Kuretake Inn Gotemba Inter Gold Cabin

This hotel is highly regarded for its strategic location right by the Gotemba Interchange, making it exceptionally convenient for travelers arriving by car. Its signature feature is the combination of affordability and a highly praised breakfast, which consistently exceeds guest expectations for value. The hotel caters well to business travelers seeking a practical and efficient stay, race enthusiasts due to its excellent access to Fuji Speedway, and sightseers looking to explore the Hakone and Lake Ashi areas, with the added bonus of potential Mt. Fuji views from some rooms. For an enhanced experience, guests are advised to inquire about rooms offering views of Mt. Fuji and to take full advantage of the complimentary welcome drink service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though some are met with mixed feedback. There is a large public bath, which many guests appreciate for relaxation, although some note its small size, accommodating only a few people at a time, and that it uses transported hot spring water rather than natural spring water. The women's bath specifically requires a key and has a time limit. Guests consistently praise the complimentary welcome drink service, often including beer, and the readily available coffee maker in the lobby, which also provides iced coffee. Additional conveniences include a selection of manga for guest entertainment, an amenities buffet, and access to a microwave, hot water dispenser, and ice machine. While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported issues with weak or intermittent connections.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests find the beds comfortable and the rooms generally clean upon arrival. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns about the overall cleanliness and age of the facilities. Issues reported include dust accumulation, cobwebs, stains on carpets and walls, mold in bathrooms and around window frames, and a persistent cigarette smell even in designated non-smoking rooms. Some rooms are described as dark, and the air conditioning can be old or ineffective. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, particularly in the cabin-style rooms where partitions offer limited sound insulation, leading to disturbances from snoring and hallway noise. Regular rooms also suffer from thin walls, allowing sounds from neighboring rooms to be heard.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often cited as a standout feature. It is described as a buffet with a good variety of both Japanese and Western options, including popular items like curry and Nagoya-style Napolitan. Many guests enjoy the opportunity to dine with a view of Mt. Fuji from the window seats in the dining area. The quality of the food is frequently highlighted as excellent, exceeding expectations for a hotel of its type. While there is no room service, the complimentary welcome drink offered in the evening is a popular amenity, allowing guests to enjoy a beverage, often including beer, before heading out or settling in for the night.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, situated directly adjacent to the Gotemba Interchange, making it exceptionally convenient for guests traveling by car. It offers excellent access to Fuji Speedway and is a good base for exploring the Hakone and Lake Ashi areas. Guests appreciate the convenience of a convenience store located directly across the street and a supermarket within a five-minute walk. While some guests note that dining options immediately surrounding the hotel are somewhat limited, requiring a short drive for more variety, the accessibility to major roads and essential services is highly valued. Parking is available on-site, though spaces can be limited, and guests may be directed to nearby lots during peak times.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as guiding guests to alternative parking or facilitating room changes. Many repeat guests note that staff members remember them, contributing to a welcoming and personalized experience. Specific services like the welcome drink and the availability of rental umbrellas and bicycles are also appreciated. While the vast majority of feedback on staff is overwhelmingly positive, there have been a few isolated reports of less helpful interactions, particularly concerning booking discrepancies or specific cleanliness issues.

Additional Information
The hotel features unique cabin-style rooms, which are a budget-friendly option providing a bed within a partitioned space. While these offer good value for short stays, guests should be aware that the partition walls do not fully extend to the ceiling, leading to potential issues with noise and light from neighboring cabins. The hotel provides earplugs and eye masks to mitigate these concerns. The building itself is noted to be older and somewhat dated, reflecting its age. There have been recurring issues reported regarding a pervasive cigarette smell in some areas, even in non-smoking rooms. Additionally, some guests have reported isolated incidents of staff entering rooms without prior knocking, which is a significant concern regarding privacy.