I came from a red-eye flight and was told rooms are available only at the stipulated check-in time. Most hotel in Japan are like this I believe as I had the same experience in Kyoto. However, a lady staff in the lobby was very helpful and offered to store luggage and was helpful in direction to subway, etc. I booked a single room, and I was very much aware of the tiny size as I only stay for a night. Room is well maintained and super-clean!

Currently in the process of being "renewed", announced the signs. Business hotel. Single room smaller than average. Full size suitcase cannot be fully opened if placed on the floor. Japanese style bedding - extremely firm mattress and flat pillow(with Japanese filling). Close to Hakata station, with 100yen loop bus going to Tenjin/Nakasu/Canal City shopping/entertainment districts. No major shopping nearby until the Hakata station renovation is complete in March. Paid internet PC in the lobby. Free in-room LAN internet. Japanese breakfast was average.

The Sunroute Hakata was very luxurious and comfortable, and located very close to the shinkansen station in Fukuoka. The room was a small standard for Japanese hotels but with some lovely touches like nice toiletries. The communal baths were also particularly nice. It's a good half an hour walk into the main town centre for drinks and restaurants and shopping, but then you're very close to the station so for us it was the ideal trade off. Free internet in the lobby was useful.