HESTA Hakone

The traditional Japanese-style room was clean and comfortable, with its own toilet. The shared onsen bathing area was clean, pleasant, and well maintained. The property is up on a hill, so having a car makes it easier to get there than relying on public transport. For the location and experience in this area, I think it’s good value.

I stayed five nights over New Year’s in a mixed dorm, and it was comfortable overall. They cleaned the bed daily and supplied fresh toothbrushes, cups, slippers, yukata, and earplugs. The internet was fine, not especially fast or slow, though there were spots with weak signal. Just be aware there’s no front desk service after 9 or 10 p.m., and the hotel doors are locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Let them know if you’ll arrive late or leave early. Staff mostly stay at the front desk, and I didn’t see anyone roaming around except when rooms were being cleaned. On my last night, one terrible snorer made it hard to sleep.

The staff and manager helped us with everything as soon as we arrived, and went above and beyond. I’d been left without a hotel, and they really went out of their way to help at the last minute. The service felt heartfelt, always with a smile, something I don’t take for granted. We’d come to explore the lake area and were lucky to find this lovely, clean place. Its private onsen is just a short walk from the room, a wonderful way to unwind after a long travel day, with a beautiful lake view. Thank you so much. Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely come back.

This place is a bit unusual compared with a regular hotel, so read the other reviews and come prepared. The large room has a toilet, but the only place to shower is the onsen. There’s a fee of about $1.5 per person on top of the booking. It’s a bit of a walk from the cable car and boat station, along a narrow sidewalk. Internet was good. Bring your own food. There are some food and drink dispensers, and ice in the changing room.