Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa: A Michelin Key Selected Retreat in Japan's Hot Spring Country

The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, consistently praised for its serene atmosphere, attentive service, and blend of Western comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Guests frequently describe their stays as "fantastic," "amazing," and "exemplary," highlighting it as a top choice for a relaxing getaway in Hakone.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is highly positive, with many guests considering it a luxurious and memorable experience. Reviewers often use terms like "Fantastic!" and "Amazing accommodation," praising its ability to offer a serene escape. The hotel's selection for the Michelin Key further underscores its high quality and significant contribution to the guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the resort:

• Service: The staff are frequently described as "attentive," "helpful," "friendly," and "professional," with many speaking fluent English, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design, blending Western comforts with a clean Japanese minimalist aesthetic, is a significant draw. The "Living Room," with its large indoor open fireplace, is often cited as a highlight, providing a cozy and communal space to relax.
• Amenities: The on-site hot springs (onsen) are a major attraction, described as beautiful and relaxing, open 24 hours a day for guests to enjoy the natural spring water. The complimentary evening drinks (especially for Globalists) offered in the Living Room are also a much-appreciated perk. Pet-friendly rooms are available.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency Hakone are noted for their spaciousness, ranging from 56 to 93 square meters. They seamlessly integrate Western comforts with Japanese design, offering a tranquil and stylish environment. All 80 rooms feature a private sun terrace or balcony, allowing guests to connect with the surrounding nature. Bathrooms are often large, with some suites boasting deep whirlpool jacuzzi tubs. Guests are also provided with traditional yukatas. Both Western-style and tatami rooms are available, catering to different preferences for a traditional Japanese experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at the resort is a significant highlight for many:

• Breakfast: Often described as "exemplary," "incredible," and "five-star," the breakfast offers a wide variety of options, including both a superb Western buffet and traditional Japanese dishes, many cooked to order. Sashimi is even available from the start of the day.
• Dinner: The hotel features an Italian restaurant, which receives positive remarks. Additionally, there is a kaiseki/omakase restaurant in the lower level, praised for its quality though sometimes considered overpriced. The Dining Room serves authentic French and Japanese cuisine, utilizing local ingredients from the Hakone region and Sagami Bay.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hyatt Regency Hakone is consistently lauded as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the "beautiful staff" for their attentiveness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Many staff members speak fluent English, aiding international travelers. The hotel is known for its warm and welcoming service, creating a "home-like atmosphere," with staff sometimes remembering guest preferences. Managers have been noted for going "above and beyond" for guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is situated in Gora, Hakone, a renowned hot spring town at the foot of Mount Fuji, approximately an hour and a half from central Tokyo. The location offers scenic mountain and hill views. While it's a resort hotel, guests appreciate the complimentary shuttle service from Gora Station and Odawara Station, making transportation convenient. Hakone itself is hilly, and the hotel is positioned between the train arrival point and the main tourist loop, with attractions like the Hakone Open Air Museum within reach.

7. Value & Pricing

The Hyatt Regency Hakone is considered a luxurious experience that offers good value for money, especially compared to the average hotel prices in Hakone. While a typical room averages around $475, the average hotel in Hakone is about $329. Breakfast buffet costs approximately ¥4600 (around $30 USD), and dinner kaiseki courses can range from ¥14,000 to ¥15,000. Prices can fluctuate significantly, with February often being the cheapest month and December the most expensive.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, some recurring criticisms include:

• Onsen Experience: The onsen, while appreciated, is indoor-only. Some guests feel it resembles a large heated pool more than an authentic outdoor hot spring and note the absence of a sauna or cold plunge pool.
• Dining Cost: The sushi restaurant and some kaiseki options are sometimes described as being overpriced.
• Amenities Lacking: A few reviews mention the absence of a gym and occasional slow internet speeds.
• Shuttle Restrictions: The complimentary shuttle bus service does not accommodate pets or children under six years old.
• Atmosphere: While generally positive, some older reviews have suggested a lack of a "wow factor" or a somewhat "corporate ambience," distinguishing it from a more traditional ryokan experience.
• Occupancy Tax: An occupancy tax may be charged even on stays booked with points.

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