Hotel Green Plaza Hakone

A Western-style hotel (as opposed to the traditional ryokanthat the area is full of), this mid-range property is popular with tourists -- including tour groups -- seeking to relax in traditional onsen, hot spring baths. Mount Fuji is visible from the grounds on a clear day, a highlight for many -- especially when taking in the view from one of the outdoor baths. Grounds are well maintained and include gardens, while polished interiors are elegant. The high-ceilinged lobby features grand details like a large chandelier, a big and colorful bouquet of flowers, and a piano that sits among contemporary wicker tub-style seats. Other common spaces have the same sort of vibe, and though decor is a bit dull and the property is slightly dated, it's clean and pleasant overall. 

The hotel occupies a scenic location in Hakone, offering lovely views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), which is about an hour- and 15-minute drive away. It's a bit of a remote location, with not much in terms of dining options or shops nearby. Lake Ashi is under a 10-minute drive, or a 25-minute walk downhill. The area is known for its hot springs, or onsen, and some nearby options include the Ubako Onsen (six-minute drive or 25-minute walk). Other area attractions include the Pola Art Museum, which is an 11-minute drive, and the Hakone Shrine, which can be reached in 13 minutes. The hotel is set along the Hakone Ropeway (the Ubako Station is about a five-minute walk away), a scenic aerial lift that offers beautiful panoramic views over the area. Sōunzan Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car line is a 10-minute drive away. The Hakone-Yumoto Station is about a half-hour drive. Tokyo is about two hours away by car, or two hours and 45 minutes by public transportation.

The property offers both Western-style and traditional Japanese-style rooms. Western rooms feature chainlike contemporary decor and have standard beds with mattresses, plus some have seating areas with tatami mat floors, low tables, and floor cushions. Japanese-style rooms are more minimalist, featuring tatami mat floors, spare furnishings, and separate seating areas furnished with low tables and floor cushions. Sliding doors separate the sitting spaces from the bedrooms, which are completely unfurnished -- futons and bedding are stored in wall units and are laid out nightly by staff (and put away during the day).Standard amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and free Wi-FI. Bathrooms are tiny and can feel cramped. They're equipped with shower/tub combos, sinks, and Japanese high-tech toilets with built-in bidets. Toiletries and bathroom slippers are provided. There are additional sinks right outside the bathrooms with more toiletries, including face wash, toothbrushes, and combs, as well as wall-mounted hairdryers. Some rooms also have private outdoor baths.

Many guests book here just to experience the hotel's onsen, or traditional hot spring baths. They're separated by gender and are both indoor and outdoor. The facilities include locker rooms, showers, and saunas. Spa services like massages and reflexology are available on-site.The hotel has two restaurants that offer both Japanese and Western fare. Both breakfast and dinner are included in rates, and there's also a lounge on-site. Other features include several shops that sell a myriad of items, including the hotel's own line of cosmetics. One of the shops specializes in rose products, offering rose-themed clothes, cosmetics, ceramics, and food products like jams and tea. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.