One of the perks of traveling with my Mum is that she loves her fancy hotels and restaurants. And, she pays for my trip and food. Part of Relais Chateux, Gora Kadan is definitely the best ryokan in Hakone. If you don’t have a budget, stay here. Guaranteed to blow your mind. We didn’t even leave the hotel to explore Hakone. It was that good!
If you have tattoos, you cannot enter the public onsen. But you can always arrange to have a bath at the private onsen, free of charge. 
Gora Kadan rates are charged on per-person basis. The cooler rooms are the more expensive ones, but it becomes too expensive if you are traveling in smaller groups. We had five people in a room, which brought the price tag down to US$450/person/night. If you are traveling solo, the price for the same room would be US$1,000. For two people, each person would be charged US$720 per night. So yes, 5 is a good number. Service was superb. One Japanese maid in kimono is assigned to each room to attend to your every needs. Included in the room price are two excellent meals. When I have money, I would love to return one day with J.
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