Hakone questions

https://www.japan-guide.com/ad/digital-hakone-freepass/
I have read the above post.

Despite 7 previous trips to Japan this recent one was the first we have taken time to go to Hakone, on a Fuji 5th station and Hakone organised day tour with friends, so by coach, when all it did was rain. Lotsa rain.

Also, being mid November, it became dark very quickly, and I am somewhat confused about the whole area. We went to the 5th station , then lunch near Fuji Q, then after a circuitous drive went UP on the ropeway over Owakudani, before changing cable cars somewhere(it was pouring rain so I have no idea where) to go DOWN a different way (ie no sulphur area) to the ships, along the lake and then to Odawara. I really cannot work out what we actually did on any map.

We would like to return and stay for 2 days/3 nights, using JR to Odawara, then Suica Cards for the rest before returning to Odawara. (Shinjuku ,so Odakyu railway, is not convenient for us)

I understand the Sucia cards are able to be used in Hakone, presumably on Odakyu transport?

Could I please have ideas as to which area in Hakone to stay in order to be able to sensibly access all that Hakone has to offer? And an idea of how to break it up over 2 days? Given that we would not be arriving by Odyaku train......

The coach seemed to drive through a built up area full of well known fast food franchises, and that is not what we thought Hakone would be like, hence the confusion. Then we detoured to avoid Sunday traffic and drove through a beautiful village like area in a forest/mountain (very curvy road) area.

We do like nice accommodation but do not need a full on Ryokan due to expense.

Any suggestions/clarification would be gratefully received. Thank you

So you went to Kawaguchiko rather than Hakone at the start of your last visit. My personal opinion - it is a place I avoid with little to offer and bad tansport options. Yes, I know people rave about the views of the mountain, but after five minutes, what are you going to do if you don't like spending hours in the souvineer shops.
Going to the Hakone area, three options for accommodation; Odawara where there are actuially restaurants that are open in the evening. Also a lot more sensibly priced.
Hakone-Yumoto where there are at least some restrauants these days. It used to basically shut at 5 p.m. with one of the best food options being the combini otherwise the accommodation provided meals. Or as a third option, somewhere around Gora. Gora is at least close to some of the attractions like the glass museum or the Open Air museum.
Many Hakone ryokan and hotels are way over-priced for what they offer. I know someone that recently spent 90,000 yen for one night and they regretted every moment of their stay.
SUICA cards work on the Odakyu trains and buses. Works on the cable car, but I'm not sure about the ropeway or the pirate ships.
One other recommendation - avoid weekends. I have to go back to Hakone again this week, but Friday and just as a day trip. Makes things easier.

Brilliant JCT. Many thanks.

We had already thought of staying in Odawara so that confirms it.

Problem solved. Odawara and day trips it will be.

And yes we learned the hard way about weekends but it was our only option with friends. Lesson learned.

Thanks for info re Suica stuff. Can manage tickets for other options. All good.