The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

“Superb hotel and surroundings”

One of the loveliest hotels I have ever stayed in. This is a good hotel from which to explore the surrounding area. If you like noise, flashing lights, blaring music and crowds then go to a disco, or Osaka but stay away from here. I stayed here in 2013 and I was determined to return and so I did… more

One of the loveliest hotels I have ever stayed in. This is a good hotel from which to explore the surrounding area. If you like noise, flashing lights, blaring music and crowds then go to a disco, or Osaka but stay away from here. I stayed here in 2013 and I was determined to return and so I did! The setting is beautiful. The peace and quiet, the comforting vista of the green and russet surrounding wooded hills and mountains cradling the hotel next to the calm waters of lake Ashi instlled an inner peace and calm after the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and Osaka. The are all one could wish for; obliging, polite, competent, patient and professional. Excellent. English was spoken, which was marvellous as, to my shame, my Japanese is non-existent. The room in one of the circular buildings was ENORMOUS and had a balcony with a table and two chairs on it - exceptional by Japanese standards. The hotel provided outdoor slippers (as well the thin indoor ones) and a jacket which were very useful when visiting the onsen. The onses is super. The water is lovely and hot, hot and lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely! This is why I had to return. The waters soothe the body and the onsen regenerates one's soul. Although 11-years older I did use the sauna and then the plunge pool. I screamed, just as I did 11-years ago. I don't know how people can do this silently, it must take practice, once a decade just doesn't cut it. The breakfast buffet choise is extensive and varied; Japanese and western. Everything is good. The bread choice is the usual baguette, brioche or Chorleywood stuff. The scrambled eggs were great and some sort of lemon and parsley (?) sausages were available as well as little frankfurters. The former were nice and had the consistency and texture of UK sausages. Good coffee, nice juices, lots and lots of different foodstuffs, pickles, boiled vegetables, cold meats, etc. You'll be a very, very picky eater not to find something to like. We had a buffet evening meal at this hotel and it was marvellous. Everything, EVERYTHING, was delicious. I had a piece of whatever was on offer and I don't know what most of it was but it was ALL lovely, down to the last crumb, sliver, flake and fibre. Would I return, yes, Yes and YES! Ideally I won't wait another 11-years . . .

less

“Lakeside luxury”

This is probably the most luxurious hotel on Lake Ashi / Hakone area. It has its own excellent onsen within the hotel. The hotel does look and feel a little dated, as if past its prime. There is a regular shuttle bus into town (Motohakone), as well as a cable car from the hotel to the mountain abov… more

This is probably the most luxurious hotel on Lake Ashi / Hakone area. It has its own excellent onsen within the hotel. The hotel does look and feel a little dated, as if past its prime. There is a regular shuttle bus into town (Motohakone), as well as a cable car from the hotel to the mountain above. The Lakeside Grill restaurant is quite good and accommodates most dietary requirements.

less

“Overpriced and in need of updates”

Sigh. This was a disappointment. The location is beautiful but the hotel is super dated. The bathrooms have the worst color and lighting I have ever seen, and have a lot of mildew stains and various signs of wear and tear. The staff did not replace the coffee pods and in the morning we called … more

Sigh. This was a disappointment. The location is beautiful but the hotel is super dated. The bathrooms have the worst color and lighting I have ever seen, and have a lot of mildew stains and various signs of wear and tear. The staff did not replace the coffee pods and in the morning we called the front desk for more, which arrived in a reasonable amount of time. I probably would choose a different hotel next time. The staff were very nice, however.

less

“Time with family in Hakone”

The location is beautiful and to be able to see Fuji San from oneʻs room is amazing. The room itself was huge, more than enough space for a family or people sharing. The furniture/beds were very low to the floor which may be of importance to taller/larger folks. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast a… more

The location is beautiful and to be able to see Fuji San from oneʻs room is amazing. The room itself was huge, more than enough space for a family or people sharing. The furniture/beds were very low to the floor which may be of importance to taller/larger folks. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast at the hotel. Very over-priced but good. This hotel advertises an onsen which we were excited to try. While nice, it is nothing special and how sad that there are no views of the lake or Mt. Fuji from the onsen. This is not a location that is easy to get to without a car but is convenient to the ropeway and many of the local temples/shrines. We were happy to be able to hire a small boat to get to one of the shrines as one person in our party was not able to walk as much. The hotel service was good, the hotel just seems tired.

less