Setsugetsuka is highly regarded among travelers for its picturesque location in Hakone, providing convenient access to local attractions, including the Hakone Cable Car, thanks to its prime position near Gora Station. The warm hospitality begins immediately upon arrival, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere as guests are offered traditional yukatas. The hotel’s serene surroundings and lovely rooms, complete with luxurious hinoki baths, further affirm its appeal as a fantastic choice for travelers seeking both accessibility and tranquility.
Guests particularly praise the authentic Japanese breakfast, which showcases a variety of traditional flavors in a kaiseki-style presentation. While the abundant breakfast may feel overwhelming for some, the unique opportunity to grill salmon adds to the memorable culinary experience. Additionally, dinner at Setsugetsuka is noted for its excellence, especially the kaiseki option, which consistently exceeds expectations with its flavorful seafood dishes and generous portions. The shabu-shabu, while considered plainer, still contributes to a satisfying dining experience, enhanced by the thoughtful service and pleasant atmosphere.
The rooms at Setsugetsuka blend comfort with traditional charm, often praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness. Private onsens offer a personalized hot spring experience, highly valued despite sometimes not matching the grandeur depicted in photos. Though some rooms could benefit from updates, the overall impression is one of comfort and luxury, complemented by beautiful tatami areas and a serene atmosphere. Cleanliness is consistently maintained, particularly in public areas, though minor improvements in room detail maintenance are noted.
Setsugetsuka's staff is a standout attribute, described as lovely, friendly, and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The team's efficiency and politeness significantly enhance the guest experience, contributing to a comfortable and special stay. Their ability to assist with various needs and communicate in English for international guests is frequently appreciated.
Despite mixed feelings regarding the comfort of the mattresses, guests generally enjoy comfortable bedding and clean linens, particularly praising the futons. While some aspects of the hotel's age and condition detract from its appeal, the exceptional public bath and the traditional aspects offered continue to be valued by visitors, ensuring Setsugetsuka remains a compelling destination.
Categories
3 Star
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Room Types
Double room with Open-Air Bath 19㎡ - Compact room with no view All guestrooms feature air-conditioning and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, personal locker, green tea set and refrigerator. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Some rooms feature an open-air bath, while others have a private bathroom.
Twin Room with Private BathroomAll guestrooms feature air-conditioning and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, personal locker, green tea set and refrigerator. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Some rooms feature an open-air bath, while others have a private bathroom.
Standard Room with Tatami Area and Open-Air BathAll guestrooms feature air-conditioning and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, personal locker, green tea set and refrigerator. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Some rooms feature an open-air bath, while others have a private bathroom.
Superior Room with Tatami Area and Open-Air BathAll guestrooms feature air-conditioning and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, personal locker, green tea set and refrigerator. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Some rooms feature an open-air bath, while others have a private bathroom.
Standard Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer and slippers. This twin room features air conditioning, heating, a TV and mountain views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Review Summaries
Summarized by AI
Location
Nestled on top of a mountain in the beautiful region of Hakone, Setsugetsuka boasts a prime location that caters perfectly to travelers seeking convenience and scenic beauty. This hotel enjoys an excellent position right in front of Gora Station, making it extremely accessible with just a short, two-minute stroll from the station. Its close proximity to both train and bus stations allows easy travel to various attractions around Hakone, offering guests an ideal base for sightseeing adventures.
The hotel's location is praised for providing great access to the Hakone Cable Car, which facilitates transportation around the picturesque area. Visitors are quick to note the convenience of Setsugetsuka's setting, allowing seamless navigation and exploration of the locale. Despite an initial challenge in finding the hotel, due to its somewhat tucked-away positioning, local residents are eager to assist, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and at ease.
Beyond the strategic location, guests find themselves captivated by the beautiful surroundings, enhancing their overall experience. Upon arrival, guests are embraced by warm hospitality, as they are offered a traditional yukata to wear for dinner. The hotel is further appreciated for its lovely rooms and the luxurious hinoki bath, adding to the delightful stay. All these attributes combine to affirm Setsugetsuka's reputation as a fantastic choice for travelers, blending accessibility with the charm and tranquility of the Hakone area.
Breakfast
Setsugetsuka offers an authentic Japanese culinary experience, with breakfast being a highlight for many guests. The kaiseki-style breakfast is noted for its variety, abundance, and traditional flavors, ensuring that diners feel satisfied well into the day. Meals are described as plentiful and delicious, with the traditional fare being both a cultural experience and a hearty start to the day. Breakfast is served between 7 AM and 9 AM, also featuring unique elements like the opportunity to grill salmon, contributing to a memorable gastronomic journey.
