Hotele z: bar w Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

This time, I booked two rooms for my child and me. The hotel's services and facilities were quite satisfying, a true example of standard Japanese hospitality. Especially noteworthy was the lovely and enthusiastic Hong Kong lady who served us dinner. Her detailed and thoughtful explanations of the dishes made our dinner experience incredibly pleasant. On the downside: Since we planned to explore Hakone during the day, I didn't book transportation in advance before leaving my country. That morning, I tried calling and emailing the hotel to arrange a pick-up from Gora station, but I couldn't get through. The phone number kept showing up as incorrect, it was a 0570 number, and Ctrip's website seemed to show 5700, so I might have misunderstood. In the end, we had to take a taxi from Gora station. Also, after check-out, the hotel only offers transfers to Sounzan or Gora station, not to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. While it's true that it's only one stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway, we had to carry all our luggage, navigate the station, go up and down slopes ourselves. The hotel's reason for not providing the transfer was that the two places are very close. I didn't want to inconvenience the staff, but for a hotel at this price point, the guest transfer service was disappointing.

As a Korean family living in the United States, we stayed here as a family of four with our two young children (40 months and 21 months old), and overall, we had a truly memorable experience. We booked through Trip.com, and because there were no clearly stated child occupancy policies during booking, we reserved the room as 3 adults. This later created some confusion during check-in, which I will mention below, but aside from that, nearly everything about this hotel was exceptional. First, the positives: The breakfast was outstanding—worthy of its Michelin Guide 2025 recognition. Every meal was beautifully prepared, thoughtful, and delicious. We chose a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, and for our family with young children, it was perfect. Being able to remove our shoes and comfortably live on the floor felt especially natural and relaxing as Asians, and parents with little children will understand how convenient and comfortable this setup is. The location is also excellent—within walking distance from Gora Station, where the mountain railway arrives. Even with two small children, the walk was very manageable. The onsen experience was wonderful, and the guest lounge available from morning until 10 PM was another highlight that made the stay feel luxurious and comfortable. The dining area itself deserves special praise. Enjoying breakfast and dinner while overlooking the beautiful inner garden pond was peaceful and elegant, and the restaurant service team was abundant, attentive, warm, and professional. It truly felt like top-class hospitality. Now, one disappointment: During check-in, one female staff member wearing a headscarf made several comments that felt unnecessarily cold and transactional. Because we booked as 3 adults, she repeatedly explained that our children could be accommodated because of that booking choice—as if we were receiving an exception—despite there being no clearly stated child policy during reservation. She also explained that only 3 adult yukata/lounge outfits had been prepared in the room because we booked for 3 adults, and said we could request children's clothing “if needed.” When I asked when we should request them, she simply repeated that we could ask when necessary. At that point, a more thoughtful hospitality approach would have been something simple like: “I see you have two young children—would you like us to prepare children’s outfits now?” That small difference would have reflected genuine care. At check-out, I again observed behavior that felt uncomfortable. A trainee staff member was assisting us, and when the trainee forgot to request identification, the same staff member visibly frowned and corrected the trainee in front of us. It felt unnecessarily tense and unprofessional in front of guests. What stood out was that every other staff member we encountered was warm, polite, smiling, and genuinely welcoming. They bowed, greeted us kindly, and made us feel respected. Only this one staff member felt noticeably different—cold enough that we were left wondering whether it was discomfort toward children, cultural bias, or simply a personal attitude issue. I travel frequently internationally for business in a senior executive role, and this was the first time I experienced service that felt this distinctly uncomfortable from a luxury hospitality employee. That said, I want to emphasize: everyone else at the hotel was wonderful, and the property itself is beautiful, peaceful, elegant, and family-friendly. We would gladly return—but I hope the warmth shown by the rest of the team becomes the standard reflected consistently by every member of staff.

