
During this trip, I stayed at THE LIVELY Fukuoka Hakata, a 3-star hotel that checked off almost all these boxes—making it an ideal choice for my stay.
・Access to the hotel
As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, Fukuoka Airport has excellent access to the city, making it super convenient. THE LIVELY Fukuoka Hakata is just a 1-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Airport Subway Line, and if you’re coming from the airport by taxi, it takes around 20 minutes—a stress-free distance.
Compared to that, I remember getting completely lost just trying to figure out the subway from Haneda Airport in Tokyo! (lol)
Located in Nakasu, this hotel is surrounded by other accommodations and plenty of restaurants, making it a lively area to stay in. Plus, its unique location between the Hakata River and the Naka River offers some great views, which is definitely a nice bonus!
I caught a rare break in the weather, so I snapped a few photos!
・Hotel interior where you can enjoy free beer
・THE LIVELY BAR
The moment you step into the hotel, you’re greeted by this stunning open atrium. The design is seriously impressive—the lobby is definitely Instagram-worthy.
This space on the first floor also doubles as a bar, and starting from 5:30 PM, guests can enjoy free beer. Of course, I couldn’t pass that up, so I grabbed a glass for myself!
The free drinks are available until 6:30 PM, and you can choose from lemon sour or soft drinks as well.
Even though it was a weekday, the bar was pretty lively, with plenty of guests taking advantage of the offer. It definitely felt like the hotel was popular!
Right next to the bar counter, there’s a spacious lounge area with a well-thought-out design. It’s a great spot to relax, and since the bar menu is surprisingly affordable for a hotel, you can enjoy drinks in a laid-back, casual vibe.
THE LIVELY BAR (Hakata Fukuoka) is open from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM (last order at 12:30 AM). With music playing in the background, it’s the perfect place to just chill and unwind.
Every corner of the lobby has a picture-perfect vibe, making it a fun spot to snap some Instagram-worthy shots. The stylish design pairs well with social media, which is definitely a plus.
It actually reminded me of a hotel I stayed at in Amsterdam, Netherlands—the lobby there was just as chic. I love hotels with thoughtfully designed spaces like this!
・.andwork fukuoka
Hotel guests have 24/7 free access to the coworking space. There’s a free coffee machine, so you can get some work done on your laptop here. There’s also a pool table, and the spacious area has a relaxed vibe where everyone seems to be enjoying themselves in their own way.
・Others
Amenities are set up next to the lobby elevator, so you can grab whatever you need for your room.
You can also rent a bike for ¥1,500 from 7 AM to 11 PM, which is perfect for exploring the area. It might be a bit tough in the middle of winter, but it’s a super affordable option.
There’s even a free photo booth by the second-floor elevator where you can take and print pictures for free! I gave it a try, and I have to say, this hotel offers some pretty fun extras.
・Room tour
I booked a Standard Double, which was just the right size for a solo trip. They also have a Standard Queen with a larger bed, so if you’re tall or just want extra space to stretch out, that might be a better option.
The room itself has a stylish and compact design, with dim lighting that creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
That said, I found the lighting and space a bit lacking for doing makeup. Overall, the room styles lean toward a more masculine aesthetic, so a few thoughtful touches for guests who do their makeup in-room could make the experience even better.
The bath amenities are from Nature Touch, a brand that uses natural plant-based ingredients. The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all have a lovely aromatic scent.
The Standard Twin rooms have a sink and mirror inside the room, making it more convenient for getting ready.
・Fancy hotel breakfast
This is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, which seats 80 guests and serves breakfast in a stylish setting.
When you check in, you’ll choose your breakfast time for the next morning and receive a ticket. It’s not a buffet, so you’ll need to decide in advance whether you want a Japanese or Western-style meal. But honestly, the beautifully presented breakfast more than makes up for the lack of flexibility—it’s definitely Instagram-worthy!
They even have a selection of Japanese wines, so if you’re in the mood, you can enjoy a drink first thing in the morning!
A beautifully plated Japanese-modern breakfast that feels both refined and playful—a luxurious way to start the day.
The meal featured perfectly cooked Fukuoka-grown rice served in a traditional clay pot, accompanied by a delicate soup. The highlight was the white fish with a plum sauce, and since this is Hakata, it came with a generous serving of mentaiko—a perfect addition to this foodie trip!
And this is the Western food for the next day.
A wooden box arrived at the table, holding freshly baked croissants.
Smoothies are available as “Today’s Smoothie” in green, yellow, or red.
If I had to describe THE LIVELY Fukuoka Hakata in one word, it would be a sophisticated and modern hotel. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay in Hakata. Overall, I was very satisfied—so much so that I’m giving it five stars! lol
