Review: Hilton Sea Hawk Fukuoka, Japan

10. Apr 2016
by Ramsey Qubein

WHAT’S IT LIKE Located along Hakata Bay, this striking skyscraper provides exquisite views of the waterfront and cityscape. A taxi from the airport takes no more than 20 minutes, but the airport bus line also convenient stops directly in front of the hotel. The lower floors of the hotel are lined with meeting rooms signaling the strong convention business held here. Arrivals must take an elevator to the lobby where a giant atrium streaming with natural light and marble reception area create a grandiose welcome. A lengthy reception desk can handle the crowds, and scented water is available by the concierge desk for those parched after their travels. Two separate elevator banks ease the strain of the large number of guests that stay here nightly.

DINING With so many rooms, this hotel is bound to have a plethora of restaurants, and it succeeds on all counts. Open for lunch and dinner, the Cantonese restaurant appeals to those in search of authentic Chinese dim sum and hearty noodle bowls. The Japanese have an affinity for Chinese food, and this restaurant does especially well with regional guests. Another favorite of locals is Korean food, and Chol is the home notable Korean barbecue for lunch and dinner. Japanese teppanyaki is served in one restaurant while another handles sushi and sashimi specifically. All cultures can bond in the main atrium dining room serving international cuisine from buffets and live kitchens three meals a day. Most rates include breakfast, which is a deal that guests do not take lightly here.A cocktail and light menu is served in the panoramic Clouds lounge.

AMENITIES Meeting space galore fills the bottom levels of the hotel insuring that groups are well taken care of by a friendly, multilingual staff. In fact, there are 37 rooms in total in which groups can congregate and socialize. An outdoor swimming pool and access to the beach appease families that choose Fukuoka as their preferred staycation spot. Those that prefer to avoid the heat can relax in the indoor swimming pool or spa with hot stone bath relaxation area. ROOMS Accommodations here are plush and modern with soft carpeting underfoot, Hilton’s famed pillowtop mattresses for sweet slumber, and massive windows for taking in the seaside view. All rooms come with large desks with speedy wireless Internet access and speaker phones, chaises longues situated by the window with exquisite views, minibars with free bottled water, coffeemakers, and spacious closets with robes and slippers (this is Japan, after all). Bedside power outlets are a modern perk, and bathrooms are well lighted and stocked with a bevy of Peter Thomas Roth toiletries.

Club level rooms throw in a few extras in the amenities department plus access to a panoramic lounge with complimentary breakfast, all-day drinks, and evening snacks and happy hour. Its small size means that some guests must wait for a table, but the staff is happy to take down your room number and call you as soon as space is open. Alternatively, breakfast can be enjoyed at the main restaurant. Family rooms add extra beds while the Japanese accommodations are fitted with traditional furniture and décor including tatami mats and platform bedding.

CONCLUSION This is a resort through and through, but its business facilities are notable and popular with groups. Its Hilton affiliation draws the small proportion of Americans that visit, but it is up to international standards for any audience. This is the place to stay in town, and its waterfront location adds resort appeal to a business hotel.

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