Unbelievable Hakone Views: Odawara Terminal Hotel's Secret!
Unbelievable Hakone Views: Odawara Terminal Hotel's Secret! - A Totally Honest Review (Plus My Brain Dump of Thoughts!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Hakone and, whew, my brain is still buzzing. I stayed at Unbelievable Hakone Views: Odawara Terminal Hotel's Secret! (that’s a mouthful, isn’t it?) and I'm here to give you the real deal, the unvarnished truth, the good, the bad, and the slightly-less-than-stellar. Plus, my inner monologue, because believe me, she gets loud when I’m traveling.
First things first: Accessibility & Getting There - Oh, the Stairs! (and other accessibility things)
Okay, let's be blunt: accessibility is a mixed bag. I'll try to be as objective as possible. They’ve got an elevator, thank goodness. Thank. Goodness. I'm not exactly a spring chicken. But listen, I’m not sure how it would stack up for someone significantly mobility-impaired. I saw the ramps, but also a lot of stairs in the immediate vicinity of the hotel entrance…and some pretty narrow hallways. So, if you need absolute wheelchair accessibility, call ahead and ask specifically about navigating the entrance, lobby, and restaurant. Don't just assume.
Getting there, well, that's the real adventure. I took the train, easy peasy from Tokyo! But once you're near the hotel? Well, it’s right near Odawara Station, which is great, but depending on your chosen transportation… you might be walking a bit. Check the exact route if you’re lugging a suitcase or have any mobility issues.
Accessibility Score: Mixed. Proceed with caution and verify your specific needs with the hotel beforehand.
The Clean Factor: Germs, My Arch Enemy!
Yeah, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Don’t judge. The hotel did seem to be trying. They had all the buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and they definitely had hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yup, seemed like it. They were masked up and generally trying to avoid spreading anything around. I did opt out of room sanitization during my stay… mainly because I just didn't want people touching my stuff. (I’m weird, I know.) I felt safe-ish. But do I truly believe everything was pristine? Probably not. But I’d give them a solid effort grade.
Cleanliness Score: Thumbs Up for Trying! (And for not making me freak out too much.)
Rooms and Amenities: My Tiny Eden (and Wi-Fi Woes!)
Okay, so they technically have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessss! (My happy dance). And they also have Internet access – wireless in all rooms, which is just the Wi-Fi. But my Wi-Fi? Let's just say it was… temperamental. It worked, sometimes. Other times, it was like wrestling a greased piglet. Thankfully, there's Internet access – LAN, so if you have a device that works better with a cable, you should be okay.
The room itself? Pretty standard, but functional. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Blackout curtains: genius. Seriously. Slept like a log. Bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea, a coffee maker, and a refrigerator? Yes, yes, and yes! Though, I do wish there had been a scale. I'm just saying, after all the food, a girl needs to monitor the damage, am I right? It did have a laptop workspace and desk, which was handy. And the views! Oh. My. God. The views! (More on that later…)
Now, a confession: I'm a sucker for a good bathroom. The bathroom was perfectly adequate. Not luxurious, but clean and functional. Separate shower/bathtub? Score! Toiletries were decent. It was all fine. Did the water pressure blow me away? No. Did I have a minor existential crisis trying to figure out the Japanese toilet controls? Maybe. But hey, at least the water pressure was reliable.
Room Amenities Score: Solid B+. Views bump it up a notch! (But Wi-Fi needs work, people!)
The Unbelievable-ness: Views, Views, Everywhere Views!
Okay, this is the "secret" everyone talks about, and they're not wrong. The views from my room (a high floor, thankfully!) were absolutely breathtaking. I’m serious. Mist-covered mountains, the glimmering lake, the distant… you name it. It was postcard-perfect. I actually woke up early one morning, just to watch the sunrise from my bed. It was truly a moment of zen. You know, right before my stomach growled reminding me I needed coffee. Still, the views are truly the selling point. They live up to the name. I kept thinking, "Oh, WOW!" over and over again.
The View Score: A+! (Seriously, worth it just for this alone!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where My Money Went!
Food, glorious food! The hotel has restaurants and room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver when jetlag hits you at 3 AM. They offer Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, with a buffet in restaurant for breakfast. (Plus, there's Asian breakfast and Western breakfast). I’m not a huge buffet person, but it was good. Lots of choices. The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. They also had a coffee shop by the entrance.
I also spent a bit of time at the bar. They have a happy hour! Score! Decent selection of drinks. They even had some desserts in restaurant. My only gripe is that things were a little… pricey. But what isn’t in a tourist trap?
