Hakone Honbako 箱根本箱

Amazing authentic Japanese breakfast.

I don’t think the pajamas on my bed had been washed between guests. They smelled like another person, so I couldn’t use them. The walls needed paint in our room. Some scuff marks.

The best serene escape for book-lover introverts. Starting with the entrance - understated minimalist but grand entrance that opens up into a very large foyer with reception and floor to ceiling library. What I liked were the details: - The shower in the room was semi-indoors and outdoors so you can enjoy rinse before or after your onsen on the private patio. - The complimentary extra comfy robe, pajamas, and the towel warmer was really the icing on the cake. I now want a towel warmer in my house. - The mini fridge was stocked with a beer, chilled water, and two juices. Also a Nespresso coffee maker with three coffee options. The cup isn't those disposable kind -- it's a thermos! - For the dinner, it was a full-on experience with ten courses and a personal English speaking staff member explaining the ingredients and history of the ingredient through a story. Simply the best! - I loved all the hidden corners for reading and just relaxing. The theater on the ground floor plays independent movies and if you don't know -- there's a self-service bar behind the super comfy couch ;) Thank me later. - The ice cream treats after the public onsen bath was chef's kiss. - The bedroom has lots of electrical outlets. - A take-home tote bag I stayed for 20 hours (one night) only; I wish I had stayed for two nights. But I made sure to use up all 20 hours wisely to experience all they had to offer.

I loved everything but a few things stood out to me as missing or could be better; - There was an iPad tablet in the room but the only purpose it served was to call reception. I wish it was an entertainment system to play music. - There was no TV in the room. This may not be a bad thing as the hotel is meant to encourage reading! - The breakfast times only has two options 8:30 or 9 am. - Very limited English books available. I am guessing there were 300+ Japanese books on the shelf and less than 30 English books available.

Beautiful hotel and room with private onsen. We really enjoyed our stay here. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Dinner surprised us every night again and is at Michelin star level. Staff took excellent care of dietary restrictions, explaining changes made to every dish and making me feel reassured. Room was big, clean and we slept very well. Would definitely recommend and stay again!

Nothing, everything was perfect!

Quality of food

The shower was dirty!!! Old hair in the shower. Calcified showerhead. Not able to get a coffee before checkin (only after 15:00) and not allowed to use the free coffee machine before checkin.