Living the Suite Life

Upon arrival in Hakone, we grabbed a taxi to take us up the winding road to our hotel, Kinnotake Tonosawa. We turned off the main road, crossed a bridge over a running river, and arrived at a slice of heaven💜. Waiting for us was a member of the staff to greet and welcome us. Beverages and snacks were provided in their relaxing lobby while staff learned our preferences for meals and other items.

I was given a choice of three different yukatas to wear. You gotta love a hotel where you are encouraged to walk around in your robe and slippers!

Next, much to our delight, we were shown to our suite. After our tiny hotel room in Tokyo, we feel like we’re in a palace. We weren’t sure what to expect, but our suite exceeded our expectations. Once you enter the outside door, you must remove your shoes to enter the suite. The Japanese style of sliding doors and tatami mat floors are throughout the suite. The first room is the living space with comfy couches and all the amenities you would need such as glass-wear and beverages tucked away in a large horizontal cabinet. There is a futon couch where you can relax looking out to the first balcony with a fire pit which is turned on by the staff.

The next set of rooms starts with a dressing room where we have stored our luggage. There are drawers full of yukatas for you to choose from. Next is the bedroom. Howard surprised me with beautiful flowers and towel decorations of a cake and swans plus a dessert plate at dinner. The bedding is 1st rate. The duvet is so soft and luxurious! Can we get this for home? Finally, in this section is the piece-de-resistance our private onsen on the balcony. The hot tub is continuously filled with warm water. During the day there are beautiful views of the tree-covered mountains.

The final set of rooms include a Toto toilet room, his and her sinks, and then a bathtub and shower area. Cleanliness is next to godliness! The hotel provides so many extras so that you lack for nothing!Read more