Dining Score: Solid, but budget-conscious travelers beware!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreamin'
Now here's where things get juicy…and a little disappointing. They have a fitness center, a spa/sauna, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. Sounds amazing, right? Well, the pool…wasn't open when I was there. (Seasonal, I'm told). The gym/fitness was … basic. Think a few treadmills, some weights, and a lot of awkward stares. I skipped the sauna, I tend to overheat easily.
They advertised a spa! I was so excited. Massage, a body wrap, maybe even a body scrub to get rid of my travel aches. But I kept hearing from the front desk, "We are very busy, Madame, all booked." So, I didn't get any of that, and it was a sad day.
Relaxation Score: Potential, but heavily dependent on availability and open pool season
For the Kids & Families
Family/child friendly? Yes. They had babysitting service, a kids meal, and kids facilities available.
For the Kids Score: Good
Services and Conveniences & Getting Around: Help Me!
They have a concierge! Always handy. Daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry service – which took the stress out of my overpacked suitcase. Luggage storage? You bet! Definitely useful. The elevator was also a godsend!
Getting Around: I took the train from Tokyo. The hotel offers a airport transfer (for a fee, of course) and a taxi service. There's also car park [free of charge] and valet parking. It really depends on what you are trying to do.
Services & Convenience Score: Solid. They've got you covered.
My Final Thoughts and the Stream of Consciousness Ramblings:
Okay, so here's the real, unfiltered truth: This hotel has potential. The views are out of this world. The location is convenient. The staff were generally helpful (though some seem just a bit overwhelmed, like me at the buffet). The cleanliness was above average.
The things that could use improvement? The Wi-Fi. The spa availability. Maybe a few more plugs near the bed. The accessibility…that definitely needs a second look.
But honestly? I'd go back. The views, man. They just made everything else a little easier to overlook.
Right, here's that stream-of-consciousness thing I promised (because, well, I can't help it):
- I need to learn some basic Japanese phrases… or download a better translation app.
- The vending machines were dangerously convenient.
- I'm pretty sure I developed a slight obsession with the mini-bar Kit Kats.
- I think I'm still jet-lagged.
- I wish I’d brought a book!
**My Overall Score
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Alexander Cattolica, Italy Awaits!
Odawara: A Hot Mess in Hakone (And I wouldn't have it any other way)
Okay, so I'm in Japan. Specifically, Odawara Terminal Hotel. It’s supposed to be my base camp for conquering Hakone. And honestly? I’m already a walking, talking, jet-lagged disaster. My meticulously planned itinerary? Yeah, let's just say it’s more of a suggestion at this point. Here’s the (rough) roadmap of how this is supposed to go, interspersed with my actual, gloriously messy reality.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and Finding the Freakin’ Convenience Store!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Odawara Station. Transfer to Odawara Terminal Hotel. "Easy peasy," the travel blogs chirped. Lies. Absolute, sugar-coated lies. Finding the right exit from the station was a test of my patience, and I nearly lost it to a vending machine that refused to dispense my desperately needed bottled water. Seriously, Japan, I love you, but sometimes… argh!
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in. Hotel Room Nirvana. (Hopefully.) Spoiler alert: It was! Tiny, functional, with a surprisingly comfy bed. Jackpot!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack, Assess the Damage (aka, my brain), and Attempt to Nap. *Hah! Napping. What even *is* sleep when your internal clock is currently staging a full-blown mutiny? I managed a pathetic thirty minutes before my stomach started growling louder than a Godzilla. This is officially a crisis.*
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Conquer the Local Convenience Store: I am a woman on a mission. This is where I’ll truly immerse myself in Japanese culture. The mission? Find snacks. All the snacks. Okay, this was a triumph. Pocky, mochi, weirdly delicious seaweed crisps – I stocked up like I was preparing for the apocalypse. Also, the little old lady at the register was the sweetest angel, and I somehow managed to understand her (and she, amazingly, understood my garbled Japanese). A win!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandering around the hotel for a map, then getting lost looking for the hotel, circling the hotel and finally giving in, and asking the front desk where my room is.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm thinking ramen. Preferably, the steaming, soul-warming kind. Fingers crossed I don't accidentally order something that looks like an alien's brain.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Or, you know, toss and turn for three more hours, staring at the ceiling contemplating the meaning of life and the existential dread of not being able to read the Japanese instructions on my face wash.
