Re Cove Hakone

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its recently renovated common areas and a reputation for exceptional buffet dining. Its signature feature is the combination of high-quality hot springs, including a unique sulfur spring, with a focus on providing a cost-effective yet comfortable experience. Guests consistently highlight the delicious and varied food and the generally attentive service from the staff. The spacious accommodations, though sometimes described as dated, contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. This makes the hotel an ideal choice for families seeking diverse activities and dining options, couples looking for a relaxing onsen getaway, and sightseers exploring the Hakone area due to its convenient bus access. For those planning a visit, it is advisable to inquire about the most recently renovated rooms to ensure a modern aesthetic and to fully embrace the extensive buffet offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a welcoming atmosphere, particularly in its recently renovated lobby and entrance, which many guests describe as spacious and modern. Upon arrival, guests are often greeted with welcome drinks and sweets, setting a pleasant tone for their stay. A major draw is the extensive hot spring facility, featuring various baths including indoor pools, open-air baths, and a traditional hinoki bath, all noted for their cleanliness and relaxing qualities. While some guests observe that only the hinoki bath utilizes a pure natural spring, the overall onsen experience is highly praised. For recreation, the hotel provides a range of game facilities such as table tennis, karaoke rooms, and board games in the lobby, catering to both adults and children. Additionally, guests appreciate the convenience of a souvenir shop and free Wi-Fi throughout the premises. The property consists of two main buildings connected by an underground passage, which some guests find a bit lengthy for transit between facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is varied, with many highlighting the spaciousness of the accommodations, which often include both Western beds and traditional tatami areas. While some guests find their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, a significant number report that the rooms appear dated or old-fashioned, contrasting with the hotel's renovated common areas. Specific concerns include worn furniture, stained carpets, peeling wallpaper, and occasionally a lingering smoke smell, particularly in designated smoking rooms or older sections. Some guests have noted minor issues such as a broken toilet lid or the presence of hair in the sink upon arrival. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews, with some finding the beds comfortable while others describe them as hard, along with the pillows. Noise levels are generally considered acceptable, though one guest mentioned early morning music from the corridors. Despite these points, the overall size of the rooms is consistently appreciated for providing ample space.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's buffet dining is a consistent highlight for many guests, offering both breakfast and dinner with an impressive variety and generally high quality. Guests frequently praise the delicious and extensive selection, noting that the food is often well-prepared and provides good value. Popular dinner items include freshly fried asparagus tempura, which is widely acclaimed, and roast beef, though some guests have found the latter to be less appealing in appearance or texture. The sashimi selection is sometimes noted as having limited variety or quantity. For breakfast, the made-to-order omelets and a wide array of onigiri are particularly popular. While most guests are satisfied, some have expressed that the buffet, despite its breadth, did not always meet their highest expectations, or that certain items like churrasco were inconsistent. The dining areas are spacious, and staff are generally attentive to refilling dishes, though long queues can form for popular live cooking stations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient for exploring the Hakone area, particularly for those utilizing public transportation. It is situated near Sengokuhara, offering opportunities for scenic walks, and provides easy access to attractions like Lake Ashi and the Hakone Ropeway. Guests appreciate its proximity to Hakone Tozan Bus stops, which are just a few minutes' walk away and offer frequent services to major transit hubs like Hakone-Yumoto and Togendai. While many find this accessibility a significant advantage, some guests describe the hotel as being a bit remote or far from the main train stations, especially if relying solely on taxis. For those traveling by car, free parking is available, though some note that the parking areas can be narrow or have limited space. Additionally, the presence of a nearby convenience store adds to the convenience for guests.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests commend the attentiveness and professionalism of the team, including a notable number of international staff who are proficient in English, facilitating smoother communication for foreign visitors. The check-in process is typically described as smooth and efficient. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as assisting with room changes for mobility needs or providing parking for disabled guests. However, a few isolated incidents have been reported where assistance with specific requests, such as transportation during inclement weather, was perceived as less accommodating, leading to frustration for some guests. Additionally, while most housekeeping is satisfactory, some guests have noted occasional lapses in room cleanliness. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment is that the staff strive to provide excellent service and hospitality.

Additional Information
The hotel's layout features two distinct buildings, the South and North wings, which are connected by an underground passage. While this design allows for separate facilities, some guests find the transit between the buildings, particularly to the onsen or dining areas, to be somewhat lengthy or confusing. A point of concern for some guests is the smoking policy, as certain rooms are designated for smoking, and some non-smoking rooms have been reported to retain a smoke smell. The hotel offers various recreational options, including karaoke rooms and a table tennis area, which are popular among families and groups. For families with children, kids packs containing items like slippers and bath sponges are a thoughtful touch. Guests with tattoos should be aware of the tattoo policy regarding onsen usage, which is common in Japan. While the hotel provides a generally quiet environment, some guests have noted that music from the corridors can be heard early in the morning.