Hotel de Yama, Hakone-Machi

Travelling by myself in July of 2007, I found myself in Moto-Hakone not knowing where I was going to stay. Didn't want to backtrack to the youth hostels a couple of busses and easily an hour away. All the hotels in town were sold out, but I had noticed Hotel de Yama's shuttle bus schedule at the bus stop, so I called and they had one room left at $200 including breakfast. GULP! I was told I could easily walk there in about 10 minutes by following the lakeshore. I'm glad I did. It was a beautiful, evening stroll that led me to a giant, lit up torii gate in the water and just past that was the hotel. From beginning to end, it was excellent. My room felt more like luxurious, small SUITE. The onsen pool may have been RELATIVELY small, but everything about it felt luxurious including the stand-up shower with 6 showerheads/spouts. I want one of those! Having 2 free massage chairs, a foot plus a back massage added to the feeling of luxury and relaxation. Breakfast the next morning was lovely and the wait staff was excellent. Felt as if I was at a very high class hotel. Location is excellent. Every room has a view of the lake. The grounds are gorgeous even if their famous azalea garden isn't in bloom. Unfortunately, the timing and weather wasn't working with me. No sighting of Fuji. There is a free shuttle bus running until late afternoon if you need one cuz of luggage. I walked in with a knapsack, looking a little worse for wear, but I was treated like royalty. Then again, that's the way customer service is in Japan, isn't it! Loved it!! WELL WORTH THE TREAT!!!! GO!!!

In a word, this hotel is OUSTANDING value for your money. Yes, the public bath is a bit small, but the hotel is not promoted as a hot spring resort, but rather, as a high class hotel with an outstanding view of the lake, and moreover, stunning Mt. Fuji (especially in the winter). The rooms are clean and simple, and the food is great. As far as needing a shuttle to get into town, the town is only a 10 minute walk! Further, Hakone Shrine, which is also beautiful, is right next door.