Hakone Honbako 箱根本箱

Great service, ambience was amazing, so many freebies for drinks, coffee, beer, cookies.

I liked everything… oh maybe better wine selection at dinner.

Privates onsen were great, the hotel does not have a lot of rooms, so usually the onsens are empty.

A little far away from the station, but without luggage is really ok

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.