None in particular. I enjoyed my stay. Great mountain views from the lounge.

Had the most incredible stay at Hakone Honbako. I have been to Hakone several times and this is the only hotel I have found very quiet and relaxing, and this resort exceeded my expectation especially in terms of food. The food was impeccable. They are explain Edo culture on the dishes, also provide explanations in Japanese and English. In the restaurant, everyone gathers around the counter and there is a unique sense of togetherness. There was a new discovery: experiencing Edo culture, which even the Japanese do not know. One night is not enough, I will want to stay at this hotel for two or more nights to enjoy a good book and a meal. Hope to be back again one day!

Stayed in May 2024

Need to have better instructions on how to get to the hotel. From Gora station, it was very difficult to catch a taxi (none came despite waiting 30 minutes). We later discovered one could take the tram, then walk 5 minutes to reach hotel. Don’t count on any taxis in that small town!

The dinner and breakfast was amazing.

Stayed in April 2024

Dinner is absolutely amazing, what a treat. We thought the food was really just outstanding. The staff were lovely and the rooms and the whole place is grown up without being stuffy.

Stayed in May 2024

The food quality fluctuated heavily, first night was amazing, second night not so much. Wine pairings were also generally pricey, okay quality and very small quantities with not too much explanation for English speakers. This property is also heavily geared towards Japanese tourists, and there are barely any English language books to read. Given that almost half the guest in the hotel were foreigners, I think more experienced English speaking staff and books would be a great addition. Overall given the food quality and consistency in Japan and considering this was our most expensive stay we were slightly disappointed.

The dinner experience on our first stay was exceptional, and the private onsen in the room was incredibly soothing. Breakfast was exceptional and far exceeded expectations

Stayed in April 2024

The meal that was included was a fun presentation. 2 of us chose the vegetarian option and it wasn't completely vegetarian. There were some meals that had shrimp in it and some fish. We wished they had a bigger drink selection as they didn't have cocktails and the wine was not the best. The patio needs a bit of a refresh as that's all you can see while you're in the onsen and that is all you have to look at. The tables were rusting away but I presume that's difficult to maintain with the sulfur in that area. The location wasn't ideal. It was very difficult to tell based on searching how the lay of the land was but this is a very mountainous area and the hotel was up winding roads. We wanted to go to the cable car and it was very much uphill without any sidewalks which was a little unnerving to walk up and took at least 30 minutes. It was very difficult to get cabs in this area you had to have the hotel call hours in advance or book something earlier. This location would be just great if you have your own car, but the walkability is limited. We were glad we had the meals included so we didn't have to figure out how to get to a restaurant.

This hotel was very chic and modern in the stylings. The rooms were very simple but clean, spacious and functional. The onsen was very enjoyable to sit in especially during the rain fall. We enjoyed the experience of fine dining in the nice restaurant. The kitchen staff was very kind. We liked the complimentary coffee machine and snacks. We thought the value for what we got was really great! Good price, especially in this area.

Stayed in April 2024

No!!

All is great

Stayed in April 2024

The building is behind another building so there wasn’t a view for more than half of the hotel rooms.

Food was amazing. The private onsen and public onsen were amazing.

Stayed in April 2024

The food was delicious, the hotsprings wonderful, the view delightful and the books were so much fun to browse. A great way to spend my birthday!

Stayed in March 2024

N/A - some interactions with staff non was frustrating due to limited English but Google translate came in use

Loved the book hotel concept lots of spaces to read although take note for non Japanese speakers most books are in Japanese Fantastic food - locally sourced, artisan unique combinations, exceptional quality Great onsen facilities Nice rooms quiet comfortable bed Friendly staff helpful to arrange transport to tourist sites

Stayed in March 2024

Definitely get the meal package with dinner and breakfast included. Dinner was incredible! 7-8 course meal that was mind blowing.

Stayed in February 2024

The architecture and interior design are exceptional. The big central bookshelf and everything about the hotel invites you to relax, read and browse books. Dinner was worthy of a Michelin starred restaurant, with thoughtful, attentive and talented staff.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing, all good

The ambience, their friendly and thoughtfull staffs, the view

Stayed in February 2024

Beautiful hotel, lovely library and guest room.

Stayed in February 2024

I can think of anything.

Incredibly beautiful interiors and staff was kind and attentive. Dinner and breakfast was immaculate and catered to me and my wife’s diet (vegetarian and gluten free). This was one of the more expensive stays on our honeymoon but was well worth the money. Perfect mid trip stay for relaxing after sightseeing in larger cities. I’m very glad we found this place.

Stayed in October 2023

Gas fumes from the outdoor bath heater Room on the first floor had visible paint peeling off walls on balcony. Unsuitable for a hotel costing this much! Had to pay more to stay on second floor. Entire exterior needs painting

The dinner presentation was outstanding

Stayed in May 2024

I would say the staff has everything perfected if you stay one night but as you stay longer, things seem to not get as much love/care as the first night. The first dinner we had was lovely, but the second was definitely off or the kitchen was off. The wine they served us was old and I had to send it back. The language barrier was definitely difficult and they kept giving us wine that was stale and old which was a disappointment for how much we paid and the extra money we paid for wine with our dinner. They also said they couldn't get us a taxi cab to go to the train station as the taxis were all booked but we downloaded a local taxi app and immediately got one... so confused on that whole situation.

I loved the full onset bath experience along with the location to the Hakone Railway. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and the rooms were clean and as pictured.

Stayed in April 2024

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Stayed in May 2024

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Stayed in May 2024

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Stayed in April 2024

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Stayed in May 2024

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Stayed in April 2024

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Stayed in April 2024

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Stayed in April 2024

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Stayed in March 2024