Hakone Forest Of Verde

This hotel is widely recognized for its spacious rooms and extensive onsen facilities, offering a relaxing retreat amidst nature. Its unique appeal lies in providing a comfortable and value-for-money stay, making it an excellent choice for families seeking amenities like a pool and game center, as well as sightseers looking to explore Hakone with the convenience of a shuttle service. Budget-conscious travelers also find it appealing due to its overall value. Guests consistently highlight the attentive service from the staff and the tranquil atmosphere. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to book any on-site dining well in advance, confirm your non-smoking room preference upon arrival, and familiarize yourself with the hotel's shuttle bus schedule for easier transportation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts impressive onsen and public baths, with many guests praising the variety of pools and the relaxing experience they offer, noting that the water is excellent for soothing travel fatigue. A well-maintained swimming pool and a fitness center are available, providing additional recreational options. For families, a game center is a popular feature, keeping children entertained. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported inconsistent or non-existent connections in their rooms, though the front desk often provided portable devices as a solution. Vending machines are present on various levels, offering convenience, but some guests noted the absence of an ice machine or limited stock. Laundry facilities are available, though some experienced issues with the dryers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms, often featuring both Western beds and traditional Japanese tatami areas, providing ample space to relax. Many rooms offer pleasant views of the surrounding mountains or gardens, contributing to a serene atmosphere. While some guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, a recurring concern was the dated decor and general signs of age, with some mentioning a moldy smell in hallways or rooms, or finding stained linens and worn furniture. Bed comfort received mixed reviews, with some finding the beds comfortable for a restful sleep, while others described them as uncomfortable. Noise levels were generally reported as low, contributing to a quiet atmosphere, though some minor issues were noted. In-room amenities include a hot water kettle, but some guests wished for bottled water and coffee/creamer.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, described as delicious, varied, and offering a wide selection of options, often enjoyed with pleasant views from the restaurant. However, the hotel's restaurant operates on a strict reservation system, requiring bookings several days in advance for both dinner and sometimes breakfast. This policy proved inconvenient for many guests, especially given the limited dining options in the immediate vicinity. Many guests found themselves needing to purchase food from nearby convenience stores due to the inability to secure a reservation or the early closing times of other local eateries. This aspect often led to frustration, as guests felt constrained in their food choices during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's secluded location amidst the mountains and forest offers a peaceful environment, but it can be challenging to access without a car. While a shuttle bus service to Gora station is available and appreciated by many, its limited operating hours, especially in the evening, can be inconvenient. Guests relying on public transportation noted that the nearest bus stops often involve an uphill walk on narrow, unlit roads, which can be difficult with luggage or at night. Despite the isolation, the hotel's proximity to Yunessan (a water park) is a significant advantage, being just a short walk away. Parking is available and generally sufficient for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendly and helpful service. Many guests highlighted their attentiveness, willingness to assist with inquiries, and efforts to ensure a pleasant stay, even when facing language barriers. The check-in process is generally described as efficient. Staff members were often commended for their proactive assistance, such as providing portable Wi-Fi devices when in-room connections were poor or offering directions to local attractions. However, some guests reported less positive interactions, particularly concerning non-smoking room requests, where initial responses were sometimes unaccommodating before a solution was found. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing attentive assistance is a recurring positive theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of an onsen tax that is typically charged upon check-out, regardless of whether the onsen facilities are used. While the hotel offers various recreational activities, some amenities, such as table tennis, incur an additional fee, which some guests felt should be complimentary. A unique and appreciated feature is the hotel's manga library, allowing guests to borrow comics to enjoy in their rooms, adding a thoughtful touch to the leisure options available. The hotel's policy regarding restaurant reservations is a significant point to note, as it requires planning well in advance due to limited capacity and the lack of nearby alternatives.