Best Otsu Hotels

"We were traveling independently, and the single room was much bigger than the one we had in a tour group before, and the environment was also very good. The highlights of this hotel: it is close to Otsu Tram Station, and there are only two stops to Kyoto by taking the new rapid line: Yamashina Station and Kyoto Station. It is more convenient to travel north to Lake Biwa. It takes less than half an hour to walk to Otsu Cruise Port, and a taxi costs about 1,000 yen. Go to Japan's national treasure town: Hikone; take the Hiei Mountain Line Cable Car (Sakamoto Station) to overlook Lake Biwa; soak in the 1,200-year-old hot springs, etc., and use the tram to transfer conveniently. If you want to see one of the three most scenic views in Japan: Amanohashidate, you can also take the JR New Rapid Line at Otsu Station and transfer to Amanohashidate Tram Station. Although this hotel is close to the tram station, it has good sound insulation and there are few trams after 10 p.m., which hardly affects sleep. We stayed here for 5 nights, visited Gion in Kyoto for one day, Lake Biwa for two days, and Mount Hiei and hot springs for one day, but it still felt like not enough time."

"The hotel environment is beautiful, and the rooms are spacious and very clean. The hot springs are incredibly comfortable. There's also a shuttle service available from the station to the hotel. The food is plentiful, and the explanations were very detailed (though you'll still need to translate any Japanese yourself 😝😅)."

"Excellent location, right at the station. Check in 16h00. No wifi offered. Hotel access via public restaurant - feels weird to walk between diners to go out / return. Lockers far too narrow even for airline carry-on. Bathroom is clean, shower has small dry area, and water pressure varies. Capsules are spacious with power socket, lights, shelf, etc. The mattress is a few cm thick piece of soft foam and is so worn that it feels like a slab of concrete wrapped in a sheet. Very uncomfortable! And I am 77kg, not overweight. The pillow is a bag filled with what feels like gravel stones. Breakfast comprises one hot / cold drink, a small pile of lettuce leaves with dressing, a thick slab of white bread that is scored about half way deep into a small chessboard and very lightly toasted, and a thimble-size serving of sweet fruit yoghurt. They do offer to hold luggage until 16h00 after check-out, and collecting it is easy and fast."

"The lady receptionist is very helpful and kind. Much appreciated for your help! In general, the hotel situates for just a 2-minute distance from Seta JR Station, and it takes around ~20min travelling time from/to Kyoto. Reasonable facilities given the price is economic. Thank you for the hospitality."

"The room was so spacious, it didn't feel like I was in Japan. It offered a 5-star environment and service, yet the price was very affordable. Most of the hotel rooms face Lake Biwa, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the area. It offers much better value than luxury hotels in China."

"Lake Biwa is right outside the hotel, which is very convenient. There are not many restaurants nearby. The beach by the lake is beautiful. The staff are very friendly. The room facilities are a bit old, but they are well maintained."

"Biwako Ryokusuitei was an absolute treat. We had a bit of a wobble at Ogoto-Onsen station as I couldn't find a phone, but luckily we spotted the hotel shuttle. The driver was lovely and made us feel welcome right from the off. The reception staff were brilliant, really friendly and gave us a proper run-through of the place. Housekeeping was spot on too they were right on the ball and had our tatami mats all ready for us while we were away at dinner. The real stars, though, were the dining staff. They were incredibly professional and took the time to explain exactly what we were eating and how to enjoy each dish. Both breakfast and dinner were top-notch 😋I'm still thinking about that food now! A proper (home away from home) experience"

"Location of the hotel is very convenient. It is 5-10 min walk from JR Otsu station which is only 2 stop away from JR Kyoto which costs about 200 yen. The room is clean and quiet but it is a bit tight for 2 mid size luggages (to open simultaneously) but still manageable. Hotel comes with full Japanese breakfast and has coin operated laundry (200yen) and dryer (free). We enjoyed our stay and would recommend to anyone who don't mind staying out of Kyoto."

"Facilities: A bit old-fashioned but very clean and well-maintained. Cleanliness: Very clean, even cleaner than Mitsui. Environment: Having a balcony is amazing! The air is fresh, the scenery is unbeatable, and taking a walk by the lake during the day is simply blissful. Service: The staff are mostly Japanese and don't speak English, but check-out was super fast and the shuttle bus was very punctual. I hope to have the opportunity to return to this hotel again in the future. It has a large room, a balcony, is very quiet with few people, and the environment is exceptionally beautiful."

"If you are going to visit Lake Biwa or Hikone Castle, staying at Reiah Hotel Otsu Ishiyama is very convenient for transportation and the price is much more affordable than hotels in Kyoto. The hotel breakfast is good and freshly ground coffee is available all day."