I have stayed at each 3 or so times over the past six years. The Grand is certainly the "better" hotel. The rooms can be a bit small but VERY well appointed. As previous poster mentioned it is in the Canal City complex which has many upscale stores, a AMC theatre and many restuarants. The hotel itself also has a very nice resturant court in the lower level of the lobby. It is situated about half way between Hakata station and "downtown", both about 6 long blocks away. I actually like the RC in the Regency better than the Grand, but the last time I stayed at the Regency the RC was closed, although they did give me a coupon for the full breakfast buffet, very nice btw. The Regency is on the other side of Hakata and only about 3-4 blocks from the station. It is a very nice hotel also. Until the Grand opened 3 years ago I usually stayed here. It is a quieter, less formal hotel. The rooms tend to be a bit more "modular" like many Japanese hotels. I find it's bar much less formal. Both good hotels. I stay in Fukuoka 3 nights at a time usually. I always have a JR rail pass. You can take some lovely, if long, scenic rail trips around Kyushu. Aso, Kumamoto (great castle), Nagasaki, Beppu, and Hiroshima are all easy day trips. Warning: Although I didn't look last year, the previous year there were NO ATM's that took US issued cards in Fukuoka. When are you going? I will be there in mid January. email me with more specific questions if you want.