Our Kanto trip led us to the InterContinental Yokohama Grand, a hotel whose distinctive sail-shaped architecture is itself a landmark in Yokohama Minato Mirai. This hotel beautifully combines ocean views, an excellent location, and a resort-like atmosphere, making it a quintessential choice for a Yokohama getaway. The hotel boasts a superb location right in the heart of Minato Mirai. It's just a few minutes' walk to Minato Mirai Subway Station, and attractions like the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, Red Brick Warehouse, and Queen's Square shopping mall are all within easy walking distance. The seaside promenade is right outside the door, making sightseeing, dining, and shopping incredibly convenient. Plus, there are direct airport shuttle buses to and from Haneda and Narita, which is a huge relief when traveling with heavy luggage. We stayed in a high-floor bay view room, which by Japanese hotel standards was quite spacious; we could fully open two 28-inch suitcases. The large floor-to-ceiling windows offered direct views of Yokohama Bay. By day, we could gaze at the Bay Bridge and passing ships, and by night, the illuminated Ferris wheel created an incredibly vibrant and romantic atmosphere. The bedding was soft and comfortable, the bathroom was well-maintained, and the amenities were of high quality, leading to a very comfortable overall stay. The hotel's facilities are comprehensive, including an indoor heated pool, gym, and sauna – perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. There are several restaurants with different styles to choose from, and the buffet breakfast offered a rich variety, catering to both Japanese and Western tastes. The concierge and front desk staff were professional and polite, and responses to luggage storage and inquiries were prompt. The service truly upheld the InterContinental brand's consistent high standards. Objectively, the hotel has been open for some time, and its overall decor leans towards a mature and classic style rather than trendy minimalist design. During peak check-in times, the lobby can get quite crowded. I recommend requesting a high-floor bay view room when checking in, as the scenic experience is significantly enhanced. Overall, whether you're on a romantic getaway, a family trip, or specifically visiting Yokohama to experience the Minato Mirai nightscape, this hotel is an excellent choice. Its exceptional ocean views coupled with an irreplaceable location make it a top accommodation option in Yokohama.

We stayed here for one night as a group of three and had a wonderful experience. The hotel is a bit old-fashioned, but it was clean, well maintained, and had a charming, traditional atmosphere. We booked a Japanese-style room with futons. The room was spacious and divided into two separate areas, giving us plenty of room to relax. We had a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from our room, and the hotel’s Japanese garden also offered great views of the mountain. Setting up the futons ourselves was easy, and the room was equipped with yukatas, towels, and slippers for visiting the onsen. The staff were friendly, spoke good English, and made us feel very welcome throughout our stay. Both the onsen and the dinner buffet were included in the room rate, which made the stay feel like excellent value. We enjoyed the buffet before heading to the onsen. There was an impressive selection of dishes—almost too many to choose from! Most of the food was Japanese, and while not every dish stood out, everything we tried was good. Alcoholic drinks were available for an additional charge and were not included with dinner. The onsen was definitely the highlight of our stay. There are separate bathing areas for men and women, and the rules were clearly explained, making it easy to use even as first-time visitors. The facilities were clean and included both indoor and outdoor baths. From the outdoor bath on the men’s side, we had a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji. We had read reviews saying the mountain was only visible from the women’s side, but that wasn’t our experience. Relaxing in the hot spring while looking at Mt. Fuji was unforgettable. The changing and washing areas were clean, and the opening hours were generous. Tattoos are not permitted in the onsen, so it’s best to bring your own tattoo cover stickers if you need them. They are also available for purchase at the front desk, although we found them to be a little expensive. The hotel is located quite far from central Hakone, so it’s worth allowing plenty of travel time. However, it’s easy to reach by bus, and it’s also located right next to the Hakone Ropeway station, making it very convenient for visiting the area’s main attractions. We didn’t use the hotel’s shuttle service because the walk from the nearby bus stop was only a couple of minutes. One thing to keep in mind is that there aren’t any convenience stores or other shops within walking distance, so it’s a good idea to buy anything you might need before arriving. Overall, we were extremely happy with our stay. Compared to many other hotels in the Hakone area, this one was noticeably more affordable, and we felt it offered excellent value for money considering everything that was included. If you’re looking for a traditional onsen experience with incredible views of Mt. Fuji, this hotel is an excellent choice.