Day 2: Hakone Heaves - And Maybe I'll Survive
- 8:00 AM: Wake up in a panic, realizing the breakfast buffet ends in 20 minutes. Oh. My. GODS. I sprinted. I ate like a ravenous beast. I may have grabbed an extra pastry for the road. Don't judge.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Take a train out to Hakone from Odawara Station, start exploring Hakone! This is the part I dreamt of. The iconic views of Mount Fuji, the serene Lake Ashi, the… (Deep sigh). Okay, so the weather is being a moody so-and-so, and Mount Fuji is hiding behind a cloud. Fine. I'll just enjoy the breathtaking view of a… very large and imposing cloud. But the lake is still magical. And the boat ride? Utterly, utterly delightful. Even with the tiny little Japanese children pointing and giggling at my overly dramatic expressions of awe. It was the perfect day.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Eat lunch in Hakone - I'm thinking a traditional Japanese lunch. This is going to be a delicious disaster. I actually nailed it! Sushi, tempura, all the deliciousness. And I even managed to use chopsticks without impaling my own eye. Victory!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Museums. Nope, not today. Honestly, I’m museum-ed out. Instead I'm going to sit by the lake, drink some tea, and watch the boats go by. Because sometimes, you just have to embrace the slow life, even if it’s only for a little while.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, hoping the weather improves. The weather got worse, the fog rolled in thick as pea soup, and I couldn't see two feet in front of my face. The promised views? Vanished. Do I care? Not even a little. I was on a boat, dammit! And that's all that matters.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to Odawara Station, then back to the hotel. Okay, the train ride back was pure bliss. The quiet hum of the engine, the gentle sway… I drifted off, waking up only when the announcement came that we were approaching Odawara. The utter exhaustion mixed with the quiet joy of seeing the hotel in the distance. Relief? Yes.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. Probably ramen again. Because when in Odawara… also, I’m craving noodles like a fiend, and I'm going to order extra this time.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse. Tomorrow, I might actually get to hike. Or maybe not. I’m learning to go with the flow. And the flow, right now, is a glorious, slightly chaotic river of jet lag, instant noodles, and the absolute, unadulterated joy of being here.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (or, What I Actually Manage Before I Collapse)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, realize I slept for seven hours. Seven glorious, uninterrupted hours! This is a miracle! I am reborn! (Okay, maybe just slightly less grumpy).
- 9:00 AM: Leave the hotel; on my way to see the sights. The sights! The promised land! The grand finale of awesome! Except… the rain is back. Like, really back. And the forecast is… grim. So much for hiking.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum? Yeah, nah. I’m over it. Rain or shine, I will continue my quest for mochi. It's become a life mission.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. I found a fantastic little cafe that was super cozy, with the kind of coffee that hits just right. I'm convinced I can do anything!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Wander, possibly get lost, and find a cute little shop. Lost? Check. Cute shop? Double check. I bought a ridiculous souvenir, but I don't even care. I'm embracing the tourist!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Rest. I collapsed on the hotel bed. I watched some TV. I considered ordering room service (but then remembered my ramen budget). It was pure, unapologetic bliss. The best part of the trip.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pack. Oh. My. God. I have more stuff. In other words, I have no idea how I'm going to pack all of this, but I'll figure it out.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Final dinner in Odawara. This deserves a grand finale meal. Something special. Something… spicy! Mission accomplished.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Again. I'm going to miss this little hotel room. I'm exhausted, but also, ridiculously happy. I'm leaving tomorrow. But I will come back again.
Day 4: Goodbye, Odawara! (And Hello, the Rest of Japan!)
8:00 AM: Wake up.
9:00 AM: Check out.
10:00 AM: Head back to the airport.
And then… who knows? The adventure continues! This is my trip, my rules, my glorious, messy reality. And I wouldn't trade it for a perfectly planned itinerary any day.
Unbelievable Hakone Views: Odawara Terminal Hotel's Secret! (Or, My Descent into Mountain Madness) - FAQ's (and Ramblings!)
Okay, seriously, what's so special about the views at the Odawara Terminal Hotel? I mean, it's just a hotel, right?
Just a hotel?! Bless your heart. This is where you're *wrong*, my friend. Okay, so it's not like, a *luxury* hotel. Think… utilitarian, a little dated, but comfy enough for a tired hiker (which is exactly what I was). But the VIEWS? They're the real reason I'm writing this, days later, still trying to scrub the majesty of Mount Fuji from my eyeballs. Basically: go get a room on the *correct* side (ask for a Fuji view, people!), and prepare to have your jaw hit the floor. Seriously. I nearly choked on my instant ramen the first morning. I mean, Fuji-san, just BOOM, right there. Breathtaking doesn't even BEGIN to cover it.
