I travelled through Japan for four weeks and, out of all the hotels I stayed at, Hotel the Yama stands out as one of the most memorable. Unfortunately I was only there for one night, but I feel that I was able to enjoy each hour I spent there to the full. First of all, the building, which is full of character, is located right by Lake Ashi. As well as sitting on an extraordinarily large and well kept garden, which is open to the guests, the hotel features a panoramic room on the top floor with an unencumbered view of Fuji San in the distance - breathtaking in the warm glow of the early morning. My bedroom was beautiful. Large - very large. I was touched by the attention and care that was put into every detail. The loungewear was gorgeous, and there was a dainty selection of tea and biscuits that looked like a present. The room had a full view over the lake and I could also see Mount Fuji. Even at night, under a moonlit sky, I could enjoy the scenery: the fast moving mist raising from the hills and the nightlife of the creatures jumping out and in the water, each distant sound vivid and soothing in the serene surroundings. Watching the sunrise from there is a joy I won't forget. The hotel's onsen is fantastic, I especially enjoyed the outdoor one, and there's a drinking water fountain in the changing room where the water is actually delicious. The staff was warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived to the moment I left and I can say with confidence that the Japanese breakfast I ate at Hotel de Yama was the best and most memorable I had in Japan. My only regret is that I had to leave so soon.

This is a little old school in a nice way, the building has quite a bit of history, but is fantastic, an amazing place to stay for two or 3 nights right on the lake. The service was exceptionally good and the room size represented the largest we stayed in for a 2 week trip to Japan. There are 2 restaurants a French one and a Japanese one. We ate at the French one which was exceptionally good with fantastic service. Check out time is also 12 noon, which can be useful.

This is not the fault of the hotel, but just be aware that you need to get either a busy local bus from Odwara or an expensive cab. Once you reach the port the hotel has a very efficient pick up service.

Very nice indoor and outdoor onsen, but unfortunately some of the guests were quite loud and not respectful of onsen etiquette. The room was a bit dated, as others have mentioned, but it was comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the garden and the view of Mount Fuji from the hotel and we had a wonderful dinner at the French restaurant featuring local and seasonal produce with lovely French and Japanese wine pairings - a bit pricy but high quality. Staff at the hotel were warm and welcoming, with the exception of the bar, which unfortunately did not allow for drinks to be enjoined on the patio with a view to Fuji and generally did not feel very welcoming or cozy- this is a missed opportunity. Also, especially after the lovely dinner, breakfast seemed sad and was lacking in options and quality - we had the French breakfast so I can’t speak to the Japanese breakfast. I would be remiss not to mention the amazing spa staff and nurturing treatments we had there- the most expensive of our trip- but worth the splurge. If you do stay here I would recommend doing it correctly and enjoying the spa and French restaurant during your stay.

Dated rooms, inability to enjoy drinks with a view of Mount Fuji on the patio

Beautiful scenic location in a 1900s Swiss chalet style accommodation. Free shuttle to Motohakone every 20mins is brilliant.

The rooms are small and beds are very uncomfortable by western standards. There are about 100 channels on TV, not 1 in English. In a beautiful location like this, it generally wouldn't be an issue other than it rained for two days and the bars/restaurants are all closed by 21:00 so it leaves few options. There are two restaurants, one Japanese and one French. The French restaurant is superb, they are not cheap, so purchasing the half board option including dinner is recommended. Your alternative is going into Motohakone and eating dinner in town. Beware the last shuttle to the hotel is 17:10 so you will need to either walk back to the hotel or find a non-existent taxi.

We loved the Odakyu Hotel de Yama – it had so much charisma with great quality wooden furniture adorning each floor. The hotel is surrounded by lush green gardens and overlooking the majestic Lake Ashinoko. The hotel ambience was calm and relaxing, the reception staff very polite and helpful. The hotel had a free daily shuttle bus taking guests back and forth into town. Our room was lovely, very large and spacious as was the bathroom. Guests could select breakfast at their two restaurants, one servicing western breakfast the other Japanese. I tried the western set breakfast served by waiters – fruit juices, coffee/tea top ups, choice of egg dish, fresh warm croissants & toast with real jam in jars! I loved it. My daughter tried the Japanese set menu which was a wonderful experience for her and she loved it.

There was nothing we didn't like. We both loved everything about this hotel:)

Huge room, great little onsen, view of the lakes and mount fuji (from the garden) were out of this world. Really felt special to spend a couple of days here. Highly recommend the Japanese bfast over the french one. Staff were super friendly, they sent a shuttle to pick me up at the port way after their standard latest pick up time, so i didnt have to walk in the dark.

Not so much of a dislike but a heads up: most restaurants around the port close early so just plan accordingly. It also takes about 1h by bus to rewach Hakone-Yamoto

The gardens were beautiful and lovely views of Mount. Fuji on a clear day. Onsen was great and well stocked with amenities. Really appreciated laundry facilities. Single unit washer and dryer adds soap automatically to load well for average ¥500 per load. Breakfast and dinner were both delicious and beautiful. Stayed for 2 nights and would definitely stay here again in the future.

The only negative is that the property is a bit far from the nearest train station. Rode the bus for about an hour to get there from Odawara station.

I like the location, the garden and the Fuji mountains view from the hotel.

I can’t see more flowers this time as it’s season problem.

The onsen, the location and the nature

We chose french breakfast but couldn’t eat it. The omelet was completely wet. We asked to cook it more , but they replaced it with the same. Was very disappointing, as it was not cheap at all

1. Good onsen but too bad i only tried once due to my body problem.. 2. Free Ice Stick just outside the Onsen with pajamas available. 3. Good view for Windows but i reach late and leave early

1. Free transport bus until 5:10pm only while very less option from vending machine and can't go convenient store by walking as outside is too dark at night. 2. Didn't realize that shop open till 8pm give the dinner is ready at 7:30pm and was request to wait at room for phone call... 3. missing guide to use the onsen as seeing a few people walk direct to outdoor onsen without shower.