Hakone was the top of my list to round off my trip and what an experience it was! Though expensive, the money it costs you goes into the food and service you recieve from the moment you step in.
But before that - fair warning there is a VERY challenging hill to get to Hakone Airu, so please be prepared to get the very limited shuttle bus up there, or a taxi which may also be quite pricey. The hill IS paved, but it is a very narrow road, very steep, and has a 90 degree bend in it making it a blind corner, so take care.
That aside, the place is stunning! Modern with a touch of classit Japanese stling. Staff greeted us at the door, took our bags and shoes and moved us into the lounge to relax with a drink. The entire building is floored with tatami matsand the water feature running trhough the centre ofcentre of the building is loud, but lovely. You even walk over it to the lounge!
Once the staff move your bags up to your room, you will be shown around then left to your own devices. There may not be much to do in this particular hotel but what it has, it does exceptionally.Our room was the highlight, 4th floor Mountain view with a private bath, andwhat a view it was! The brutal hill was worth it to see over the entirety of Hakone with the mountains front and centre. We were provided Yukata an assortment of teas and a few refridgerted drinks for our stay which was nice but rather limited. Any extras are added to a tab which is payed for after your stay including alcohol.
Oit