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Summary of reviewsNestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Biwa, Biwako Hotel offers a serene getaway with strategic access to nearby Kyoto. Its picturesque location provides stunning views from expansive room windows, crafting a seaside-like retreat for guests. Enhancing its appeal are high-quality facilities such as hot springs overlooking the lake, adding a relaxing dimension to the stay. The hotel delivers a remarkable breakfast and dinner experience, featuring a wide array of Japanese and Western options, praised for their vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The dining options, including teppanyaki and kaiseki cuisine, allow guests to indulge in exquisite meals complemented by attentive service.
Guests are consistently impressed by the spacious and clean rooms, with modern amenities and balconies overlooking breathtaking Lake Biwa vistas. Family-friendly offerings, such as quad and superior twin rooms, cater to travelers with children, adding convenience and enjoyment. The hotel's exceptional cleanliness extends throughout its facilities, including well-maintained public baths and hot springs, offering a haven of relaxation amid stunning views.
Staff service stands out for its professionalism, friendliness, and efficiency, significantly enhancing the guest experience. The attentive nature of the staff ensures a warm and welcoming environment. Additionally, Biwako Hotel provides thoughtful amenities like free on-site parking, accommodating the practical needs of guests.
For those seeking romantic or family getaways, the hotel blends relaxation with picturesque lakeside views, ensuring a memorable stay. Whether enjoying the tranquil surroundings, convenient location, or culinary delights, Biwako Hotel stands as a favored choice for a harmonious blend of comfort and scenic beauty. Show more
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Family Friendly Hotel
Located in Otsu, Biwako Hotel offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and a range of amenities suitable for families. The hotel features spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and recreational facilities, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Situated by Lake Biwa, this hotel offers an outdoor pool with direct views of the lake. It's an excellent spot for a refreshing swim with a scenic backdrop.
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers free parking for staying guests with a large capacity of 155 vehicles. Parking is available on the hotel's first floor, and reservations are generally not required except on special days, providing convenient on-site parking.
EV charging stations
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel offers an outdoor pool with magnificent views of the lake. It also provides indoor/outdoor hot spring baths and multiple restaurants and bars.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Luxury Junior Suite - Non-SmokingThe spacious suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. Featuring a balcony with lake views, this suite also provides air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Twin Room - Non-Smoking (40㎡)This triple room has air conditioning.
An extra bed will be prepared for a 3rd guest, only when the booking is made for 3 guests.
Deluxe Twin Room - Non-Smoking (33㎡)The spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Double Room - Non-SmokingThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking (40㎡)This quadruple room features a balcony, air conditioning and electric kettle.
An extra bed will be prepared for a 3rd or 4th guest, only when the booking is made for 3 or 4 guests.
Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking (33㎡)The spacious twin room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 2 beds.
Premiere Luxury Twin Room - Non-Smoking with Lounge AccessThe spacious twin room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 2 beds.
Premiere Luxury Twin Room - Non-Smoking with View Bath with Lounge AccessThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Biwa, Biwako Hotel offers an ideal and strategic location for visitors looking to explore both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Its close proximity to Kyoto makes it a superb base for those eager to venture into the historic city, while still enjoying the serenity of lakeside accommodations. The connection to various train stations, such as Otsu and Hama-Otsu, enhances the convenience for travelers, providing seamless access to local attractions, including Mount Hiei and the delightful walking paths along the lake.
Each room in the hotel boasts expansive windows that frame the stunning views of Lake Biwa, offering a breathtaking panorama that changes throughout the day. Guests frequently mention the mesmerizing beauty of the lake, with its vast expanse evoking the imagery of a seaside retreat. The hotel's location also allows for easy access to sightseeing cruises, adding another dimension to the guest experience.
In addition to its enviable location, the Biwako Hotel is praised for its facilities, including the hot springs that overlook the lake, providing a relaxing retreat within the hotel itself. The spacious and well-maintained rooms, along with attentive staff service and an array of breakfast options, enhance the overall stay, making it a favored choice among those seeking both convenience and tranquility in a picturesque setting.
Breakfast
Biwako Hotel offers a truly remarkable breakfast experience, praised for its wide array of Japanese and Western options that charm guests with their vibrant and delectable flavors. The breakfast buffet stands out with its rich diversity, featuring local specialties such as tantalizing Omi beef, alongside classic elements that cater to varied palates. Diners frequently remark on the freshness and high quality of ingredients, adding genuine culinary delight to every bite.
