Scenic Hotels in Hakone

"Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a truly comfortable and relaxing ryokan that made our stay very enjoyable. The staff were attentive and welcoming from the moment we arrived by car, and they promptly helped unload our luggage and delivered it to the hotel. They also assisted with carrying our luggage back to the car during check-out. The room was well-equipped, clean, and very hygienic, and the high-floor view was wide and beautiful. Breakfast and dinner buffet were both satisfying, with delicious food and a good variety of choices. The onsen was also impressive, with two levels of outdoor baths that are alternated between men and women at different times, allowing guests to enjoy both. The water park-style onsen area was a bit less impressive, but overall, this ryokan deserves a very high rating. The official site highlights its open-air onsen, private baths in all rooms, and well-regarded dining, which matches the strong overall experience here"

"Our room this time was facing the street, and we could see Mount Fuji right when we opened the curtains in the morning. Even though some mountains were blocking the view, the peaks peeking through actually gave it more depth and character. The room was spotless and spacious enough to open up two large suitcases, making it perfect for families or groups traveling together. Notably, there's a convenience store at both the north and south exits of the hotel, which is super handy for grabbing water and snacks. However, the north exit is quieter compared to the bustling south exit. Also, the north and south exits aren't directly connected; you have to walk around for about 10 minutes, which can be a bit challenging if you're lugging heavy luggage. Since we were facing the street, we occasionally heard traffic or people chatting late at night (though it was much better with the windows closed). I guess that's a small price to pay for such a beautiful view. Overall, the view and cleanliness were big pluses, and it offers good value for money. I'd recommend it to anyone who has reasonable expectations for the view and quietness!"

"The room was great, and the front desk staff were very attentive and detailed. The hotel's overall environment is quite good, and the transportation is also convenient, making it suitable for friends visiting Hakone for the first time. The hotel facilities are complete, and the lounge on the second floor is open 24 hours. You can go there to have some drinks and chat, and it's all free."

"The staff was incredible - they went above and beyond and actually drove us to the gora station when we missed the bus. The scenery around is beautiful, as is the main building. The public onsen in the hotel left much to be desired - if possible, book the room with a private one because it’s basically the same thing (the outside one) and you’d have it all to yourself. We weren’t fans of the food (neither diner nor breakfast) - the dinner was too much work with shabu shabu, the breakfast didn’t have coffee. But maybe some would like the food, it’s subjective. But I’d give the hotel an A* purely because of how incredible the staff were!"

"This was my second stay here. My previous visit with my child was so enjoyable that when a friend came to Japan, I brought them here for a night. Throughout our stay, the staff were incredibly kind and thoughtful. Both breakfast and dinner were very satisfying. However, at check-out, one particular staff member's attitude absolutely floored me. 1. For self-check-out, there were three machines. One was free, and there was no queue, so we just went ahead and used it. 2. After checking out, I wanted to inquire about the hotel shuttle and public bus routes and schedules, as we didn't have a car this time. Both manual check-out counters were busy with guests, so I stood behind them, waiting my turn. 3. Suddenly, a staff member came out from the side to guide guests queuing for check-out. She noticed I was inadvertently standing in front of the line she was directing. She gestured for me to move, and I apologized and immediately stepped aside. Then, when she had a moment, I asked her where I should queue to inquire about the hotel bus schedule. For some reason, she seemed extremely annoyed. She spoke to me with a blank expression for a couple of sentences, then realized I didn't speak Japanese, and that she couldn't explain it to me quickly. Our conversation wasn't even finished when she angrily turned and walked away... At first, I thought she was in a hurry to attend to the queuing guests, as it was peak check-out time, and that she'd get back to me. So I waited in a spot where I wouldn't bother her or her line. But then I realized she completely intended to ignore me! I just stood there waiting for her, hahaha. Eventually, I thought, 'This isn't right. Is getting a schedule really this difficult?' She was the only person available to ask, so I went up to her again and asked in English. She froze, looking at me with a surprised expression, perhaps not expecting me to come back after her impolite demeanor. So, she had to patiently, albeit reluctantly, quickly reply to me in English. I asked if she could give me a copy of the schedule. She didn't even say ”please wait a moment.” She just turned directly to the counter, grabbed a schedule, practically slapped it into my hand with a ”Pia!” sound, said absolutely nothing, and then spun around and walked away, hahaha. I even managed to say ”thank you” to her. I was stunned. A 2600 yen per night hotel, and in my two years in Japan, this was the first time I'd experienced such shockingly poor service. I suggest that during peak check-out times, more staff should be assigned, or essential information like schedules should be placed in a conspicuous location, which would also save staff the trouble. And while the hotel indicates Chinese-speaking service is available, if staff who only speak Chinese are discouraged from asking questions, then I suggest the hotel shouldn't be on platforms like Ctrip trying to attract Chinese customers in the first place."

