Originally Posted by
RichardInSF
As to where to spend a night in Hakone, if price is no object, spend that night at Gora Kadan. If you have Hyatt points, there is also a nice Hyatt at Gora; there are no other chain hotels in the Hakone area although there is a Hilton at Odawara.
If you are going to Hakone and insist on staying in a chain hotel, then go for the Hyatt, not the Hilton. Simple reason for this is the location.
The Hilton is located in Odawara, not Hakone and is a 30-minute drive from Odawara station along the coast (different direction from Hakone). It's a large family style hotel on a cliff (or hill top) with many dining options, it is not a ryokan or a small hotel (like the Hyatt). There is an onsen on-site as well, but not in-room. The leisure options are aplenty though - swimming pools, mini-water park, bowling alley, karaoke, billards etc.
Just wanted to mention this should anyone want to stay here for the purpose of visiting Hakone.
Having said that though, I think this hotel would be a great getaway for Tokyo residents.
