Hakone's spa hotels center around natural hot springs (onsen) sourced from the region's volcanic activity. Properties range from historic ryokans like The Fujiya Hotel (1878, Meiji-era architecture) to modern luxury stays like Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, which operates the area's largest spa with two indoor hot-spring baths. Most hotels are clustered in Gora, Miyanoshita, Yumoto, and Ubako districts, offering easy access to Lake Ashi, Owakudani valley, and the Hakone Open Air Museum. Budgets start around ¥20,000 per night for mid-range options and exceed ¥80,000 for high-end ryokans with private open-air baths and kaiseki dining.
Top-rated hotels include Gora Kadan (Relais & Chateaux) with an indoor pool and mountain views, Hotel Green Plaza Hakone featuring open-air baths overlooking Mount Fuji, and Hakone Honbako (5-star, exceptional breakfast). Many properties offer free shuttles from Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station-reserve in advance. For a traditional experience, book a ryokan with tatami floors, futon bedding, and multicourse kaiseki dinners. Private onsen rentals are available at Hakone Suimeiso and Hakone Suishoen, the latter set in a garden with terrace dining.