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Summary of reviewsGrand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino is a highly regarded lakeside retreat, offering guests stunning views of Lake Biwa, particularly during sunrise. Nestled in a serene environment, the hotel is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, with easy access to a private beach and a picturesque setting ideal for relaxation and nearby cycling adventures. The hotel’s stylish design, incorporating natural wood elements, enhances the overall atmosphere, providing a warm and inviting ambiance.
The breakfast experience is generally positive, particularly due to the idyllic setting and views, although some guests wish for a greater variety of Western options. Dinner receives commendations for its tasty dishes, especially the steak, and the stunning sunset views. However, there are suggestions for improvement in meal variety, as some prefer dining at nearby eateries.
Rooms at the hotel are spacious and clean, often praised for their large windows offering mesmerizing views of Lake Biwa. The calming wooden decor contributes to a comfortable and relaxing experience, though some rooms, particularly those facing the mountains, may have limited views. Housekeeping is generally well-received, although attention is needed for worn carpets and certain facilities.
The staff is often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming environment. Guests appreciate the attentive service, though a few note isolated incidents of less accommodating attitudes. The beds are mostly comfortable, although some guests find the firmness less to their liking, impacting sleep quality slightly.
Overall, Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino offers a refreshing and serene lakeside escape, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and peacefulness of the Okubiwako region. Despite some areas for improvement, the combination of stunning views, spacious rooms, and warm service makes for a memorable and relaxing stay. Show more
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Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel can offer family-friendly stays with great views of Lake Biwa.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers ample free outdoor parking with 70 spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. A second parking area is available if the main lot is full, and covered parking is provided for motorcycles.
4-Star Hotel
This hotel offers comfortable accommodations with views of Lake Biwa. It is located in a scenic area, providing a relaxing atmosphere.
Luxury Hotel
Room Types
Twin Room with Lake ViewFeatures a lake view.
In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle with tea bags. The en suite bathroom has a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Family Room with Lake ViewFeatures a lake view.
In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle with tea bags. The en suite bathroom has a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Room features 2 single beds. The 3rd and 4th guest will sleep on sofa beds, while the 5th guest will sleep in an extra bed.
Economy Twin Room with Mountain ViewThis twin room facing the mountains on the 2nd floor features single beds placed side by side. Cherry trees are planted near the windows outside the room, which allows for cherry blossom viewing at the start of April each year.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino is a haven for those seeking a picturesque lakeside retreat. Nestled right on the shores of the magnificent Lake Biwa, the hotel offers breathtaking views from its rooms, especially captivating during the sunrise. The idyllic setting provides a serene, off-the-beaten-track experience, perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature’s beauty. Guests appreciate its proximity to the waterfront, allowing easy access to the private beach and the chance to explore the tranquil surroundings. The hotel's location is also favored by cyclists, particularly those undertaking the Biwaichi challenge, thanks to its convenient facilities for bicycle storage. The area offers a peaceful environment complemented by sandy beaches and pine forests in front of the hotel, enhancing the refreshing ambiance. While the hotel is a bit distant from the nearest station, this slight inconvenience is overshadowed by the charm and tranquility of its lakeside location. It's an ideal spot for discovering the Okubiwako region and enjoying short walks to nearby attractions, such as cherry blossom viewing at Kaijin Osaki. With a stylish design reflecting the natural wood grain, guests enjoy both Japanese and Western dining options while embracing the stellar views of Lake Biwa.
Breakfast
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino offers a breakfast experience that garners mixed reviews from its guests. Some find the breakfast buffet to be satisfying with a rich variety of dishes, describing the selection as plentiful and delicious. The setting plays an essential role in enhancing the meal, as diners can enjoy a picturesque view of Lake Biwa, making breakfast a poetic and relaxing experience.
However, opinions on the meal choices vary, with guests noting a predominance of Japanese cuisine and limited Western options. Some diners feel the buffet is somewhat lacking in variety, which affects their overall satisfaction. Concerns about the cost and tastelessness of breakfast have been raised, suggesting room for improvement in aligning the meal offerings with the price.
