Gora Hotel Paipuno Kemuri Plus

The hotel offers an exceptionally convenient location directly opposite Gora Station, making it an ideal base for exploring Hakone. Its signature feature is the direct train station access, which is highly praised by guests for its unparalleled convenience for sightseers and families traveling by public transport. The hotel also stands out for its hot spring baths, including private options, and a buffet dining experience that offers great value with all-you-can-drink options. While the hotel has an older charm, its cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff contribute to a pleasant stay. Couples and solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent accessibility will find this hotel a good fit. To enhance your stay, consider booking a private onsen session in advance and be prepared for potential train noise due to the hotel's proximity to the tracks.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities, though some guests note their dated appearance. A key feature is the availability of hot spring baths, including both communal and private options, which are highly praised for their relaxing qualities. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi, although some found the connection speed to be slow. Rooms are equipped with basic necessities such as a refrigerator, kettle, and television, though the latter is often described as small. While there is no swimming pool or fitness center, the focus remains on the onsen experience. Guests should note that amenities like ice machines are not available, and it's advisable to bring personal toiletries as the hotel provides only basic items.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be adequately clean, though some have noted minor issues such as dust or residual odors, particularly in designated smoking rooms. The beds are consistently described as very firm, which some guests appreciate for a good night's sleep, while others find them uncomfortably hard, feeling like sleeping directly on springs. Rooms are generally considered functional for sleeping, but some are described as small or lacking in space for luggage. The presence of a unit bathroom in each room is convenient. Noise levels from the adjacent train tracks are a recurring theme, with trains and boom gates audible from early morning until late evening; some guests are bothered by this, while others find it tolerable or even charming. Basic amenities like yukata and toothbrushes are provided, but guests recommend bringing their own facial cleansers and lotions.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's buffet receives mixed but generally positive feedback, often highlighted for its all-you-can-drink alcohol option, which includes a unique beer server. The roast beef is a popular item, frequently praised for its taste, though some guests mention it can be tough or that it's pre-sliced. Other well-received dishes include salmon sashimi, sweet shrimp, and the beef tendon curry. While the breakfast offers a good variety, with croissants and corn soup being favorites, some guests feel the overall food quality can be inconsistent, with certain dishes tasting like pre-made or frozen items and often served lukewarm. Despite these points, the sheer variety of options and the inclusion of soft-serve ice cream make the dining experience enjoyable, particularly for families.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location is its most significant advantage, situated directly opposite Gora Station and just a minute's walk away. This provides exceptional access to the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and bus stops, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the entire Hakone area, including popular attractions like the Open-Air Museum and Gora Park. Guests appreciate the ease of travel without a car and the ability to store luggage before check-in and after check-out. While the proximity to the train tracks results in audible train and boom gate noise from early morning until late evening, many guests find this manageable or even charming. Parking is available, with some free spots on-site and numerous paid coin parking lots nearby, though the hotel's own parking can fill up.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently mention their willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing a standing fan during warm periods or assisting with private onsen bookings. The check-in process is generally smooth, and staff are noted for their polite and natural demeanor, even with limited English proficiency. Housekeeping is appreciated for their prompt and cheerful response to issues like spills. The buffet staff are also commended for their efficiency in replenishing food and their overall pleasant interactions. While some minor issues with communication or specific requests have been noted, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff contribute significantly to a positive and comfortable guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a retro ambiance, which some guests find charming, while others note that certain areas could benefit from renovation. Smoking rooms are available, which is a convenience for smokers. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, though some guests found the connection speed to be slow. Amenities like ice machines are not available, and guests are advised to purchase drinks and snacks beforehand as there are no convenience stores nearby, and souvenir shops close early. While children are welcome, some guests were surprised by a charge for children's yukata rentals or additional fees for young children, despite website information. The hotel's air conditioning is centrally controlled, and some rooms may have limited temperature adjustment, with a few guests noting dusty air or unusual vibrations. It is recommended to bring your own toiletries like facial cleansers and lotions, as the hotel provides basic amenities.