Originally Posted by
hailstorm
Could you define what you mean by "the area"? There are definitely better hotels in Hakone proper, and I doubt that the locals would consider HR Hakone a more luxurious experience than the Gora Kadan a short walk away.
It IS billed as a "resort" (the word is part of the name of the hotel), but I don't see anything resort-like about it...
Some on this forum do not like Japanese style hotels like Gora Kadan.
I agree that the "resort" branding is a bit strange. I think it has more to do with the absence of a regency club lounge. As you know, most regency properties have lounges, but this so called "resort" does not.
But extensive discussion of this hotel or hotels in Hakone probably does not belong in this thread.