Auberge Len is located in Hakone Onsen. It is small and cozy, perfect for the concept of enjoying a quiet vacation. In the lobby, you will find a wine cellar and a stylish coffee server, items that make you anticipate a special “cuisine” experience. The atmosphere is relaxed, without being over-the-top, and makes you feel as if you are at a friend’s mansion. (This review was written in May 2020. unfortunately, the inn closed in mid-2023.)
A grand piano is placed, but it is rare to find such an unassertive arrangement. The unadorned but stylish interior gives a sense of the inn’s policy. The lobby has many magazines and travel books, perfect for enjoying reading in this environment.
On that day, we were the only ones booked to stay at the hotel. We were a little apprehensive about visiting this inn in the midst of the self-restraint against going out and traveling due to the Corona disaster, but the inn was accepting reservations on a travel website, and we wanted to know what the situation was like at the inn due to the Corona disaster, so we decided to pay them a visit. We were worried about whether the situation would cause any inconvenience, but we were relieved when they said, “We are glad you are here.”
To our surprise, we were told that only one group was staying, so they graciously upgraded us to a more luxurious room. We were guided to a luxurious room with an open-air bath (Sengokuhara Onsen Exclusive Open-air Bath) and a massage chair.
The rooms are uniformly beige and brown, and it is nice to have a TV and Bluetooth-capable audio in the bedroom. A great place to enjoy Hakone’s spring water and greenery all at once. The mini wine cellar is set with luxury wines. It is an extra charge, but perfect for those who want to enjoy the luxury in the room.
The temperature of the open-air guest room bath was warm and colorless. It was just right for a long bath. The indoor bath in the room also has nigori hot spring water from the Owakudani hot spring. It was a surprise to be able to enjoy two types of hot spring water in the room alone.
Amenities are well stocked. Hospitality sweets are placed on the table. Whether the pastries are handmade or ready-made makes a big difference in the impression of the room. From this point, I already felt the policy of this inn, which claims to be a “cuisine” hotel.
The modern design of the room shines through in its color scheme and interior design, which makes you feel at home and relaxed.
Of course, the large public bath was reserved just for us, so it even had a sign saying that it was reserved for the day.
The large bathroom has a clean dressing room and a 100% spring water indoor (nigori-yu) and outdoor (colorless) baths, both of which have a lukewarm temperature setting. The baths are designed so that you can enjoy a long soak in the forest while taking a bath. You will notice a “Onsen Sommelier Certificate” on the wall, which is a humorous reference to the hot spring.