While the breakfast is exclusively Japanese and can be too copious for some, it is generally appreciated for its taste and presentation. This immersive dining approach may not suit everyone's palate, especially those traveling with young children or those accustomed to different meal options. Although cleaning and attention to detail have occasionally been called out for improvement, the overall dining experience provided by Setsugetsuka is fulfilling and enriching, offering guests a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine that is appreciable and substantial.
Dinner
Setsugetsuka offers a dining experience that most guests find excellent and enjoyable, particularly for those who appreciate traditional Japanese cuisine. The dinner service runs conveniently from 8 PM to 9:30 PM, but it requires booking by 2 PM. Guests have the option between two distinct dinner styles: Hanabana, which features kaiseki cuisine, and Fuugetsu, offering shabu-shabu. While the kaiseki meals consistently receive high praise for being amazing and exceeding expectations, the shabu-shabu is described as somewhat plain. Nevertheless, the meals are recognized for their generous portions and flavorful dishes, especially the seafood options that impress many guests. Though some reviews mention that the food is average or just okay, most agree that the meal is hearty, delicious, and very impressive overall. The thoughtfulness of the staff and the overall atmosphere of the establishment contribute significantly to the dining experience, leaving guests satisfied and without regrets.
Rooms
Setsugetsuka offers a blend of comfort and traditional charm in its rooms, which are often praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness. Many guests appreciate the large size of the rooms, providing plenty of space to relax and spread out, making them especially suitable for groups or families. The rooms are equipped with all necessary comforts, and the beds are frequently highlighted as being exceptionally comfortable.
One of the standout features of the accommodation is the private onsen or open-air baths available in some rooms, offering a unique experience of relaxation and tranquility. While the private onsens sometimes don't match the grandeur depicted in photos, they remain popular among guests for the personalized hot spring experience they provide.
Though some reviews mention that the rooms could benefit from updates, including addressing worn-out aspects and a few maintenance issues like mild noise from air conditioning, the overall impression is one of comfort and luxury. The beautiful tatami areas add a touch of authenticity and cultural immersion.
Guests also enjoy the serene atmosphere, which complements the architectural beauty and the delightful culinary experience at Setsugetsuka. With outdoor access for direct hot spring bathing and consistently praised cleanliness, the rooms at Setsugetsuka provide a pleasing retreat, marrying spaciousness with traditional aesthetics.
Beds
Setsugetsuka offers a comfortable experience with its bedding options, though opinions vary. Many guests find the rooms to be clean and the beds and futons to be comfortable, contributing to an enjoyable stay. Futons, in particular, often receive praise for their comfort, coupled with clean and comfortable linens. However, there are mixed feelings regarding the mattresses, with some guests noting issues like sagging or thin cushions, which may lead to discomfort for certain visitors. Overall, while the bedding generally enhances the experience, some improvements could be made to ensure consistent comfort across all accommodations.
Cleanliness
Setsugetsuka offers visitors comfortable and spacious rooms, ensuring guests can relax in a clean and tidy setting. Despite some comments pointing out the age and wear of the furnishings, the property maintains a peaceful ambiance, contributing positively to the overall experience. The hotel's bathrooms, including the impressive women's onsen and public baths, are well-run and consistently maintained with cleanliness. While room cleanliness is appreciated, there are noted instances where improvements could be made, especially regarding detailed attention and updating furniture. The hotel stands out for its cleanliness in the public areas, though some aspects within individual rooms could benefit from refinement.
Staff
Setsugetsuka is complemented by a dedicated team that strives to offer an outstanding experience for its guests. The staff is consistently described as lovely, friendly, and attentive, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their kindness, involvement, and efficiency stand out, with many guests appreciating the quick and polite responses provided by the team. Whether it's the restaurant wait staff or those at the front desk, the level of service remains high, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and special throughout their stay. The team's ability to assist with various needs, such as holding luggage after check-out, is frequently noted, highlighting their helpfulness. Furthermore, their capacity to communicate in English enhances the guest experience for international visitors. Despite one mention of service not meeting expectations, the overall impression paints a picture of a courteous and engaging staff dedicated to guest satisfaction.
3 Star
Setsugetsuka offers a mixed experience for travelers, with several notable highlights and areas for improvement. The public bath stands out as a truly exceptional facility, providing guests with a relaxing and enjoyable experience. While the meals are generally described as delicious and satisfying, the selection is considered average by some, though a traditional breakfast provides a unique cultural experience. The staff appears to be dedicated, albeit occasionally hurried, which can impact the overall atmosphere. However, the property's dated and shabby state, along with maintenance issues, detracts from its appeal. The cleanliness of the bathroom and the general upkeep could be improved to better align with the expectations of a four-star establishment. Despite these drawbacks, Setsugetsuka offers certain traditional aspects that are appreciated by visitors.
FAQ
No, Setsugetsuka doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Setsugetsuka.
No, Setsugetsuka doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Setsugetsuka.
