HESTA Hakone – GUEST HOUSE –
7,6/10 Very good - Based on 307 reviews
HESTA Hakone – Guest House is a compact ryokan-style guesthouse set on the western side of Hakone, positioned to serve as a base for Lake Ashi, Togendai and the Owakudani area. The property combines traditional Japanese-room configurations—tatami areas with futons—and Western-style twin rooms, plus dormitory options, so it can accommodate solo travelers, couples and small groups seeking a straightforward stay. With a calm, wooded outlook and immediate access to local transport hubs, the house provides easy routes for short excursions around Hakone’s lakeside and volcanic sights while delivering the experience of a ryokan with onsen in Hakone.
Facilities are focused and practical: a public onsen (hot-spring bath) is available to guests, communal lounge space is provided for socialising, and standard amenities include air conditioning, luggage safes and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Room types vary between shared-bath arrangements and units with private bathrooms, and the guest house offers free on-site parking for those arriving by car. Check-in and check-out windows are set to standard evening and morning hours, and there is a late-night door policy restricting entry during early-morning hours; families should note the property’s guidance on child age limits for stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: HESTA Hakone – GUEST HOU
Positive Reviews
Onsen / public bath praised
Multiple guests highlight the onsen as a major plus — pleasant, well-equipped, clean and relaxing with toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, hairdryer), and in some rooms the onsen offers nice views.
Very close to Lake Ashi
Many reviewers appreciate the property's proximity to Lake Ashi and local attractions (ferry, cable car), making it convenient for sightseeing and walking to the lakeside.
Comfortable traditional rooms
Guests like the traditional Japanese-style rooms (tatami or beds choice), describing them as spacious and atmospheric; several mention roomy bedding or large futons/comforters that made the stay pleasant.
Cleanliness and bathroom amenities
Clean facilities and well-stocked bathroom amenities receive positive comments — towels, cotton buds, and complimentary kimono/sleep kit (yukata, slippers, toothbrush) were appreciated by travelers.
Friendly, helpful staff and English service
Staff friendliness and helpfulness are noted several times; some guests specifically mention a receptionist with good English, which improved their stay.
Negative Reviews
Limited on-site food options
Several guests report there is no hotel restaurant despite some listings implying otherwise; only vending machines or frozen/snack options are available, and no breakfast or café service is provided — nearby dining can be far or closes early.
Remote location and transport constraints
Although near the lake, many found the property somewhat isolated from town centers; buses are infrequent, some stop early in the evening, and reaching restaurants or services can require a long ride or a car.
Thin mattresses in dorms
Multiple reviewers complained dormitory mattresses are very thin and uncomfortable (feeling the bed slats), impacting sleep quality for some guests.
Shared bathing only / lack of private showers
The bathroom is the public onsen and there are no private in-room showers for many room types; this arrangement can be awkward for guests who prefer individual bathrooms or are uncomfortable with communal bathing.
Extra charges, limited staff presence and occasional noise
Some guests noted extra fees (e.g., luggage storage charge) and limited staff availability; others experienced noisy dormmates or reception issues which affected their experience and perception of value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from dormitory beds to private Japanese‑style rooms; some Japanese rooms sleep up to five guests on futons while other rooms suit two to three guests—check the specific room type for exact capacity.
Yes — the property has a public hot spring bath (onsen) for guests to use; it is a shared facility rather than a private in‑room bath.
Private onsens are not advertised; the property offers a shared public bath, and pets are not permitted on the premises.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed for the property; most guests arrive by train, local bus, ropeway or taxi, and the ryokan has free on‑site parking for private cars.
Most visitors travel from Tokyo airports to Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto by train, then use the Hakone buses, ropeway or a short taxi ride to reach Togendai and the ryokan (Togendai is about 1.2 km away).
Yes — staff can communicate in English, and Japanese is of course spoken on site.
Standard check‑in is from 16:00 to 21:00 and check‑out is from 07:00 to 10:00.
This is a no‑meal guest house with vending machines on site; you will find restaurants, cafes and convenience stores in the nearby Togendai/Lake Ashi area and a selection of local eateries within a short drive or bus ride.
The ryokan is convenient for Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway and Togendai, Owakudani Valley, the Hakone Glass Museum and several local shrines and walking trails.
Expect traditional elements such as tatami floors and futons in some rooms, communal onsen bathing, simple guest‑house facilities and a quiet setting suited to an authentic, low‑key Hakone stay.