Merveille Hakone Gora
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 145 reviews
Merveille Hakone Gora sits in the Gora neighbourhood of Hakone, a short walk from Gora Park and within easy reach of the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the ropeway. The property operates a complimentary shuttle from Gora Station and provides on-site parking, making transfers and day trips around the Hakone area straightforward. Rooms range from compact western-style doubles to larger family layouts and suites with mountain views and terraces; in-room amenities commonly include air conditioning, a small fridge, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV, and guests are supplied with traditional yukata for in-house wear.
The ryokan offers a public hot-spring bath supplied by local Gora springs alongside a hot tub and sauna for communal use, and a selection of room types include private open-air bathtubs for in-room soaking; private baths are available in specific room categories and should be confirmed at booking. Spa services and in-room massages can be arranged for an additional fee, and the property maintains daily housekeeping. For visitors seeking a classic bathing stay, this ryokan with onsen in Hakone combines communal onsen facilities with the option of more secluded in-room bathing.
Food service focuses on seasonal Japanese cuisine: traditional multi-course dinners are presented in the dining room and mornings feature Japanese-style breakfast selections. The hotel also highlights a tea bar and small wellness offerings that reflect local ingredients and medicinal tea traditions mentioned in guest accounts. With straightforward transport links, varied room types including options with private open-air baths, and dining centred on kaiseki-style meals, the property functions as a practical ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for travellers prioritising a balanced onsen experience and access to Hakone’s cultural sites.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Merveille Hakone Gora
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience (private & public)
Many guests praised the onsen facilities — private in-room baths and public hot springs — noting relaxing sulphur hot spring water, complimentary icedrops after bathing, and overall soothing, peaceful bathing experiences.
High-quality meals and tea bar
Numerous reviews highlighted outstanding Japanese-style breakfasts and kaiseki-like dinners, fresh wholesome ingredients, and a popular medicinal tea bar with free after-dinner drinks and a good variety of snacks and beverages.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms and amenities
Guests repeatedly described rooms as large, clean and comfortable, often newly renovated, with useful amenities such as yukata, towels, night lights, USB chargers and extra toiletries; some rooms include private outdoor cedar baths and balconies.
Friendly, helpful staff and shuttle service
Staff were generally noted as polite and helpful; many appreciated the free shuttle from Gora station/train station and the overall attentive service that enhanced the traditional Japanese experience.
Convenient, scenic location
Location received praise for mountain/onsen views, proximity to the ropeway/funiculaire/Gora station, nearby restaurants and a convenience store, and easy access to local attractions and a pizza/craft beer bar next door.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent cleanliness and aging areas in some rooms
A few guests reported older or slightly musty room bathrooms with rust or worn finishes, and isolated comments about public onsen or private bathrooms not being fully clean, indicating variability in upkeep across rooms.
Privacy and exposure of some private baths
Some private outdoor baths were described as exposed to the road or neighboring houses, requiring guests to be careful with privacy when using the bath on the balcony.
WiFi and connectivity issues
Several reviews mentioned slow WiFi or limited coverage in rooms, which affected connectivity during stays.
Booking/check-in and reception availability problems
There were reports of booking mix-ups (difficulty linking/editing reservations), long tablet-based check-in times, restrictive reception desk hours, and at least one instance of staff not being available to help with luggage or departures.
Access, noise and practical inconveniences
Guests warned about the steep, sometimes slippery approach to the entrance (difficult when wet) and tight parking; other minor issues included early/limited restaurant opening hours nearby, occasional noise from a restaurant beneath rooms, lack of blackout curtains and limited meal time windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room maximums vary by room type—check the specific room occupancy when booking; the property offers rooms for couples and families and children are welcome, but cribs and extra beds are not available so list children’s ages at booking.
Yes; the property has a public Gora hot‑spring bath as well as a jacuzzi and sauna for guests.
The hotel lists public hot‑spring baths, a jacuzzi and sauna; private in‑room onsens are not advertised, so contact the property directly to request or confirm private options.
Yes; a free shuttle runs from Gora Station (pick‑ups typically operate between 15:00 and 18:00), and the hotel is also about a five‑minute walk from the station—call the property on arrival for pickup.
From Tokyo/airports, most guests travel by train to Odawara then take the Odakyu/Hakone Tozan line to Gora Station; from Gora Station the ryokan is a short walk or reachable by the hotel shuttle.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is around 10:00; guests with dinner included must check in by 18:00 to be served dinner, and non‑meal guests should reserve on‑site meals in advance.
Staff can assist with local directions, reservations and transport arrangements, but Japanese is the primary language—expect limited English support and contact the hotel ahead for specific assistance.
The ryokan serves traditional kaiseki multi‑course dinners and Japanese set or buffet breakfasts; guests are provided yukata robes and can enjoy Japanese dining in the hotel’s restaurant—notify the hotel of dietary needs in advance.
Pets are not allowed and the property does not permit parties or large events; for any requests about private use of facilities, contact the hotel in advance to discuss availability.
Merveille Hakone Gora sits beside Gora Park and is within a short walk of the Hakone Open‑Air Museum; convenience stores, restaurants and other local shops are available a few minutes’ walk from the ryokan.