Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to the Hilton Odawara – honestly, I’d been burned by fancy resort names before. But this place sits on this incredible hillside perch in Nebukawa, and the moment you walk into that lobby, you get these sweeping views of Sagami Bay that just sort of stop you in your tracks. The whole building feels like it’s carved into the mountainside, which I guess makes sense since you’re basically on the edge of Hakone National Park here.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to nail that balance between feeling luxurious and actually being comfortable. The onsen – and I mean, you can’t have a proper resort in this part of Kanagawa without one – has these outdoor baths where you’re soaking in hot spring water while looking out at the Pacific. I spent way too much time there during my stay, especially in the early morning when the mist rolls off the water. The spa itself is honestly pretty spectacular too, though I’ll warn you it gets packed during cherry blossom season (learned that the hard way). The staff there actually knows what they’re doing with traditional treatments, not just going through the motions like some places.

Here’s the thing about the location that most people don’t realize until they get there – you’re only about ten minutes from Odawara Station by car, but it feels completely removed from everything. The resort runs a shuttle that’s pretty reliable, though I’d recommend renting a car if you want to explore the area properly. There’s this incredible drive up to Lake Ashi that starts basically right from the hotel, and you’ll kick yourself if you miss it. The rooms themselves are larger than typical Japanese hotels, which your luggage will thank you for, and most have those floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re floating above the coastline. I mean, the 8.4 rating makes sense when you’re dealing with views like that and service that actually anticipates what you need. The restaurant situation is solid too – their kaiseki dinner showcases local Sagami Bay seafood, and while it’s pricey, it’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why people travel specifically for Japanese cuisine. Just don’t expect to roll out of bed and grab a quick breakfast – this is the kind of place where meals are events, which honestly suits the whole experience perfectly.

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