Gero-Takayama-Shirakawago

Hi!

I'm traveling between Kyoto and Hakone, I have 1 night in Gifu. I wish to see Shirakawaro and yet have a traditional accommodation where I can rent a private open air onsen bath with mountain or beautiful view. Budget less than 150USD/pax incl meals. I'm traveling by train and bus and wish to optimise my traveling time so it's not so rush. Can you suggest a route and most importantly suitable hotels?

I'm thinking:
Stay in Takayama and travel to Shirakawago but cannot find suitable accommodation that meets my onsen need

Or

Stay at Gero and travel to Shirakawago by train but is Gero a good place to stay or is Takayama better? If Gero is as good a choice as Takayama, where should I stay? Is Gero central is too touristy and is there a suitable district in Gero to stay?

Thanks!

Crystal.

Though Takayama is closer to Shirakawago, Gero has more choices of ryokan with onsen. (many of them face the Nagara river) Please check this site if you haven't.
Gero : http://www.gero-spa.or.jp/english/index.html