Situated by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the breakfast area affords a picturesque view of Lake Biwa, creating an exquisite backdrop for a cozy morning meal. Despite occasional crowding, the diligent and friendly staff ensures quick service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Some guests have expressed a wish for more seasonal touches and varietal options, noting a repetitive daily menu.
Overall, the breakfast experience harmoniously blends culinary pleasure with serene lake views, leaving a lasting impression on guests who relish this delightful start to their day.
Dinner
Biwako Hotel offers a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression with its excellent and memorable meals. Guests rave about the delicious Japanese cuisine, particularly the teppanyaki and kaiseki offerings, which are meticulously prepared with local ingredients. The breakfast and dinner buffets at the hotel feature a wide variety of choices that are both satisfying and exquisite in taste. While some diners find the evening meals a bit pricey, the quality and flavor of the dishes, including the Omi and Kobe beef, are often highlighted as worth the cost. Additionally, the hotel boasts four restaurants, allowing guests to indulge in Japanese or Italian dining, with standout options such as the contemporary French cuisine at "Sai." The polite and attentive service further enhances the dining experience, making guests feel well taken care of. Though some may encounter challenges with restaurant bookings or nearby dining options, the overall culinary offerings at Biwako Hotel contribute to a delightful stay.
Rooms
The Biwako Hotel impresses with its room offerings, presenting notably spacious accommodations that consistently provide stunning views of Lake Biwa. Guests frequently praise the cleanliness and modern design of the rooms, which create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere—a perfect setting for a lakeside vacation. Nearly all rooms feature large balconies or patios that frame breathtaking vistas, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the lake from dawn to dusk. Many reviews highlight the comfort and convenience of well-sized bathrooms equipped with modern amenities, and some rooms even boast additional features like dual washbasins. The hotel’s recent renovations ensure that the interiors maintain a fresh and contemporary feel, contributing to a hygienic and pleasant stay. With rooms available that can comfortably accommodate families or groups, Biwako Hotel caters to both individual travelers and larger parties. Overall, the strategic layout of rooms facing the lakeside combined with exceptional communal facilities like the large public bath make Biwako Hotel a compelling choice for those seeking tranquility and picturesque waterfront views.
Beds
Biwako Hotel receives high praise for its comfortable beds, which many guests find just right in terms of firmness. The excellent mattresses contribute to a restful sleep environment, with spacious twin beds enhancing the comfort factor. The thoughtful bed arrangement allows guests to enjoy stunning views of Lake Biwa, adding to the relaxation experience. While some guests note that the pillows can be too hard for their taste, the overall coziness and comfort of the beds are frequently highlighted. The positioning of the beds towards the balcony offers an openness that complements the room's moderate size, providing guests with a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Cleanliness
Biwako Hotel offers guests a remarkably clean and inviting environment, consistently praised for its high standards of maintenance. The rooms are notably clean, spacious, and comfortable, delivering a tranquil experience for visitors. The hotel effectively blends its historical charm with contemporary cleanliness, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking both style and hygiene.
Guests have highlighted the sparkling clean condition of various facilities, including the glass surfaces, washrooms, and toilets. The public bath areas, particularly the indoor hot springs, are spacious and maintained with precision, contributing to the relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere of the hotel. Additionally, thoughtful design elements like neatly integrated dryers and trash bins enhance the overall sense of tidiness.
The hotel’s location, offering stunning views of Lake Biwa, further enhances the appeal, with all rooms facing the picturesque lakeside. The elegant interior design, with a pleasant color scheme, adds to the cleanliness and comfort, ensuring a harmonious stay.
Customer service also receives commendations, with staff providing warm and efficient responses to guests’ needs. Despite a minor issue concerning a particular aspect of cleaning, guests largely report positive experiences, underscoring the hotel's reputation for cleanliness and maintenance. A free shuttle service conveniently connects guests to JR Otsu station, making the hotel accessible while retaining a serene atmosphere away from the bustle.
In essence, Biwako Hotel stands as a commendable choice for travelers who prioritize cleanliness alongside a relaxing, picturesque environment.
