Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa

Stayed here in May 2025 and was pleasantly surprised. The location by Lake Biwa is peaceful, with lovely views and great access from Nagoya (just 1 hour by train). I booked a standard lake view room but got upgraded to a spacious Japanese-Western style room. The welcome set included local snacks and water. Staff were kind and helpful throughout — English was fine, but knowing a little Japanese helped get more info. The onsen was a highlight — open morning and evening, with clean facilities and lake views. Don’t forget to bring your own towel from the room! I soaked three times during my stay. Breakfast and dinner were served in timed sessions (choose slots at check-in). Buffet dinner included fresh sashimi, beer on tap, and local dishes like miso soup with baby clams. Lounge hours (free drinks incl. sake!) were a bonus. Everything’s walkable — the castle, railway museum, lakefront, and even a 7-Eleven near the station. Evening strolls were peaceful, and I even met some local cats outside the hotel! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quiet, scenic hotel with authentic touches and solid Accor Platinum benefits.

The hotel management should consider opening breakfast at 6.30am. It's sad to see everyone including the old people Q in a long line from early morning and fighting for table and food when it opens at 7am. I would give a 10 otherwise.

We have travelled all over the world and happy to stay in all different sorts of accommodation. However I'd we book and pay for a 5 star hotel, we do have the expectation of it being that qualification. We would rate it to be a 3 star with desperate reno needed. Very stained carpets through out as well.