Rakuten Stay Villa Hakone Sengokuhara N — Hotel in Hakone

With Google map , it is not difficult to find the place but suggest you check in before it turns dark. Getting the password to the unit and checking in can be a little bit of a hassle esp if you book through hotels apps. Some key info send by Rakuten could be masked due to security policy. The North and South wings are both located by the road side. It is probably 4-5 mins walk between them but do take note that there is no proper walking and can get dangerous at night. I booked N102 which I think is more private and quaint but located further away from the carpark. For convenience and family with young children , the south wing is recommended. In any case , the units look pretty much the same at both locations. The layout is optimal with the living and kitchen area located on the GF and sleeping on the 1st floor. There are 2 queen size beds in the bedroom (that comes with a projector 😬) , and another 2 just outside the room in an open area. There is also a futon that was somehow smacked in between on a mezzanine and suitable for young children. All in all, I think the unit can comfortably fit 5-6 adults , plus another 1-2 young children. Everything in the unit is impeccable and well thought of. Full cooking and laundry amenities and pretty much self contained. There is a separate bathroom and toilet located on each floor , and the one in the upper floor comes equipped with a private onsen bath. A couple of things to note , all operating manuals are Japanese and there are instructions translated in English on the table so do take note. The parking area from the North wing is a 4-5 mins walk and might not be easily found at night. The map can be misleading so do pay careful attention. Once you are settled in the unit , remember to do a check in using the iPad in the living area and furnish all the relevant info (quite tedious). Once done , there will be a button to connect to a live agent who will verify your info. The live agent is also available at all times (I think) to answer any questions that you may have. For those travelling with big luggages , there is limited space in the sleeping area to accommodate them. The stairways leading to the upper level is also narrow. Suggestion is to leave the big luggages on the ground floor and pick up what is needed. Overall , it is a good option for family or friends...

🚫 AVOID 🚫 I hate to leave bad reviews but ... There's a bright green illuminated exit sign that shines right into one "bedroom" which is just a hallway with a curtain that doesn't completely enclose the room. Next, the building is right beside a fairly busy road so this is not a quiet country getaway if that's what you have in mind. The check in/out process has far more steps than other places in Japan, including photos of each guest and (no joke) a video call with the central office 🤷‍♂️ Lastly, and I'm being picky here, the decor is black as a sci-fi alien tomb which may not be your thing. Other reviews are impressed by the in-house bath--this isn't unusual at all in this price range....

One of the best places we stayed at in Japan! Truly a luxury stay with so much space for activities! Provided sparkling waters, slippers, disposable towels, self-care gifts, & various amenities. We walked to a soba place nearby for dinner & Lawson for late night snacks.

The only con is check-in is after 3pm & since it is a self check-in you would have to leave your luggage in the lockers at the station if you had other activities planned & didn’t want to lug your luggage around. We rode the bus to Owakudani & luckily they had lockers available there so we could shop luggage free & enjoy the sight.

Otherwise, we had a magnificent stay. Can’t wait to come back in the...