root hakone

The owner was so friendly and fun to chat with, and made excellent drinks at the bar. I really enjoyed staying at this guest house/hostel. Root Hakone is welcoming and affordable, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for that kind of stay. 5/5 stars, would give more if I could :)

There are some basic areas that need work, though maintenance was good overall. The check-in was extremely poor. I understand language can be a barrier, but a polite greeting and basic courtesy should be the minimum. The parking information says “first come, first served,” yet we used an open spot when we arrived and were told it had been reserved for someone else. That felt inconsistent and confusing, and a proper reservation system would be clearer. The common lounge is reached by going outside and up an old wooden staircase. I don’t mind a bit of adventure, but the lounge itself has no sink, tissues, or proper trash facilities. If guests eat there, do they have to go downstairs to the toilets to wash glassware and get rid of rubbish? The setup could be much better organized. The extra fees are also frustrating. Charging 100 yen for a towel and requiring cash only seems like an unnecessary hassle. It would make more sense to include that cost in the room price. I’m giving 2 stars, though I honestly think this place could earn more with some improvements. I hope this long review helps raise the standards, which currently seem lacking in several basic ways.

The owner made the stay unforgettable. He was such a fun guy to drink and talk with, and the view from our room was incredible. There was more than enough space for four big dudes. Amazing service!

We were staying somewhere else, but came by for a drink one evening. The bartender gave amazing service, and it was calm and relaxed. We liked it so much that we came back the following night, when everyone was chatting with everyone and enjoying their drinks.