Hakone Nanase

This hotel offers a serene escape, with its signature feature being the availability of private onsens directly in many rooms, often boasting stunning river views and the soothing sound of running water. Guests consistently praise the excellent food, particularly the multi-course dinners, and the spacious rooms that provide a comfortable and traditional Japanese experience. The attentive and friendly staff contribute significantly to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway or sightseers looking for a tranquil base after exploring the Hakone area. For those desiring a truly restorative retreat, this hotel is a perfect fit. To enhance your stay, guests recommend utilizing the convenient shuttle service to and from the nearest train station, as local walking paths can be challenging, and be prepared for a traditional Japanese-style breakfast experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel is highly regarded for its extensive hot spring facilities, with many rooms featuring a private onsen, allowing for personal and unrestricted relaxation. Beyond the in-room options, guests also appreciate the availability of several shared private onsens that can be used on a first-come, first-served basis, providing additional opportunities for a tranquil soak in larger pools. A public onsen is also available for guests, offering another avenue for relaxation. While the hotel does not feature a dedicated bar/lounge area for socializing, a convenient free matcha latte machine offering coffee and other lattes is a welcome amenity. Rooms are well-equipped with essential toiletries and fresh towels, and Wi-Fi is readily available throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected during their stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms, often designed in a traditional style with tatami matting, providing ample space and a serene ambiance. Many rooms offer captivating river views or mountain views, enhancing the overall experience. The comfortable beds generally receive positive feedback, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests noted that while generally clean, certain areas, particularly around the semi-open air bath, showed signs of water staining or minor mold, which some attributed to the high humidity levels inherent with in-room hot springs. A few reviews also mentioned that the faded decor or slightly outdated facilities in some areas could benefit from renovation, though this did not significantly detract from the overall comfort for most. Noise levels from the nearby road were occasionally mentioned when using open-air baths, but the sound of the river was often found to be soothing.

Dining & Food Quality
The kaiseki dinner experience is a standout feature, consistently praised for its exquisitely presented and delicious multi-course traditional Japanese food. Guests rave about the food quality, highlighting the use of fresh ingredients and the impressive variety of dishes served each night, ensuring a unique culinary journey even for longer stays. The dinner service is often enjoyed in private dining rooms, adding to the intimate and special atmosphere, though some guests felt the service could be a bit rushed. Feedback on breakfast is more mixed; while many appreciated the authentic Japanese style and variety, some found it challenging or not to their taste, particularly due to the lack of Western options. A sake tasting option is available, and the hotel does not offer a lunch restaurant on-site.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a beautiful riverfront location, offering peaceful views and sounds. Its accessibility is a key advantage, with a bus stop conveniently situated right outside, providing easy connections to various attractions. The hotel also offers a highly appreciated shuttle service to and from the nearby Kowakidani train station, which is particularly useful given the challenging walking paths in the area that lack sidewalks and can be dangerous with traffic. While the hotel is within a 20-30 minute walk to the Hakone Open Air Museum and a 15-minute walk to a 7-Eleven, its overall isolated location means there are limited alternative dining or shopping options nearby, contributing to its peaceful, retreat-like ambiance.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional service, described as friendly staff, helpful, attentive, and highly professional. Many guests noted the staff's excellent English proficiency, which greatly facilitated communication and enhanced their stay, making them feel welcomed and understood. The quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate various requests were frequently highlighted as contributing to a smooth and pleasant experience. The shuttle service to the train station is particularly praised for its punctuality and the thoughtful approach of the drivers, often going out of their way to assist guests with luggage. Overall, guests felt well taken care of, with staff consistently going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.

Additional Information
This hotel offers an authentic traditional Japanese hospitality experience, where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture, including the provision of Yukata for comfortable wear. The overall atmosphere is notably quiet atmosphere and peaceful, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a serene getaway from urban life. It's important for guests to note that there is no bar/lounge area for casual drinks and no lunch restaurant on-site, meaning dining options are primarily focused on the exquisite breakfast and dinner services. The hotel's focus remains on providing a tranquil retreat with exceptional service and traditional amenities.