Hakone Gora Karaku (ORIX Hotels & Resorts)

The attentive hospitality was exceptional, and I was thoroughly satisfied with my stay from start to finish.What especially stood out were the two guest-only lounges—one by the front desk and another in the main lounge area. Each had its own distinct atmosphere, and I was able to relax and enjoy a refined, unhurried time in a truly luxurious setting. Sipping free-flow drinks and enjoying small sweets while taking in Hakone’s nature was simply the best.For dinner, I dined at the main restaurant “Mutsuki,” where every dish was delicate, beautifully presented, and a delight for both the eyes and palate. I also opted for the sake pairing this time, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The selections perfectly enhanced the umami and flavors of each course, bringing new discoveries and excitement with every sip. The harmony between the food and sake was outstanding, making it a truly indulgent dinner experience.The staff’s warm hospitality and attentive service were equally wonderful. This is an Accommodation where you can fully enjoy an extraordinary sense of luxury—I would love to return again in a different season.

After staying at Karaku Atami, we left a day in between and then stayed at Karaku Hakone. We were worried the meals might be similar, but they were different, and both were absolutely delicious. In Hakone, the dashi was outstanding, and perhaps because of that, even the side dishes surprised us with how much better they were than any Japanese cuisine we’d had before. The dining here is truly delicious and offers a fresh sense of discovery.The staff were also very pleasant, making our stay truly enjoyable.We choose Karaku because we love the lounge, and the Hakone lounge had its own charm that was different from Atami’s—we enjoyed it both before and after dinner. At other Accommodation properties, once dinner is over the next highlight is breakfast the next morning, but here we found ourselves thinking, “We still have time to enjoy coffee and dessert in the lounge after dinner!” It felt like a real bonus.My daughter also loved the cute yukata—we were very satisfied. There was excellent tea at the front desk; it would be even nicer if it were available at AWAI so it could be enjoyed with Japanese sweets.Also, thanks to the Shuttle Service from Odawara Station, it was easy to visit even for women who aren’t comfortable driving. This is an Accommodation we’d love to stay at again.