"Service: The service was excellent. When checking in, they explained all the important details about the hot spring, the room, and the brunch. Food: We had the half-board option (dinner and breakfast), and the food was delicious – highly recommended! There was also free ramen for a late-night snack, plus a self-service snack area with a beverage machine, beer, and small treats. Environment: Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Overall, if I go to Hakone again, I'll definitely stay here!"

"This was my third experience. I didn't book breakfast or dinner this time because of differing personal tastes. The front desk staff were very polite, and the quality remained consistent, but it would be better if they offered a different breakfast and dinner menu so other guests could have more options."

"Our experience staying in Hakone was perfect! We stayed at the Tensein in Hakone-Yumoto, an easy location to take the bus, car or train to some popular tourist attractions in the area. The check in itself was rather slow but the staff do their best to speak good English and discuss every detail about your stay with you. The room had everything we needed, the shampoo and conditioners provided was wonderful and there was a variety of products to use. On check in, the private onsen was given at 50% discount at 1,100 Japanese yen per use, we got 2 vouchers so used it 2 times (as we have tattoos we could not go into the public onsen). On check in you have to collect your towel and your choice of Yukata (traditional Japanese robe) which you’re welcomed and encouraged to wear around the hotel and gardens. The hotel is strictly no shoes, so upon arrival you leave your shoes in a locked box and keep the key. If you wish to walk around the beautiful gardens, there are slider type shoes available to slip on, as well as umbrellas to use if it’s raining. Outside they have a onsen for your feet to enjoy with a drink. All of the food and drink (apart from breakfast which was included) was put on our bill at the end. There was a wide selection of drinks, nibbles and food available for dinner and lunches at the dining room and there was a large buffet dining room for buffet breakfast and dinner (if you booked it). The hotel is just a short 10 minute walk to the town and 15 minute walk to the Hakone-Yumoto station. Visiting Mt Fuji is easy, with a bus ‘H’ running from stand 2 opposite the Hakone -Yumoto station. Get off at ‘Motohakone’. From there, you can take another bus and a train to get you to another town ‘Gora’ and surrounding attractions to enjoy."

"This hotel is located halfway up the mountain, offering a very peaceful environment. It boasts a large hot spring pool and a leisure area where you can read, play chess, or even roast sweet potatoes. The hotel's beverage bar provides complimentary freshly ground coffee and black tea. It's also very convenient for picking up guests from the bus station. The main languages spoken are English and Japanese, but Mandarin communication can also be requested. The freshly made burgers for breakfast are a nice touch; although the variety of dishes isn't extensive, the quality is good. Dinner is quite a ritual, with Western-style courses served one by one starting from the appetizer. The waiter explains each dish as it's served, and the food tastes great too."

"This hotel is self-service, but it's absolutely fantastic. First off, the location and the view from the window are unbeatable. It features authentic Hakone hot spring water directly to your room, and you can definitely smell the sulfur. You can also BBQ on the terrace while enjoying a foot bath and a drink. It's perfect for a longer stay during your vacation."