I had a room on the 17th floor, the view over Lake Biwa was incredible- especially at sunset. There was fireworks in the lake one evening which was fantastic. I was in a Japanese style suite which was so spacious and comfy- just like having your own apartment complete with tatami mats. Free shuttle bus to and from Otsu station was very helpful, as was the luggage delivery service from Kyoto station. There were great restaurants around a 10 min walk away- Grill Sazanmi has incredible food. Was about a 30 minute walk to Otsu port to get the Michigan steam boat tour, or a 15 minute walk to the nearest stations to get elsewhere. No coin laundry facilities, but there is one about a 10 min walk away if you need it, and a local supermarket and drug store around 5 mins away. There is a small convenience store in the lobby of the hotel. Hotel breakfast was a buffet, I would recommend going earlier if you can as they tend to run out of bits around 09:30. I preferred the Top of Otsu buffet as it didn't feel like quite as much of a scramble.

Pool was closed- it's open during 'summer' which is late July/August for Japan, but this wasn't clear on either booking.com or the hotels website. Also means there is no-where to sit outside if the weather is nice as the Terrace isn't open. Restaurants in the hotel were fairly expensive- £50-80 for dinner for 1 person (around 10-14,000 yen). Another mirror in the room would be helpful, the only one was above the sink in the hallway, which was quite dark.

My experience at the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel was nothing short of outstanding. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, whose genuine kindness and professionalism set the tone for a truly memorable stay. The team consistently went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. Whether it was assisting with local recommendations, accommodating special requests, or simply greeting guests with a warm smile, their dedication to hospitality was evident in every interaction. The hotel itself offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, and the serene atmosphere is ideal for both relaxation and exploration. But what truly sets this place apart is the people—courteous, attentive, and always ready to help with grace and efficiency. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel to anyone seeking comfort, elegance, and exceptional service. It’s a place where you’re not just a guest—you’re genuinely cared for.

Very fancy hotel with good reception and cleaning services. Location by the lake isn't necessary for what is typically done in Japan but is a nice view for older folks who are looking to travel. There is a free shuttle to Otsu station by booking this hotel that loops around every half hour which is nice. This is reasonably close to Kyoto (via. train station which is about 15-20mins walking distance from hotel if you do not take the shuttle) where all of main tourist attractions are at.

Any shops associated with the hotel are too pricey. You are better off walking down the road for basic food/health needs near the area.

The view from the room is the best. I could not wish for more. The bedroom and bathroom are spacious. A separate toilet is very good as well. The bed, blankets and mattresses heal me after the long day of traveling. I did not try breakfast, so I could not give opinions. Staff is okay. I do not have much participation but there was one day, I was stuck in the rain at Aeon Plaza nearby, after calling several taxi companies and no one sent the taxi, the hotel crew kindly saved my life by getting me one at the end. I was so appreciated. The shuttle bus is convenient but also very punctual. It runs very 30 min, so you have to come a bit early to make sure you can catch it. There is a supermarket nearby as well as convenient stores. I decided to stay here instead of Kyoto because it was a lot cheaper.

- No washing machine inside the hotel. There is one coin laundry nearby but it was rainy, so I could not go at the end. - The shuttle bus is somehow too long. Standing in the windy and cold temperature was not fun at all.

We had a great stay at Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel on our way to Hiroshima. It’s a large hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful views of the lake. The room size exceeded our expectations, offering plenty of space to relax after a day of travel. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide selection to choose from. We also appreciated the convenience of free parking, which made things very easy as we were traveling by car. There was nothing we disliked during our stay. Everything was smooth and comfortable. Tip for future guests: have dinner at the German restaurant Wurzburg, just a short walk from the hotel and right by the lake. It was a lovely spot to unwind in the evening. Highly recommended for a relaxing stopover or as a base to explore the Lake Biwa area.

The hotel is on the lake. Despite this, the area is not for recreation. We were given a room on a high floor and from the window you could see the beautiful view of the lake. The service was exceptional, wide beds and very comfortable mattresses. Cleaning and changing of towels every day. The breakfast was plentiful. The hotel has several restaurants: Chinese, Japanese, French and also a coffee bar with a large selection of cakes. The only disappointment is that this bar is only open until 6 pm.

A cafeteria bar should also be open in the evening after 6 o'clock.

I recently stayed at the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel and had a very pleasant experience overall. The hotel is clean, well-maintained, and offers stunning views of Lake Biwa — especially from the higher floors. The staff were courteous and helpful, and the rooms were spacious and comfortable.

The only downside is the location. While it's a beautiful and peaceful area, it’s a bit far from major attractions and city conveniences, so getting around can take some planning. However, if you're looking for a relaxing lakeside stay away from the hustle and bustle, this is a great choice.

We had a wonderful suite with separate living room and bedroom. Lots of space: 60m² in total. Everything was first class. The free shuttle to and from Otsu station was very useful. The hotel looks out over the biggest lake in Japan: Lake Biwa. You can walk for hours along the edge of the lake or sit on one of the many seats.

We wanted to try the Japanese restaurant for breakfast, but at 7am one day and 7.30am another day it was already full. 😢 That was disappointing, but everything else was perfect!

The hotel room is super clean and spacious. The bed is very comfortable. I just wanted to stay in my room, it was that nice. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

I am not a big fan of this location. It is kinda a ghost town after dark and nothing much to eat besides at the hotel restaurants, which do not have a many vegetarian options; I did not find any. Lake Biwa walk is nice but pollution sometimes messes up the look. I would have a had a better time staying in Kyoto and making a day trip to here.

Clean rooms , beautiful lakeview, excellent breakfast, great management. Lots of space and very eco minded. All the shuttle bus drivers were very helpfull, friendly, and professional.

Request for a quiet room was not prepared for but management promptly took care of it when the noise became troublesome later. Front desk staff were not polite or friendly, very superficial and uncaring during checking even though it was not especially crowded, very unprofessional and un-Prince Hotel like. No concierge service and bell desk was manned by trainee who had no idea what restaurants were in the city which is famous for their Omi Beef.. Finally, there was no coffee in the room and no ice available. Was told very bluntly to go and buy ice at the convenience store.