Apahotel Sagaeki-Minamiguchi

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location just steps from Saga Station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Its unique collaboration with a local confectionery, featuring Black Mont Blanc ice cream vending machines in the lobby, adds a memorable touch. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking convenience and a comfortable workspace, as well as sightseers looking for easy access to transportation, dining, and shopping. Value-conscious travelers also appreciate its reasonable pricing. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfort of its beds, and the friendly, efficient service provided by the staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a non-smoking room if you are sensitive to smells, and utilize the hotel's dedicated app for a smoother check-in and check-out experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities to be practical and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for its reliability and speed, with some rooms also offering wired internet connections for enhanced stability. Each floor provides convenient access to vending machines, including unique ones dispensing local Black Mont Blanc ice cream, along with ice machines and microwaves. Rooms are equipped with a comprehensive set of amenities, including a refrigerator, electric kettle, and a hairdryer, though some guests note the hairdryer's airflow can be weak. While the televisions are notably large, often 50 inches, some guests find their wall-mounted position too high for comfortable viewing. Most guests appreciate the ample electrical outlets available, including those conveniently located near the bed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive remarks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. While some acknowledge the bathrooms may appear older or show signs of wear, they are typically found to be clean, with good water pressure. Rooms are often described as compact or standard for a business hotel, though some guests find them surprisingly spacious compared to urban counterparts, with mirrors cleverly used to enhance the perception of space. The beds are frequently praised for their comfort, with descriptions ranging from fluffy and soft to medium-firm, and many appreciate the contoured or low pillows provided for a restful sleep. However, some guests note issues with thin walls, leading to audible noise from neighboring rooms, elevators, and footsteps, and occasional train sounds. Additionally, the air conditioning system is centrally controlled, limiting individual temperature adjustment and sometimes resulting in rooms being too warm or too cold, or causing dryness.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet is a significant highlight for many guests, offering a good variety of both Japanese and Western options. Popular items include delicious curry, melt-in-your-mouth tofu, and local specialties like squid shumai and flavorful Saga rice. Some guests particularly enjoy the homemade taste of the dishes and the chef's special onion dressing. While the selection is generally satisfying, some guests note that the variety can be limited, with a focus on salads and small dishes, and a lack of common items like bread, ham, or eggs in some instances. The hotel also features a restaurant on the first floor, and the unique Black Mont Blanc ice cream is available for purchase from vending machines, a popular local treat.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently lauded as one of its strongest assets. It is situated just a short 3 to 5-minute walk from Saga Station and the adjacent bus terminal, providing excellent connectivity for travelers. Guests appreciate the convenience of having numerous restaurants, bars, and izakayas within easy walking distance, offering a wide array of dining choices. A large convenience store and a supermarket are also located nearby, making it easy to purchase snacks and essentials. While the hotel offers on-site parking for a fee, with 26 spaces available, guests note that nearby coin parking lots might offer cheaper alternatives depending on the duration of stay. Motorcycle parking is also available behind the hotel.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided, from warm greetings upon arrival to efficient assistance with requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally smooth, with options for self-service machines and staff guidance, though some guests using specific payment methods like Osaifu-Keitai found the machine process less intuitive. Staff members are often noted for their ability to communicate in English and sometimes Chinese, which is greatly appreciated by international visitors. The team is also commended for being accommodating, such as promptly changing rooms for guests sensitive to smoke. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests who are members of the hotel's loyalty program can benefit from an extended check-out time until 11 AM, which is a convenient perk. The hotel has undergone renovations from its previous identity as the Washington Hotel, resulting in updated and clean interiors, though some older elements, particularly in the bathrooms, remain. For guests planning to use the laundry facilities, it's worth noting that there can be competition for machines during peak times. While the check-in process is largely automated, some guests experienced minor delays when attempting to use specific mobile payment methods, requiring staff assistance.