Hotel Prince di Hakone

If you have extra money, this could be a nice way to indulge. However, a word of warning. If you're arriving at Odawara train station, there's no way to get to the hotel except by the hotel shuttle. Taxis won't take you. And the hotel shuttle won't take you unless you've placed your name on the reservation list ahead of time. Nobody warned me about this. I'd read online that a connecting train takes you near the hotel, but this isn't true either. I arrived during a snow/ice storm and waited over 3 hours before I could get a ride to the hotel. The shuttle driver wouldn't let me on. I called the hotel front desk 3 or 4 times, but they weren't very helpful. I suppose this is the language barrier. They meant well. But regardless, if a shuttle reservation is the only way to access a remote mountain top hotel, it's pretty important to make sure your guests understand this. Once I did arrive, I have to admit the room was beautiful. The buffet dinner was fantastic but not included in the price of the room - a little disappointing, since the room is already so expensive. Lots of extra costs, so be careful. I received a really great massage in my room. The onsen hot spring was very nice, and free (included in room charge). Breakfast the next morning was also included in room charge. The hotel bar was closed, though. There wasn't much opportunity to socialize or meet people. I did check out the lake the next morning, which was beautiful in the snowfall. I'm sharing photos of that. There wasn't time to check out much else because I had to get back on the shuttle bus at 10:30 to catch my next train. I suppose if there hadn't been an ice storm, I would have checked out more of the surrounding area and appreciated it.

Sitting in the room, you can see Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. The view is unbeatable, even surpassing many more expensive hotels. It is an unexpected surprise, and this alone is worth the price. Although the hotel is a bit old, it is well maintained, very clean, and well-detailed. It actually uses Rafa hair dryers, which is the first time I have seen it. The coffee machine and tea are fully equipped. Breakfast and dinner are also very thoughtful. The waiters in the hotel are very enthusiastic. Whether they speak Chinese or not, they can communicate and solve problems enthusiastically. It is a very cost-effective choice for Hakone Hot Spring Hotel.