5-Star Hotels in Hakone

A ryokan that even the locals enjoy! It was an amazing experience staying in Madoka no Mori - from pick up at Gora station to the check-in, we were looked after. I was with my partner and accompanied by family members as well (their first time in Japan). The service was impeccable - communication was excellent, facilities were top-notch and the care we received was nothing short of amazing. We would definitely go back again in the future! The availability of your own private onsen in the room with hot spring water was so worth it. Great selection of seasonal food during dinner and breakfast. Staff very flexible in assisting our travel plans the next day as well. Given that it's located in the higher areas of Hakone, it does limit ability to get to the hotel unless you have a car. However, there is a shuttle available to pick up guests. Only thing was that our group got a questioning look from the driver initially when we approached the shuttle saying we had a booking. It wasn't until they saw our names on the list of guests that they happily helped us out. It did affect the initial feelings we had with the ryokan.

When checking in, the hotel will explain the tourist route of Hakone. It's a no-brainer to check in and just follow the map provided by the hotel. The service exceeded my expectations. I felt like a princess returning home during my stay. I thought this was the standard Japanese service. But later I stayed in other hotels and found that the service of Gora Kadan is far better than other hotels of the same price. The room is a bit old and the shower is also very old, but it is cleaned quite well.

This hotel exceeded my expectations. Even though I had some understanding of it before booking, staying there in person truly revealed the unexpected delights. The hotel is conveniently located near the Tram Palace lower station or the Hotel Zen bus stop, making it accessible even without a car or private charter. Then there's the hotel's architecture, the concierge area, the front desk, the check-in guide, the shared bar, the rooms, the bathrooms (with optional spa), breakfast (with optional Japanese breakfast at Kikuka-so), the entertainment area (including a swimming pool), the wedding chapel area, the art gallery, the pastry shop, and so much more to explore and experience. It's also a place where famous figures like Albert Einstein and John Lennon have left their unforgettable memories. In short, if you're not on a group tour or rushing through Hakone, this is the perfect choice for a slow-paced vacation.

The hotel's shuttle service made getting around incredibly easy. We pre-booked it on Ctrip, and the shuttle to/from Odawara was right on schedule. It also offered flexible pickups and drop-offs at several attractions. After returning to the hotel, a soak in the hot spring was the perfect way to unwind and wash away the day's fatigue.

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.

Yes, the hotel provides breakfast and dinner. The Japanese food is exquisite and the service is also very good. If the price/performance ratio is higher, it will be more enjoyable. I will go there again in the future. The private hot spring is very good and the service is very good.

The hotel is located in a very secluded mountainous area. I stayed in an open-air hot spring villa with a large courtyard, and soaking in the hot spring was incredibly relaxing and wonderful, whether it was cloudy or sunny, day or night. The courtyard was beautiful on rainy days. The entire villa area was almost completely silent; aside from occasionally seeing people at mealtimes, I barely saw anyone else, which was very pleasant. The hot springs were also excellent, leaving my skin feeling smooth and moisturized. The room had a living room with a fireplace and a Bluetooth speaker, making it spacious and warm. This was the hotel's biggest draw. However, some small details were lacking. Some villas don't have parking, like mine, and walking to the parking lot was quite a trek. The bathroom area wasn't well-heated; the shower and toilet rooms were very cold unless the door was left open. The hotel's toiletries need improvement; the cotton pads were unusable, of very poor quality, falling apart into shreds when I tried to wipe my face. The bedding was also quite mediocre, not comfortable at all, and the mattress felt saggy. However, the linens were very clean and fresh, which was good. Cleanliness was so-so. Both the hot spring pool and the shower room, being made of wood, are prone to mold, and the hotel should clean them more thoroughly. The Kaiseki dinner was very ordinary. The taste and ingredients were unremarkable, though the price was also reasonable. There's no need to eat the hotel's Kaiseki if you have other options. The service was decent. They thoughtfully sent champagne for our anniversary, which was a nice touch. Check-in and check-out were handled in the room, and other services were quite proactive.

A nicely decorated hotel for visitors to enjoy the zen surrounded by nature (mainly trees and river). Our room does not include indoor hot spring, but the kids enjoy the spacious room. Dinners and breakfasts are satisfying. Complimentary soju and tea is available at common area Teahouse (”chaya”). Cozy experience especially during winter.

Stayed at gen fufu. This hotel is the last one in Hakone. Fortunately, it is the last one because it is a bit far from the attractions in Hakone. Although it is only 10 kilometers, the transportation in Hakone is not convenient. The hotel is located halfway up the mountain. The bed is a bit too soft. The bathroom is stuffy because there is no ventilation. The temperature of the hot spring is high. There are water droplets on the entire bathroom wall. Overall, if this hotel is located in the city center, it can be considered. The breakfast is Western, but the taste is very ordinary. Although the dinner is a one-star Michelin hotel, it is still a little disappointing. The only classics nearby are the reed marshes and the Hakone Nemoto Hot Spring Town. Friends who come to Hakone for the first time should stay near Gora.

The famous house is over 300 years old and well maintained. The decoration of the waiting area is more English style, with free drinks and a comfortable fireplace. The waiting area for each group of customers is relatively independent and undisturbed, which is good. On the way from the waiting area to the room, you will pass through several rest areas with different functions, with beautiful window views of different scenery. This time I stayed for only one night, and it was a pity that I couldn't feel the tranquility in front of the window. The room I booked has an outdoor private bath, and it is quite comfortable to enjoy the courtyard view while soaking. The Kaiseki cuisine is standard and there is no surprise. The check-out time of Hakone Hotel seems to be 10 am, too hurried 😂