Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel

The food was a big letdown. We paid €100 for a very average buffet for three, the most we spent on a single meal in Japan. With no nearby alternatives, it felt as if tourists were being pushed into paying inflated prices. My husband had looked forward to the golf course, but we learned it had to be booked in advance and couldn’t be played alone. Luckily, he found another disappointed guest, and they managed to arrange a game outside the hotel. The long, dim corridors felt old and eerie, like walking into Kubrick’s The Shining, and not in a charming way. Between the creepy atmosphere, overpriced food, and services that didn’t live up to expectations, this felt like a money trap. I wouldn’t recommend it.

This was our third hotel in Japan, and once again we found only two single beds, separated by a nightstand. Often they can’t even be pushed together. I’m very disappointed that there doesn’t seem to be an option for a proper double bed. How is a couple meant to sleep apart for two weeks? It’s uncomfortable and frustrating, and having to sleep separately creates distance and spoils the experience. Twin rooms are fine for people who want them, but not offering double beds at all just isn’t okay.

The only hassle was getting there with our suitcases, since it’s a long walk uphill and nobody had told us beforehand. The hotel itself is beautiful, with spacious rooms, a lovely onsen, and a stunning view at breakfast.

The hotel is nice enough, but it’s old and overpriced. The main problem was the attached restaurant. My partner and I paid 220 AUD, and the steak I got was about 50% unchewable gristle. It came at 8:30pm, even though they said they were packing up at 9. Reception had told us the restaurant stayed open until 11 for late dinner and drinks, which is why we booked late. My partner chose buffet only for 58 AUD. I paid 70 AUD for buffet and course dinner, and assumed that included the steak because it was numbered in the menu booklet and I was asked to choose from the numbered menu when we sat down. Nobody mentioned an extra charge. When the bill came, I was told the steak cost another 65 AUD. I still don’t understand what the extra charge over my partner’s meal got me. I never got the course meal either, just the steak and buffet access. The whole thing was confusing. The buffet had very little choice for the price, and I left hungry. With the food, one night here will cost me over 600 AUD. Not worth it. I’d stay for the onsen and skip the restaurant, though there are better onsens around Hakone too. I won’t stay again.