The moment our car pulled up, a staff member rushed out to help with our luggage, smiling all the while. They guided us through check-in, even offering a warm towel and welcome tea – talk about a fantastic first impression! Just outside the lobby, there's a lush, green mountain view. Lounging on the beanbag chairs there, just chilling out, was incredibly therapeutic 🌿. The room itself was a typical Japanese style, spacious and spotless. The balcony even had an open-air private onsen tub, so if you didn't feel like going to the public baths, you could soak in your own hot spring while enjoying the view – maximum privacy. The hotel also provided yukata robes, and wearing them around the premises really added to the whole experience 👘. The onsen facilities were definitely the highlight! The public baths on the fifth and sixth floors alternate daily for men and women. The open-air onsen on the sixth floor had an absolutely stunning view – mountains by day, starry skies by night. Soaking in the hot spring with a towel on my head, just zoning out, felt exactly like something out of an anime. The toiletries were POLA, with everything from makeup remover to toner and lotion provided. My skin felt so smooth after the bath, I just went straight back to my room and passed out ♨️✨. For dinner, we chose the teppanyaki. The chef cooked each dish right in front of us, meticulously explaining every course in English. The ingredients were fresh, the seasoning precise – you could really taste the care put into it. Breakfast was a buffet, and having unlimited sashimi rice bowls was pure bliss. Seafood donburi lovers, rejoice! 🍣 On checkout day, a staff member stood at the entrance, bowing goodbye and waving until our car was far out of sight. That feeling of being genuinely cared for truly makes you want to come back again and again.

The location is fantastic! It's just a 5-minute walk south from Keikyu Kawasaki Station, and right next to JR Kawasaki Station on the south side. The hotel is in the same building as the LeFront shopping mall. From the hotel's second-floor elevator, you can take a skywalk over the train tracks; turn right to reach the JR Kawasaki Station concourse, or left to get to Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. You can also exit the hotel on the ground floor and walk for just two to three minutes. It's right next to Atre shopping mall, which has supermarkets of all sizes, and a huge variety of restaurants. Azona is also very close by. The hotel provides a good selection of complimentary toiletries and skincare products. You can also store your luggage here, and the staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful. While the room size is small, its convenient location and excellent service make it perfect for someone like me traveling with a child and minimal luggage.

The hotel's location is truly unbeatable. There's an art gallery and a shopping mall right downstairs, and all major landmarks are within walking distance. Dining options are plentiful; you can open a map app to check ratings and make reservations. We booked a room with laundry facilities, but the room itself was incredibly small. Once luggage was in, there was barely any space to move around, which would be quite inconvenient if you're traveling with children. I'd definitely recommend booking a larger room, especially since there's also a shared laundry room on each floor. One thing I'd like to complain about is that this hotel seems to be a popular spot for influencers, as it's always crowded, even outside of holidays. There's an outdoor hot tub that's quite popular online, requiring a reservation to enter. However, this pool is on the same floor as the check-in area, and the terrace is connected with no barriers. This means that while you're posing in your swimwear, the long line of people checking in have a full view of you, almost like they're observing you through a glass. Plus, non-guests can also access that terrace to take photos. For introverted people, this can be quite awkward. So, if you're coming here primarily for photos, you might not even need to stay at the hotel; booking a table at their restaurant or having a drink at their lobby bar would suffice.

