Hakone Retreat villa 1/f

S

We had a lovely stay. It was raining when we arrived and we decided to relax in our private onsen. The experience was a dream. Rooms are cleaned daily and minibar restocked. The staff was polite and helpful, the property itself is serene.

The entire staff is amazing and so accommodating, the food was exceptional and we also had a wonderful massage. The rooms are all unique, clean and comfortable. It is a bit off the beaten path and does not have any TVs so you can truly disconnect. Highly recommend!!

We pre-booked room 8 with private outdoor onsen with garden view, sofa with log burner & baby grand. We were there in August so it was a bit wet and green, before the autumn colours, so expect even nicer then. It was quiet, near the Lalique museum bus stop (purple route k - also on same route as Pola art museum stop), but take a taxi to get there if you have luggage, as the final road to the hotel is uphill through a wooded area, so not recommended with luggage. Once you arrive at the hotel arrival area (a small wood cabin) you will be transported to the reception area by golf buggy. Check in was a bit challenging but other staff had better English. Onsen was nice (albeit check its hot enough before you get in as staff are the only ones who can increase the temperature for you). Kaiseiki meal (included on first night) was a very good experience, albeit my husband didn’t enjoy the Japanese breakfast (included) as much! Sake and beer rather than wine offered in Japanese side. If you want to east ‘western’ style in the hotel (as we did on 2nd night - no restaurants around about) note only a set menu is offered. It was however excellent, but note if you are staying in a cabin you will be reliant on staff to transport you here & to the lounge / bar area, as it’s a fair distance from the cabins, especially if pitch black at night time. Room finish wise - a bit rustic / worn, hand held shower, had expected better otherwise a good experience.