View Lodge Biwa — Hotel in Otsu

Stayed here with a friend on a bike trip around Lake Biwa and into Kyoto. It was fine as a simple hotel. The experience with the service was mixed. LIke many hotels in Japan, there was a narrow window of time for dinner and breakfast. No bath amenities were provided; even getting a towel for bath required an extra charge. On the other hand, the dinner was quite nice (boring decor but great food) and the waitress-receptionist put tremendous effort into our request that she point us to some nightlife options - drawing an elaborate map, explaining the options, and arranging to have the owner of a great bar - Peppermint - come to the hotel to pick us up and deliver us home after a few hours drinking and listening to great tunes. We arrived in the evening and left early in the morning and so did not make use of the beachfront, but it looked nice and like a good place for...

This cozy, family-run hotel was a highlight of our trip. Spotlessly clean, peaceful, and with stunning lake views, it offered the perfect escape. The owners were incredibly friendly, cheerful, helpful and spoke excellent English.

The Sukiyaki dinner was absolutely delicious—don’t miss it! Highly recommended for a relaxing, heartwarming stay.

One highlight - we had an unexpected issue before we arrived the hotel, the owner stepped in immediately and helped resolve it with genuine care. I'm very thankful to the hospitality and unconditioned help. I will come back for a stay when I go to...

Location: you may see the view of Biwa lake just outside the hotel. Not easy to go there to be honest, but if you drive, there is no concern. Free parking for hotel guests. Staff: boss is english-speaking japanese, very nice and polite, family business, warm and cozy Activities: you may bbq or playing some water activities just outside the hotel, free bicycle is offered for hotel guests for sightseeing reminder: no private bathrooms and toilets, but they are very clean. Overall environment: Warm cozy...