gran terrace Le Lien HAKONE

We booked a night at this two star hotel for 3 Jan 2026 and arrived late that evening. The entrance door was locked, with a notice saying there was no entry or exit because the staff had gone home. There was also a note in an envelope about late check-in for an extra charge. We stood outside in the cold for 30 minutes trying to reach them by phone, app, and email. No one came, so we had to book somewhere else at the last minute. It was extremely stressful. It’s been more than a week since then. We’re already back in our home country and still haven’t had any reply from the hotel. We asked Agoda for a refund, but they said the hotel is holding the money and won’t return it. Arriving late was our mistake, but the hotel made no effort to contact us before staff left. If they had, we might have worked something out, like self check-in. I’ve never been treated this badly by a hotel anywhere in the world, and I didn’t expect this in Japan. They took our money and walked away, knowing we had no way to get it back. Avoid this place at all costs. I do want to thank Agoda, though. They offered to cover a 50% refund themselves because we’ve been customers for a long time. Thanks, Agoda! Update after the hotel replied to my Google review: To the hotel: Please consider having an optician check your eyes before posting something so stupid in public. I said we booked a night for 3 Jan 2026, not some stupid future date of 26 Jan as you claimed. You’re also accusing Agoda of being a malicious website, which could leave you with legal responsibility. We contacted you through several channels listed on your own website, and you simply didn’t bother to answer. If you want to take this further with us, we’ve saved all the evidence and transaction details. We’re happy to share them publicly and let people decide who’s telling the truth.

The hosts made me feel at home during my two-day stay with a friend, always doing their best to keep guests comfortable. Rooms are spacious and accommodating, and the prices are great. There are two onsens, one hot and one lukewarm, which you can reserve around the clock using the board by the door. As a foreigner, I found the lukewarm one ideal. The hotel isn’t right by Gora, but it’s easy to get there by public transit, either by cable car with a bit of walking or by direct bus. I’ll come back when I get the chance. Thanks to the hosts for being so welcoming!

We spent two nights with full board and were happy with all the facilities. The meals especially stood out. Their taste and quality were in Michelin star territory, which we hadn’t expected.

Chef Imadasan, thank you again for the inspiration. I’ve carried some of the wonder I felt during those two days into my own creative projects, and I’ll remember to be authentically myself and bring joy to others, as you did for us last October. I hope to return to Gran Terrace La Lien someday. My girlfriend and I spent a couple of days at Gran Terrace La Lien for my birthday in October 2024. When we arrived, a kind man took our bags before check-in while we went off to explore Hakone. I only realized later that he was the brilliant Chef Imadasan. The grounds were lovely and the building felt grand but cozy. We settled in comfortably, helped by another staff member, whose name I never caught. He was friendly and very professional. We had booked the VIP room. It was spacious, comfortable, and peaceful, and the onsen baths were just what I needed to unwind after a hard day exploring Hakone. But the real magic for me was Chef Imadasan’s artistry. Dinner was a beautiful experience, with courses full of flavor, color, and health. The dishes looked like art, and I almost felt guilty eating them. Everything worked together so well, like a party on the tongue. Then Happy Birthday played over the audio system, followed by a beautiful dessert, a wild bouquet from the garden, and a handwritten letter that I still have. Chef Imadasan, I promised to return the flowers to the forest! The surprise caught me completely off guard. Once I came back to my senses, I felt grateful for how authentic and thoughtful Chef Imadasan had been. The experience went far beyond my expectations and had a real impact on me. I could feel that he truly wanted to make something special for his guests. I remember him as both a chef and an artist, with culinary skill, creativity, and hospitality that left a lasting impression. With my girlfriend’s help, I was able to express my gratitude for all his effort and brilliance. The next morning we had a delicious, fresh, home-grown feeling breakfast on the terrace, surrounded by nature. I believe Chef Imadasan has made a special place that connects with the mountain, the garden, and the nature around it, expressing the spirit of Hakone through his cooking and hospitality. This review has been nearly a year in the making, and I humbly apologize to Chef Imadasan and the rest of the staff for taking so long to write it.