Hotel Yama No

The hotel offers a serene and memorable escape, celebrated for its expansive gardens and breathtaking views of Lake Ashi, often featuring the majestic Mount Fuji. Its classic, historical ambiance provides a tranquil and refined setting, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families desiring a peaceful and scenic getaway, and sightseers keen to explore nearby attractions. Guests consistently praise the hotel's invigorating onsen, high-quality dining, and the attentive service from its dedicated staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for an even more spectacular vista of Mount Fuji and take full advantage of the convenient shuttle service for seamless exploration of the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's exceptional hot springs, which offer a truly authentic and deeply relaxing experience, with some featuring picturesque outdoor baths that allow for immersion in nature. The meticulously maintained gardens are a significant highlight, providing beautiful spaces for leisurely strolls and offering stunning seasonal views, particularly during the azalea blooming period. A dedicated spa and massage service is also available, contributing to a sense of rejuvenation and well-being. While the hotel provides free Wi-Fi, some guests reported occasional issues with its speed and connectivity in certain areas, suggesting it can be inconsistent. Additionally, the onsen changing rooms are equipped with massage chairs, a welcome amenity for post-bath relaxation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is somewhat mixed, reflecting the hotel's classic character. While many guests found their rooms to be spacious and generally well-maintained, some noted that the decor felt distinctly outdated and observed specific issues such as dustiness or uncleaned glasses. Some rooms boast desirable features like private onsen baths and balconies that offer scenic views of the lake or gardens, significantly enhancing the stay. However, a few guests reported minor disturbances from neighbor noise or an occasional sewage odor emanating from the bathroom. Despite these points, the beds are generally considered comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and essential amenities like yukata are provided for guest convenience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers diverse and generally well-regarded dining experiences. The French restaurant consistently receives high praise for its delicious cuisine, beautiful presentation, and well-timed service, often described as a highlight of the stay. Breakfast options include both French and Japanese styles; the French breakfast is frequently commended for its quality, though some guests noted long waiting times or additional charges for items like coffee and yogurt when opting for the Japanese set menu. Dinner at the Japanese restaurant received more mixed reviews, with some finding it less impressive or overly seasoned. Convenient room service bento boxes are available and generally well-regarded for their taste and portion size, providing a comfortable in-room dining option. The lounge also offers afternoon tea, though a few guests found the sandwiches to be dry.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and highly convenient central location near Lake Ashi and within easy walking distance of the iconic Hakone Shrine and its famous Torii gate. This prime position allows guests to explore key attractions and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area effortlessly. While the hotel is situated in a somewhat secluded area, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, a complimentary shuttle bus service is readily available to and from Motohakone, making it accessible even for those without personal transportation. For guests arriving by car, ample parking is provided on-site, adding to the convenience. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace of this area, though they note that local dining options in town tend to close early.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlighted the quick check-in process and the staff's proactive willingness to assist with baggage and other requests upon arrival. The concierge service is particularly noted for its helpfulness, including assisting with external reservations and providing local information. While some staff members are proficient in English, a few guests experienced communication challenges with others. Despite overall positive feedback, some isolated incidents of perceived unhelpfulness or inconsistencies in restaurant service were reported, suggesting occasional variations in service quality.

Additional Information
Guests appreciate the convenience of a generous late checkout time, allowing for a more relaxed departure and extended enjoyment of the hotel's amenities. The hotel maintains a classic, historical ambiance, which many guests find charming and elegant, though some perceive it as simply outdated and in need of renovation. There are mentions of strict hotel rules, including the requirement to leave room keys at reception when departing the premises. A thoughtful touch is the provision of a drinks voucher for guests who opt out of daily room cleaning, encouraging environmental consciousness. The hotel's common areas are enhanced by a pleasant aroma and classical music, contributing to a serene and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the property.