Staff
The reviews of Biwako Hotel highlight an exceptional standard of service provided by the staff, described repeatedly as lovely, world-class, and exemplary. Guests were consistently impressed by the friendliness, kindness, and professionalism of all staff members, from the front desk to the gift shop and restaurants. Reception employees were frequently noted for their efficiency and helpfulness, even suggesting local dining gems like Kobe beef restaurants. The thoughtful and considerate nature of the staff, including their ability to provide extra assistance or amenities, was appreciated by visitors. The team at Biwako Hotel is recognized for creating a welcoming environment with their warm smiles and polite demeanor, contributing significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Even when handling luggage or guiding guests, their attentiveness and accommodating manner shine through, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and superb hospitality. Overall, Biwako Hotel's staff stands out for their well-trained service and genuine commitment to guest care.
Pool
Biwako Hotel offers a delightful blend of relaxation and scenic beauty with its rooftop pool and observation deck. While the pool is only available seasonally, typically opening for the summer season in June, guests have expressed disappointment when it was closed during their visit. However, for those who experienced the pool, it offered a comfortable soak, adding to the hotel's appeal.
The true highlight of the hotel is its extensive public bath facilities. The spacious indoor hot spring area provides ample room for relaxation, and the large public bath, complete with a sauna, is praised for its cleanliness and the serene vistas of Lake Biwa. Guests find immense relief and comfort in the soothing waters of the public baths, which serve as a haven to unwind and recharge amid stunning views.
The outdoor hot spring bath, while smaller and enclosed at the top, still draws appreciation for its wonderful views and a sense of openness. The availability of these baths throughout the day enhances the guest experience, allowing for tranquil morning soaks.
Complemented by an attentive shuttle service from the train station, delectable food offerings, and helpful, friendly staff, Biwako Hotel ensures a memorable stay, combining relaxation with remarkable lakeside views in its beautifully appointed hot spring baths and seasonal pool.
Parking
Biwako Hotel offers a generally positive parking experience for guests. Many commend the hotel for its free on-site parking, which comes as a delightful convenience during their stay. The parking area under the hotel is noted for being easily accessible, spacious, and covered, making it a practical choice for guests looking to ensure their vehicle is safe and sheltered. With the ability to enter and exit the car freely at any time of the day, the parking facilities add flexibility to the visitor’s itinerary.
However, a few guests mention that the directions from the parking lot to the hotel could be more straightforward, and some found the parking space too compact, posing a challenge when opening car doors. There is also noted inconsistency in communication about the parking fee system, with some expressing confusion about charges. Nonetheless, the overall feedback suggests that Biwako Hotel considers its guests well by thoughtfully providing free parking, enhancing the appeal of staying at this beautiful and comfortable location.
Family
Located along the serene shores of Lake Biwa, Biwako Hotel emerges as a splendid destination for families seeking relaxation and enjoyment. The accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms, perfect for families with children. Notably, guests have highlighted the benefits of the quad rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, where children can delight in the scenic views, adding a touch of magic to their stay.
The hotel enjoys a favorable reputation for being child-friendly, offering conveniences such as complimentary accommodation for young children and thoughtful arrangements like prepared beds, ensuring a seamless stay. The superior twin rooms cater well to families, providing ample space with beds perfectly suited for children's needs.
Dining at Biwako Hotel is another highlight, with guests praising the delicious breakfast buffet and the picturesque views of Lake Biwa enhancing their morning experience. Families can peacefully enjoy their meals amidst a wide variety of buffet options, setting a delightful tone for the day.
While the pool area can get a bit busy with visiting families, the hotel's tranquility remains a significant attraction, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a peaceful vacation. Beyond the hotel's grounds, families can explore nearby attractions such as Round 1, adding another layer of enjoyment to the trip.
Ideal for travelers heading to Kyoto, Biwako Hotel serves as a welcoming haven where both relaxation and family fun coexist harmoniously. With clean rooms and friendly staff ensuring a pleasant stay, it is a potential choice for memorable family gatherings and vacations.
Romantic
Biwako Hotel offers a romantic getaway that delights its guests with stunning views and tranquil surroundings. The experience promises relaxation in a quiet, clean environment, making it an ideal choice for a peaceful vacation. One of the highlights is the magnificent views of Lake Biwa, which can be enjoyed from cozy balconies that provide a calming perspective of the natural beauty. The hotel rooms provide a front-row seat to the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the lake, offering great pleasure to those who appreciate nature's beauty. In the evening, guests can enjoy the beautifully illuminated fountain right from their rooms, adding a magical touch to their stay. The serene atmosphere of Biwako Hotel is perfect for those seeking a restful countryside escape, complemented by mesmerizing vistas that enhance the romantic allure of this destination.
Yes, Biwako Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Biwako Hotel.
No, Biwako Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Biwako Hotel.