Harriway Hotel Hakone

The stay was just okay, though it could have been better. The rooms were spacious, but old, with a strange smell inside, something like tires. The walls were thin enough that we could hear the neighbors talking and other noises. I also didn’t realize there were no private showers in the rooms. They only had a toilet and sink, and you have to use the public bath on the lower floor to shower. That was a dilemma for my husband because he has tattoos. I asked the front desk if he could use the bath, but I couldn’t understand the staff member, who spoke only Japanese and talked very fast. In the end, I told my husband to take a quick shower and not get into the onsen. They also charge a bath fee of ¥150 per person at check-in, paid in cash yen. I’d read afterward that people called it a “scam hotel” if booked through Booking. I used Agoda and it went fine. I hadn’t checked reviews before booking, but thankfully everything was okay. The website photos make the hotel look nice and elegant, though the reality felt older. I won’t stay there again.

We had a lovely view over the area from the room, which we could enjoy from the comfortable, luxurious chairs. The beds were traditional Japanese style, with futons. The onsen was very clean, open from early morning until late evening, and bathrobes were provided. There’s also a pool table and plenty of amenities, snacks, and drinks. The hosts were very nice and helpful, with great suggestions for places to eat, hikes, and which bus to take. The lobby felt very luxurious.

It was a scam. We booked through Booking, but the owners wouldn’t honor the reservation. Since it was raining, we had to stay there and pay twice the price agreed on Booking.com.

We had a really relaxing stay as a family, with my wife and our daughters, aged six and four. The rooms were big, the staff super friendly, and the onsen on the first floor felt great. The lobby was very nice too, and the morning view from our room was amazing. All great.