Hotel Marroad Hakone

I stayed at Marroad Hakone, a place I’d been curious about for a while.It was very relaxing and I had a wonderful time.The exterior, lobby, and restaurant feel classic and substantial, while the Room has been renovated—simple and functional.Until dinner, the lounge offered a free-flow drink service. I enjoyed making my own sparkling drinks and taking it slow with some finger foods while looking out at Mt. Daimonji.Above all, what deserves special mention is how delicious the food was.Each dish was both elegant and hearty, and everything—from the bread to the coffee—was excellent.Personally, my favorite was the rich chestnut-kabocha potage.For breakfast, I initially thought it might be a bit light, but it came with a croque monsieur alongside the main dish, so I ended up completely full.The bath was exactly what you’d expect from Gora Onsen.With its milky water and hydrogen sulfide scent, I stayed warm for a long time even after getting out. It eased all my travel fatigue—truly great therapeutic effects.The staff’s service also struck just the right balance of attentiveness and distance; it suited the Hotel perfectly.I’d love to visit again.For my own reference, notes on amenities:Shampoo: A KOSÉ product. It was my first time using this brand; it made my hair incredibly smooth and moisturized. I wanted to buy some as a souvenir but couldn’t find it in the shop.Loungewear: The selectable yukata are cute. It gets a little cold when sleeping, so bringing lightweight loungewear was the right call.Towels: Thick and fluffy. One towel is enough to dry both body and hair completely.

When we arrived at the Hotel, I told my companion, “Sorry—I think I messed up.” The only thing that gave me doubts was the exterior. But once inside, it was surprisingly clean and nice. We checked in fairly early this time, and there was a free-flow drink service until 6:00 p.m.—all-you-can-drink beverages including alcohol, plus light snacks. Lucky! We definitely enjoyed it (haha), then headed to the Onsen. The temperature was perfect for me, and although it’s small, there’s also a sauna. Changing clothes again is a bit of a hassle, but we went to the restaurant. I wasn’t starving because of the drinks… but everything was delicious! It was outstanding—I even had seconds of bread. The morning omelet was also on a level I could never make at home! A group of women nearby seemed to be repeat guests and said the food here is great. I completely agree. I want to come again.