Hakone Elecasa Hotel and Spa
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 52 reviews
Set on a wooded slope in Hakone, Kanagawa, Hakone Elecasa Hotel and Spa presents a contemporary retreat that frames mountain scenery and, on clear days, distant views toward Mount Fuji. The property pairs clean-lined interiors with large windows, a terrace and a garden that extend the public spaces into the landscape. An on-site Italian restaurant serves a menu focused on local ingredients from a dining room positioned to take advantage of the panorama, while a small bar and lounge offer relaxed evening service.
Guest rooms range from compact doubles to larger twin and suite-style accommodations, several of which feature private open-air baths on the balcony for in-room soaking. Standard amenities include coffee and tea facilities, a minibar, climate control and complimentary Wi‑Fi; bathrooms are equipped to a hotel standard with bidet fittings. Shared facilities comprise a spacious communal hot-spring bath, lounge areas looking out over the garden, and simple spa treatments available by reservation. Practical conveniences include on-site parking and daily dining options with breakfast served in Western styles.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Elecasa Hotel and Spa
Positive Reviews
Exceptional and attentive staff
Guests consistently praised friendly, helpful and accommodating staff who anticipated needs, provided thoughtful service and made stays comfortable.
Private onsen and excellent on-site baths
Multiple reviews highlighted the private in‑room/open‑air hot spring baths as a standout feature — relaxing, therapeutic and used frequently during stays.
High-quality dining and presentation
Meals were described as meticulously prepared by top chefs, beautifully presented and delicious (multi‑course dinners and breakfasts that make dining a special experience).
Excellent spa and massage services
The spa and massage treatments were rated very highly — professional staff and memorable treatments that guests recommended.
Beautiful setting, views and comfortable rooms
The property’s location in nature, scenic views (even glimpses of Mt. Fuji on clear days), spacious, clean rooms and a peaceful atmosphere were repeatedly praised.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport difficulties
The hotel is high up and quite remote; guests reported unclear directions, limited taxi availability, long waits at stations, and inconsistent shuttle information — making arrival/departure awkward unless transport is prearranged.
Dining cost and reservation policies
Many guests found on‑site meals expensive or felt obliged to eat at the hotel due to the remote location; others noted the large portion sizes and that meal reservations must be made well in advance (often 24 hours).
Communication and clarity issues
Information about the shuttle, exact location/access routes and meal reservation requirements was sometimes unclear; language barriers were mentioned occasionally, leading to minor misunderstandings.
Minor room comfort and maintenance issues
A few guests reported small comfort or maintenance concerns such as insufficient or flat pillows, firm mattresses, air‑conditioning performance, stingy wine pours or a broken hot‑water handle.
Restrictive policies and occasional inflexibility
Some visitors experienced strict rules or limited flexibility (for example restrictions affecting tattooed guests using communal baths, strict checkout enforcement and additional charges), which negatively affected their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two guests; some suites can accommodate up to four (with futon). Children are not accepted and the minimum check‑in age is 18.
The property has public hot spring baths and several room types feature private open‑air onsen. Note that public bath rules apply and guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas.
Yes, the hotel offers a shuttle/transfer service; schedules and pick‑up points vary, so contact the property in advance to reserve a seat and confirm times.
The hotel is about 106 km from Haneda; the usual route is train to Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto then the Hakone Tozan Railway/cable car and a short taxi or hotel shuttle to the property.
Staff provide multilingual support and English communication is available for common guest requests.
There is one on‑site restaurant, CASAMIA, serving Italian cuisine and offering breakfast and dinner; the property emphasizes a blend of local hospitality and Italian dining.
The hotel is near Gora (about 1.8 km) and convenient for the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Gora Park, and the Hakone Ropeway among other local sights.
Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway is the closest (roughly 1.8 km); from there you can take the hotel shuttle, a short taxi ride, or walk (about 25–35 minutes depending on pace).
Check‑in is from 15:00 to 17:00 and check‑out is from 08:00 to 10:00; you must inform the property of your expected arrival time in advance.
Some rooms include private in‑room baths and private use options may be possible by request—ask the hotel directly; pets are not allowed. Convenience stores and supermarkets are available within a short drive or in nearby Gora/Hakone‑Yumoto.