Hakone Retreat villa 1/f — Hotel in Hakone

Overall, I feel a bit mixed about my stay here. I stayed for two nights in February. The summary is: incredible rooms, lovely service, ok food, ok location.

The room was truly spectacular - it was spacious and beautifully designed with charming touches (I loved the hand-grind coffee, the fireplace, and the small electric lantern they give you for walking the grounds after dark). This was also the most comfortable bed/bedding in my two weeks in Japan. And the private onsen was absolutely incredible and felt like true luxury. As far as accommodations alone, this was by far my favorite place I stayed in Japan. As a note, the hardwood floors in the room are gorgeous but a bit slippery - I slipped and fell down the steps in the room while wearing socks so went barefoot after that.

The staff were extremely warm and helpful. We had one minor communication issue. Note that check out is at 11 am in your room (not sometime before 11 am at reception). I asked to skip breakfast and for an earlier check out at 9 am so that I could get to my train, but there was some confusion and they marked me down for breakfast at 9 instead so my check out was delayed and I missed my bus and needed to reschedule my train.

The food was just ok. The Japanese restaurant did not have availability while I was there so I ate both nights in the French restaurant. The food felt a bit dated like it came from a 1960s French cookbook. The signature cocktail was unbalanced. I was a solo diner and both nights I was seated at the worst table in the room even though there were many other empty tables - it's tucked a bit behind the kitchen so you have a view of the unsightly duct work and service area.

Finally, the location is just ok but it was a bit harder to get to Gora than I anticipated. I think that if you're planning to just luxuriate on the property and spend time in your room and the onsen then this place is great. If you're planning to do the Hakone loop or other activities in the area then I think it's not ideal (unless you came by car). Some of my experience was colored by the season - there was a bus driver shortage due to winter respiratory viral illnesses and the busses were on a winter schedule. There is a bus stop right outside the property and the buses were generally easy to use but came infrequently. One day I was attempting to return to the property from Gora around 3:30 pm and waited an hour in the cold trying to catch a bus back (and taxis were unavailable). The property notes that bikes are available but the roads are windy, steep, and have no shoulder - I cannot imagine biking here. As a side note in case this helps someone, the Hakone loop is difficult to accomplish in February - check the schedule as each half of the ropeway shuts down for maintenance for two weeks in February (and actually, I found this to be true for all the ropeways in...

I want to say a special thank you to the Hakone Retreat Villa for making our engagement special. I decided to spoil us with their best Villa with a Private Outdoor Hot Spring Onsen and it was everything we dreamed it would be for our Japan Vacation.

I commend the service team for their outstanding hospitality it is the best I’ve seen and we have stayed at many luxury resorts. They helped me arrange a check in surprise of flowers and special cake message for my new fiancé. She was very happy and it made the entire weekend special. They treated us with amazing service the entire stay. Food is also delicious we ate at the Woodfire restaurant for breakfast buffet and dinners it was a course meal with options and we very much enjoyed it (especially the desserts).

Location is everything you want it is secluded away from the busy Hakone city and up the mountains. It is hard to get to and leave but I think that’s what makes the location special.

I have a few critiques about the stay and hope the management considers solving these as I can see how other customers had felt with lower reviews.

1. Food Service: overall great but the Japanese restaurant was basically shut off to us as my fiancé had seafood allergies. I was upset because I looked forward to a traditional hot spring Kaiseki style meal I wish they had options to consider this. The chef called my room and was even rude to me and the check in staff because of the allergy over the phone. He made the service staff tell us we couldn’t eat at that restaurant. (I would give very low rating for that type of behavior but the service team made up for it)

Related to food is room service only available 5pm-8pm very strange for a luxury hotel never experienced not being able to have lunch. Luckily they offer a shuttle for us and pick up to go get it which honestly we’re glad we did as we found our favorite restaurant because of it.

2. Lack of spa service they only had 1 person working the spa. I think for a luxury retreat that is unacceptable. I’ve never once been unable to book a couples massage due to lack of staff at any resort across the world.

3. Leaving the hotel was a last minute annoyance they should really let their guest know to reserve Taxis the day before checkout. On the day of checkout we had to scramble to find a ride as the bus was confusing. (I really think they should have a shuttle service to and from the station for the cost of these rooms)

The service team really carried on their backs my 5 star rating. I think if it was not for them my review would be much lower. Room is amazing and the French side restaurant chefs were very professional and kind with great meals....

A five-star experience from start to finish! My recent stay at Hakone Retreat 1/F was nothing short of incredible, a true escape into a world of luxury and tranquility.

The journey began even before I arrived, thanks to the impeccable service of SU SAGDUYU the reservation specialist who assisted me in getting the exact room type i wanted. Their deep knowledge of the resort's 18 uniquely designed rooms helped me secure the perfect space for my getaway. The check-in was a seamless and professional experience, handled efficiently by KAKAO.

The room itself was an absolute dream. Descending into the private wooden cabin felt like stepping into a hidden sanctuary, and the scent of natural wood was immediately calming. The floor-to-ceiling, 180-degree windows transformed the space into a luxurious treehouse, offering breathtaking views of the lush green forest. The outdoor onsen was kept at the ideal temperature, a constant invitation to relax and find my "zen moment." The modern decor, fully stocked complimentary minibar, and the meticulous attention to detail made me feel truly pampered.

The service continued to shine throughout my stay. The maintenance staff, particularly ARJUN, went above and beyond to ensure the room was spotless and all my needs were met with a friendly smile. Staff AYAKO KONDO was very informative, helpful and prompt in getting me what I needed in the room. Another staff member AOYAMA was also very helpful and patient answering all my questions and reviewing all the room specification when i come back again. Simply excellent service!

The breakfast, with both Japanese and Western options, was a delightful culinary experience. The complimentary shuttle service to the nearby bus stop and 7-Eleven, along with the free use of e-bikes to explore the private forest grounds, made getting around effortless.

This is more than just a hotel; it's a transformative experience. Hakone Retreat 1/F is an exclusive haven where every detail is curated for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. I have only been here for 2 nights and I am already feeling completely recharged and can't recommend this five-star retreat...