Because it stands on the Sengokuhara plateau and is surrounded by mountains, the Palace Hotel Hakone is remote from noise and clamor. We can enjoy the beautiful Hakone mountain range from every window in the hotel. The top of snow-covered Mt. Fuji can be seen from the hotel entrance on sunny mornings. My husband and I stayed here in the middle of winter. Outside, it was freezing cold but my eyes constantly fell on flowers all over the inside of the hotel. Later, when I found the reason for this, I felt my heart warmed: They have their own greenhouses and raise a variety of flowers throughout the year.
Rooms & Hot Spring Bath
Our room was quite simple but just fine. The hotel’s hot spring baths are located on the third floor. Both the inside baths and outdoor baths were big, sunny and totally relaxing. Another nice surprise: You can walk down to the bath in a traditional yukata style robe, and slippers, that you will find in your room. But please do not wear these in the lobby area or restaurant. Finally, you don’t need to bring a towel, shampoo and so on to the baths—Everything is set out and waiting for you there.
When we were there, gorgeous, traditional Japanese Girls’ Festival dolls were on display in the main lobby. We call them “Hina-kazari.” Those dolls are typically decorated in kimono from the Heian era (794-1185 AD).
Restaurants
We have three choices: Casual-western, Japanese, and French. There are no restaurants and shops around the hotel, so if you check in too late to eat at the hotel restaurants, you need to bring some food with you. We bought some local sake, snacks, and food at the Ashino-ko Lake area and enjoyed them at our room. But in the morning, we had breakfast at the Casual-western restaurant in the hotel. It was fair, but not great.
Greenhouse
I walked around the garden and greenhouses in the morning. There were huge numbers of pots and well-treated plants. Orchids, poinsettias, lilies, and other beautiful leaves and flowers were placed on the shelves. Bonsai, which are potted dwarf trees, were also being raised with tender loving care. I happened to meet the man who was in charge of the garden greenhouse. He, Mr. Suzuki, modestly told me that he takes care of the plants with pleasure each and every day.
