With a stay at Biwako Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Otsu, within a 10-minute walk of Otsu Port and Biwako Flower Fountain. This hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Lake Biwa Canal and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Mii-dera.
Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including hot springs, a seasonal outdoor pool, and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the hotel's many dining establishments, which include 4 restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 10 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and an elevator. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 175 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and toilets with an electronic bidet. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
"This summer, the Lake Biwa Hotel was by far the most satisfying part of our Kansai trip. We booked it through a Ctrip group deal for just over 500 RMB, which even included two tickets for the Michigan cruise – an absolutely incredible value! We booked the 90-minute cruise for 11 AM, and after enjoying dining, sightseeing, and a show on board, we had just enough time to head back, collect our luggage, and check into our Osaka hotel.
**Transportation:** Getting there was quite convenient. It's a short ride from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station, and once you exit the station, there's a hotel shuttle bus waiting. While it's not a long walk, having the shuttle was much appreciated, especially with luggage. I'd recommend having dinner around Otsu Station, as there aren't many dining options close to the hotel.
**Service:** The hotel service was outstanding. As soon as we entered, someone immediately offered to help with our bags. We'd bought a lot of groceries from the supermarket at Otsu Station, and a staff member proactively offered to carry them for us. After taking our name, she even delivered them directly to our room – truly thoughtful service! The check-in staff were also very welcoming and enthusiastic; we felt like we were receiving five-star service. A tip: if you want to book the Michigan cruise, it's best to inform the front desk during check-in. They can help arrange all available time slots. In August, during the summer holidays, they even provided fireworks, which guests could set off at a designated platform in the evening, with staff on-site for assistance.
**Facilities:** The hotel rooms are very spacious, and all rooms offer beautiful Lake Biwa views. We were assigned a corner room with a huge balcony and a truly expansive vista. The bed was also very large. Although the hotel shows a bit of age, it's very well-maintained, and the cleanliness was excellent, making for a very comfortable stay. The hotel also boasts hot springs (onsen), with both outdoor and indoor options, which was a fantastic bonus!
**Environment:** The hotel is directly adjacent to Lake Biwa. From the second-floor platform, you can directly access the lakeshore. The next day, after checking out and heading to the Michigan cruise, we simply walked along the lake. It was very close, and the scenery was absolutely stunning.
**In summary,** our stay at the Lake Biwa Hotel was an exceptionally great value experience. Next time, if I get the chance, I'd love to stay for a couple more days, rent a bicycle, and cycle around the lake. This hotel comes highly recommended!"