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.

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:)

Most of the staff were professional and pleasant. I really enjoyed the carefully designed meals served at both Japanese and French restaurants as I was on half board this time. I had Japanese dinner in the first night and French the second night. The New Year's Japanese dinner was delectable and presentable. The staff also seemed to have a good system of informing different sections in the hotel about their guests. Ex. I was asked if I know which type of dinner I'd want for the next evening and I couldn't decide yet. So the next morning at breakfast the staff remembered to ask me for confirmation again. The staff was also very accommodating. When I first arrived, I was provided with a room on the third floor. While I was just settling in, suddenly I could hear footsteps and noises (TV sound, people's talk) from above. I dialed the front desk immediately to inform. I was directed to a room on the fourth floor (top) afterwards. Both rooms have twin beds. The room are typical. The curtains, however, are great at blocking out the light. The toiletries are by DHC. The view is just excellent due to the location near the lake. Mount Fuji can be seen in the Azalea garden and at the lounge. I came at a time when I saw the changes in the scenery on the sunny days and a snowy day (see pics). The spa service on the fourth floor was relaxing but the price is not something everyone can afford. The line used is Elemental Herbology. The women's public bath area on the third floor is good. I really enjoyed the steamed room where streams of mist came down gently and continuously.

1/Sound is not insulated well in the building. I guess the hotel was built a long time ago with a rich history. It was first a villa built in 1911-1912. The extension of the building was added and the current look have been maintained since 1978. 2/The staff who came to help me change to another room seemed impatient. When I was picking up my stuff and backpack to move to another room due to a noise issue, she couldn't wait long enough and asked if she could come back later. The wait was not long as I just settled in and I didn't even unpack my backpack yet. I was just picking up my charger, cellphone and my coat and scarf to make sure I didn't leave anything behind.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

De Yama: One of the best hotels in Tokyo- right from amazing views of Lake Ashi to picking us up from the bus stop in their airport shuttle to providing us with the appropriate information about everything and even educating us on all the various touristy things that we could in Hakone, this hotel is the best. Their staff is amazingly good too - we were pure vegetarians and the staff requested the Chef to make a pure vegetarian meal especially for us. Even when we requested them to help us heat our food - they were very accommodative to cater to our request which is not in their SOP. The Onsen at the hotel was also very clean and good. Even though the cost is a bit on the higher side but I would certainly recommend this hotel to everyone who is travelling to Hakone.

It would have been great if they include some vegetarian options in their meals so that it caters to people who dont eat meat.