Is it really *that* different from other Hakone hotels with views?
Alright, listen, I get it. Lots of hotels *claim* to have Fuji views. But... This one, something about the perspective. The vantage point. You're not just *looking* at the mountain; you're like, *sharing* the air with it. It's less postcard, more… personal experience. Like Fuji is a friend who’s *really* good at posing for pics! (Also, and this is a little thing, but the proximity to the train station is super convenient. No schlepping your luggage a mile up a hill after you've already hiked all day. Seriously, that was a HUGE win for me after my epic (and slightly disastrous) walk over to Lake Ashi.)
What's the catch? Is it expensive? Are the rooms tiny? Do I have to share a bathroom? Tell me the TRUTH, please!
Okay, you got me. There’s always a catch. It's not the Ritz, okay? Rooms are, yeah, a bit compact. Think…efficient. And sometimes…well, let’s be honest, it *felt* like I heard my neighbour snoring *through* the wall. But the price? Relatively reasonable, especially considering the view. And no, thankfully, I had a private bathroom. Oh, *and* the breakfast? Simple, but perfectly serviceable. (That being said, the vending machines are your best friend for late-night snacks.)
Speaking of things being compact... Tell me more about the rooms. What should I expect?
Alright, full disclosure: the rooms aren't palatial. You're not getting a suite. You're getting a *room*, Japanese-hotel-style. What does that mean? Think efficient use of space. The bed (pretty comfy, actually!) is usually pressed up against a wall. There's a small desk, a tiny bathroom (with one of those super-powered Japanese toilets, which is always fun to figure out), and maybe, just maybe, a small window… that’s where the magic happens. My first thought? "Wow, this is cozy." My second thought? "But... *that view*." Completely made everything else irrelevant. Seriously. You'll spend 90% of your time staring out the window. Don't expect to be doing cartwheels in there, unless you *really* love a good challenge.
What's the *best* time to see Mount Fuji from the hotel? Any insider tips?
Okay, here's the *real* secret weapon: wake up early. Seriously, *EARLY*. Like, alarm-clock-at-stupid-o'clock early. Why? Because sunrise. The light! The colours! The way the clouds play with the mountain… it's just… *chef's kiss*. Also, the air is usually clearer in the morning, which means maximum Fuji visibility. I'm talking, the mountain showing off its absolute *finest*, gleaming glory. Don't be afraid to wander outside the hotel, too, explore around the corner, and take advantage of it when the viewing is good. One morning I swear I saw a rainbow arc over the peak! I didn't have my phone ready, and have regretted it ever since... (a total photographer's nightmare, of course). Also, pack your patience. Fuji can be shy. Some days, you might just see clouds. But trust me, the wait is worth it. And if it's not, well, you've still got a comfy bed and instant ramen, right?
What if I'm a total mountain-view noob? Will I still be impressed? What if it's cloudy?
Mountain-view noob? Doesn't matter! This view is practically spiritual. Even if you're normally indifferent to nature, the sheer *presence* of Fuji-san will get to you. It's just... compelling. And if it's cloudy? Okay, yeah, that's a downer. But! Hakone has so much else to offer – the hot springs, the art museums, the delicious food… you can make it a great trip even without perfect Fuji weather. (Although, let's be honest, a little bit of disappointment is part of the fun. Like, "Oh, Fuji's hidden today… I guess I'll *have* to go get a volcanic black egg. Darn.") Even when the view is partially obscured, you can sense the mountain's majesty. Its almost like there's a powerful presence, in the air, in the water, in the very earth. It is absolutely bonkers!
Is there anything *else* around the hotel? Besides, you know, the giant volcano?
Odawara station is right there, so you're surrounded by shops, restaurants, and all the usual transportation stuff. A few little convenience stores for late-night snacks (hello, Pocky!), and maybe a couple of decent ramen places. It's not exactly a bustling metropolis, but it's convenient for getting out to other parts of Hakone. I wouldn’t say there is much of a night life (go early, most of the restaurants close!) but its certainly not an isolated experience. Actually, I ended up going to a little *yakitori* place down the street... and I think I ate more delicious chicken in one evening than the entire rest of my life! Absolutely superb!
Any final thoughts? Would you recommend this hotel?
Absolutely. Yes. Go. Book it. Just, make sure you ask for the Fuji view room. And set your alarm. And prepare to be mesmerized. Look, it’s not perfect. But that view… that’s something special. Something I STILL dream about. I’m already planning my return, even though my bank account is still recovering. And hey, if you see me there, feel free to ask to share myBackpacker Hotel Find
