Gōra Kadan — Hotel in Hakone

At our last night of our 7 day Japan trip, we experienced what felt like was the culmination of our wonderful stay here in japan at various top tier hotels (Ritz Kyoto, Tokyo, Hoshinoya Kyoto) and ryokans (Madoka no Mori). This one really stood on top with its wonderful blend of top amenities (pool, gym, lounge, massage chairs, in-room sauna) with a flawless service and pampering from the moment I made a reservation at this property. I appreciated that the hotel reached out with questions around my stay in order to best accommodate us and extra props for sending a complimentary sedan (Mercedes!) to pick us up from the exact location we had requested. Also our personal attendant who made our breakfast, dinner and our beds were just wonderful.

Highlights -Hassle free use of the beautiful private family bath facility; they had automatically reserved a time for us use this and we appreciated every minute of it

-The enormous professionalism and warmth exuding from every single staff member we met

-The gorgeously decorated Lounge

-Our spacious room with a huge backyard and a lounge area

-The amazingly delicious food; sashimi was very fresh, pickles deliciously prepared and loved the meat melting in my mouth after a deep in the hot pot!

Lowlights -the coffee was available but NOT free! This was probably the first hotel/ryokan where they did not have coffee available in room and only in the lounge where the cost was hefty (~$9 for hot coffee); not cool

-no English books/magazines available in the lounge

-no English help on how to use the massage chairs

-gyms/swimming pool closing early at 7pm

Comparing Gora Kadan with Madoka no Mori where we had previously stayed at, we really enjoyed both properties and will highly recommend them both. I'd say our experience overall at Gora was more exceptional with its breathtaking architecture/interior, use of family bath and felt less crowded and rooms more spacious (but also more expensive). The food was also better here and the location too with its proximity to Gora station and Hakone Open-Air museum area. I think where Madoka no Mori stood out was in it's more impressive public bath facility, the more superb massage chairs and their Lily's espresso machines in-room and also freely serving coffees and teas in their lobby/lounge area.

Overall, I loved our first set of Ryokan experience and the dreamy memories made at Gora Kadan. I...

Drawn to this hotel to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle,we were inspired and entertained by the flawless food service and old world ryokan. | And this hotel has the best of it!|Serene, pristine and spiritual, with architecture that is awe inspiring.|Grand, open walkways, punctuated with towering doorways of stunning wood and metal.| In the most breathtaking wooded mountainous countryside !|Staff were helpful and serious .|And the food, expertly and gorgeously prepared and served..|These are the pros, but there are definitely some cons!|We might have enjoyed a bit more warmth ! | It is, after all a place to vacation, not a school for cultural induction.|And, being seniors, my husband nearing 80 and I, being 78, felt the challenges were definitely problematic , even overwhelming!|The meals served in the room were placed on a low lying table that made sitting on the floor, (albeit on a chair with a back and pillowed seat with an armrest), very, very hard!! |Truly.!|We aren’t used to sitting at ground level with our legs stretched out in front of us to dine. In fact, after around 15 minutes, both my feet fell asleep.|The whole business was no laughing matter, but an ordeal that had us toppling over and grasping at anything near by to gain some traction and control of our limbs.|The hotel needs to make more accommodations for elderly guests to make their stay enjoyable .| We are not a accustomed to these kinds of lifestyle activities .|And bedtime was another hassle, bending low to the ground to lie down , and then, struggling to get up again!!|So we moved our breakfast trays to higher ground , a coffee table, even though the server kept pushing us to sit back on the ground. |BUT: the food was exquisite and beautifully presented, at a Michelin star level.!|Our problem also was with the person we spent the most time with who failed to properly familiarize us with the room’s facilities, such as where the light switches were located….so that at bedtime we were unable to turn off the lights and had to call for help.|She was unhelpful though the other staff, especially Roy, took great pains to take care of us. |As we sat in the lo lobby waiting for a car to take us to the train station , we overheard a couple of women, around our age, discussing these difficulties.|One of them saying that she had never had back problems,before, but now, was having major...

Gora Kadan offers a splendid retreat immersed in Japanese tradition and hospitality, perfect for families seeking a serene getaway and special experience. Here's a detailed review based on your description:

Accommodation: The room at Gora Kadan is thoughtfully designed in Japanese Ryokan style, featuring a Master Bedroom, Dining Room, and Living Room. The use of Tatami flooring and Sliding doors adds an authentic touch. Modern amenities like a water closet (Japanese-style toilet) and a steam shower provide comfort.

Outdoor Area: The small patio at the back of the room is adorned with natural Japanese-style decor, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The small open-air bath with adjustable natural warm water offers a private and relaxing experience.

Included Spa Facilities: Gora Kadan boasts large, beautiful open-air spas segregated by gender in a natural setting. These 24h spaces adhere to traditional Japanese bathing customs, ensuring a serene atmosphere free from bathing suits and tattoos. The provision of towels, showers, soap, shampoo, and even umbrellas enhances convenience and comfort.

Japanese Attire: Guests are welcomed with a set of Japanese pajamas (yukata) per person and a Japanese uniform upon arrival, allowing for an immersive cultural experience.

Dining Experience: Dining at Gora Kadan is a highlight, with both dinner and breakfast served in the room. This intimate setup likely features exquisite Japanese cuisine, showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, while providing a private dining experience for families.

Overall, Gora Kadan excels in providing a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics, modern comforts, and exceptional hospitality. From the serene outdoor baths to the authentic dining experience and thoughtful room amenities, Gora Kadan offers a memorable stay that encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality and culture. Family In-Room Massage and Acupuncture is also offered and very affordable. We tried it and were very happy with...