The ambiance and quality of food are praised, with guests appreciating the clean and pleasant environment of the hotel. Although there are differing opinions regarding the breakfast lineup, the lakeside view and serene setting contribute positively to the experience, making it a memorable part of the stay for many.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino receives a mix of feedback from guests. Many appreciate the deliciousness of certain dishes, particularly the steak, which stands out as a highlight. Guests savor the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in the stunning views of the sunset over Lake Biwa, all within a tidy and well-serviced restaurant setting. For those who have a love for Japanese cuisine, both dinner and breakfast are regarded as delightful experiences.
However, some guests feel that the variety of options falls short, particularly at the dinner buffet, which predominantly features beef and offers limited choices overall. A few reviews mention that the quality of meals has declined compared to previous visits. While the hotel's restaurant provides a pleasing atmosphere and service, some guests opt for dining at nearby eateries, such as a recommended Indian restaurant, suggesting room for improvement in meal diversity at the hotel. Despite these mixed reviews, the overall consensus highlights certain aspects of the dining experience as being quite enjoyable.
Rooms
At Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino, the rooms provide a serene and comfortable retreat for travelers, characterized by their spaciousness and cleanliness. Many guests highlight the large scenic windows that offer direct views of the enchanting Lake Biwa, which is a definite highlight of the stay. The interior design follows a calming wooden theme, with natural wood panels that create a stylish lodge-like atmosphere. This woody decor coupled with stunning views makes for an exceptionally relaxing stay. The bathrooms are mentioned to be spacious and conveniently designed with independent features. While most reviews note the rooms as spacious and facing beautiful views, some point out that rooms facing the mountains are smaller and have less of a view. Despite minor issues like torn curtains in some rooms, the overall beauty and comfort of the rooms leave a positive impression. Enjoying a room with a view of Lake Biwa, particularly during cherry blossom season, seems to elevate the experience further, making it an ideal choice for those looking to appreciate natural beauty in a cozy environment.
Beds
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino offers a mix of experiences when it comes to its bedding. Many guests have praised the comfort of the beds, noting a firm yet supportive feel that facilitated a good night's sleep. A few have mentioned the firmness being harder than anticipated, though generally not uncomfortable, contributing positively to their resting experience. On the downside, some guests found the sofa beds and certain mattresses too hard, even likening them to concrete, which led to disrupted sleep and body aches. Moreover, the pillow height was less than ideal for some, impacting overall sleep quality. However, visitors appreciated the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, contributing to a relaxing stay despite occasional issues with bed firmness and pillow quality.
Cleanliness
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness, based on feedback from its guests. Positively noted are the clean and well-equipped rooms that many found satisfying and well-maintained. Guests appreciated the calming wooden feel of the guest rooms, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Thorough housekeeping efforts are evident as several reviews highlight the general cleanliness and the nice, clean environment of the hotel area.
However, some areas need attention. There are reports of deteriorating and stained carpets in both the rooms and hallways, which have affected some guests' impressions of overall cleanliness. Additionally, the facilities are described as old and neglected, with certain spaces appearing too worn out. While the clean and independent bathroom was praised, in some instances the cleaning across the property was found wanting.
Overall, while Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino receives praise for efforts in maintaining cleanliness in many areas, there is a clear call for improvement, particularly with regard to updating facilities and ensuring all areas of the hotel meet higher standards of upkeep.
Staff
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino receives mixed reviews regarding its staff, with several guests appreciating the team's friendly and helpful nature. Many guests noted the staff's kindness, politeness, and accommodating attitude, which provided a welcoming atmosphere. Guests highlighted the excellent service at reception and the staff's attentive, courteous manner during meals and throughout their stay. The willingness of the staff to assist, even using tools like Google Translate for effective communication, was appreciated. The front desk team was noted as having improved friendliness compared to previous experiences. However, certain reviews pointed out that some staff members were not particularly accommodating, with isolated incidents of disappointing attitudes. Despite some criticism, the overall impression suggests a team committed to delivering a positive guest experience, with many guests remarking on the attentive and smiling staff who strive to enhance the stay.
No, Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino.
No, Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino.
No, Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino doesn't have a gym.