Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG

We spent three nights at Hotel Indigo Hakone, and it was such a comfortable, well-designed place. Housekeeping kept everything spotless, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Our room worked especially well for a winter trip as a couple. The washroom and bathroom were separate, and the private onsen made it easy to unwind. Being out of the city made everything feel quieter. We’d drive around the countryside during the day, then come back after dinner for a soak. In the evenings, we’d relax on the sofa watching TV with snacks and desserts from a Japanese convenience store. Hotel Indigo Gora Hakone would suit couples looking for a peaceful, comfortable break surrounded by nature.

Breakfast was a good mix of Japanese and Western food, with both a buffet and à la carte menu. We went for the buffet, and the wood-fired stove was a nice touch. The service was friendly and prompt. We took the hotel shuttle to Odawara Station, where you can catch the Romancecar for less than from the Hakone station. We stayed here one night after two nights at a more traditional onsen and really liked it. The hotel car was waiting within minutes when we arrived at Gora Station, and the reservations team had shared a WhatsApp number we could call. At the hotel, we were quickly taken to reception and welcomed warmly. They discreetly changed the slippers for us since we were two men traveling. Dinner was lovely, and we enjoyed happy hour drinks too. The food was great, the service even better, and all the staff spoke English very well. The onsen isn’t traditional, but it’s nice. Men and women share the space, and you wear a bathing suit. The only downside was the behavior of some other guests, which isn’t something the hotel could control. I was disgusted to see three women go in wearing shoes and then vape. Later, two men were stretched out asleep on the sofas with their shoes on. That reflects on the visitors’ respect for the place and other people, not on the hotel. We loved the hotel, its location and service, and would happily stay again.

The hotel made our time in Hakone unforgettable, and we’d absolutely come back. It’s close to Gora and other sights, but still quiet enough to feel like a retreat. Our room was spacious, clean, and beautifully put together, with lovely mountain views. The private onsen-style bath was a highlight, especially with that peaceful scenery around us. The design mixes modern style with subtle Japanese touches, so the atmosphere felt both welcoming and upscale. The staff were warm and attentive, always ready to help. Breakfast was excellent too, with Japanese and Western choices made from high-quality ingredients.

The people here made this the best stay I’ve had anywhere in the world. I felt like a VIP, thanks to all the thoughtful little touches and how far the staff went to help us. Thank you 🙏 The restaurant food was top quality. I like leaner meat cooked well-done, and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m still thinking about the venison. If you get to breakfast early, you might find a window table looking out over part of the river. A short walk away, you can get some great nighttime photos of the waterfalls. Our room was very spacious, with a fridge, ironing board, kettle, tea, coffee, and water. There was a private bath too. It overlooked a car park and felt a bit small for two, but that wasn’t a big deal, especially with the public bath and outdoor foot bath available. The gym has basic equipment: dumbbells from 1-12kg, a set of 22kg dumbbells, one bench, plenty of cardio machines, yoga mats, and a cable machine. It’s a calm place to work out, with peaceful music and lovely scenery on display. The cable machine only has handles and one ankle/wrist strap. There’s a shuttle to the train station. You can walk there, but it means climbing a lot of stairs. After a day out, walking back down from the station is easier. There’s also a 7/11 nearby and a few local shops.