First off, let me explain why I chose this hotel. A colleague highly recommended it. Her Japanese relatives had taken her there when she visited Hakone before, and she said it was mostly frequented by locals. After checking in, I found this to be true, so I booked it. Now, about the location. It's right next to Kowakien. The bus stops in that area are all very close, with three stops within two to three hundred meters. You can take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Horaien, and the hotel is directly across the street. Buses run every 15 minutes, are very punctual, clean, and convenient. It's also very close to Ten-yu and Mori-no-yu, just a short walk away. As for the service, it was absolutely impeccable. There was a handsome, glasses-wearing gentleman who spoke Chinese and had an incredibly good attitude. There was also a slightly plump Chinese lady who was very kind. After check-in, she even escorted us to our room and explained everything. Throughout our stay, everyone we encountered had an excellent attitude. They even meticulously explained our itinerary for the next day and proactively helped with our luggage. As my son said, ”They're genuinely good.” Regarding the meals, I booked a half-board plan. Dinner started at 5:30 PM and was a Japanese kaiseki meal. I didn't realize at the time that some dishes could be swapped. My son was very hungry before eating, and we both pretty much finished everything. The wagyu beef was especially delicious. For breakfast, the staff asked us the day before what we preferred. My son chose the Western style, and I opted for the Japanese. The rice was delicious, and the salmon portions were generous. About the onsen (hot spring baths): We arrived in the afternoon on our first day and immediately went to Mori-no-yu for a soak. The hotel provided free tickets, along with four arcade coupons. In the evening after dinner, we booked a private bath. Here's a note: I had read online that you could reserve private baths, but that's not actually the case. You need to check with the front desk, and if one is available, you can use it. You can't make reservations; you just have to wait. My son asked earlier and was told one would be free at 5:30 PM. We went at 6:20 PM after the previous occupants left. There are three private baths, and each session is an hour long – very comfortable! As for the main public bath, there's one indoor pool and one outdoor pool. I went early the next morning when no one else was there, so it was like having a private bath with an even better ambiance. Cleanliness and the room: The room was very spacious with a balcony, offering views of lush green mountains and clear water. My son said the bed was very soft and comfortable. There was water provided, but no shower in the room itself. Although the hotel is older, it was very clean. Overall, I was extremely satisfied. My son said he wants to go back again, but unfortunately, my wallet isn't quite ready for it!

This hotel is a paradise in the mountains of Hakone! Traditional style of the rooms - it feels like you are living in a Japanese family. We were prepared a traditional dinner, which was served in our room. It was very tasty and varied! The hotel has 3 onsen: 2 - private, 1 - public. We visited only the private ones (you need to book a time in advance at the reception upon check-in, the visit time is 30 minutes). It was wonderful! The hotel also provides a transfer from and to the nearest train stations. The rooms are clean, cozy, we slept on tatami under soft blankets. The hotel has a relax room. With massage chairs and a very quiet atmosphere. We stayed in this room after visiting the onsen and got great relaxation. And you are also given national clothes for rest and sleep. It is very beautiful and cute. Breakfasts were also in kaiseki style - varied and unusual. The hotel staff is very kind and friendly. this hotel allows tattoo baths. great experience, thank you very much! want to come back again!

The Hakone Fujiya Hotel is really conveniently located. You get off at Hakone Tozan Line's OH51 terminal, walk straight, turn left, take the direct elevator down, walk forward past the red railing bridge, turn right, and a little further on your left, there's an elevator leading up to the main entrance, which is also the parking lot. The cold water from the tap in the room is drinkable. The hot springs are on the second floor, and the recliners in the lounge are very comfortable. They offer hot and cold tea, and you can buy milk and yogurt from vending machines if you have some small change. Breakfast on the first floor at 7 AM is super crowded. Dinner at the hotel took over an hour. Dining at 8 PM on the second day was too late. The original flavor dango from a street vendor near the entrance was very soft and reminded me of rice cakes grilled on a gas stove when I was a child. The rusks here are quite tasty, and there's also a visually appealing ice cream shop, but you have to eat your purchase inside the store. It was very crowded, so I didn't buy anything. It rained for both nights we stayed, luckily we had a private car tour. Our first stop was the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which opens at 9 AM; it's more enjoyable to wander around when there are fewer people. We bought tickets for the pirate ship for 2500 yen, and with fewer people, we were prioritized for boarding – a smart move on a rainy day.