L’Hotel du Lac

Came here because I wanted to try out Sower, an exquisite locavore restaurant, chef Coleman and 2 other team members are alumnus of Inus. Sower hands down beats many of the best restaurants in Kyoto and showcases the terroir of Shiga. Likely no Michelin star yet only because the inspectors have not made it to this more remote part of Japan. ||I had such a nice stay, there was still snow on the ground, the hotel faces the stunning Biwa lake, the 15 cabins/rooms are spread out across the tree covered grounds. I was in a Japanese style room, you can choose other styles ie Scandi. My room was small, but comfortable with heated bathroom floors, soaking tub. I also booked one of the two private onsens which was a pleasant surprise as I didn’t know what to expect at the hotel. If any room for improvement, would suggest the onsen to also be available in the mornings, and the pillows in my room were really hard. ||Service was excellent too, when I told the hotel I had trouble with their website (the English website changes into Japanese when you actually start booking a room), they literally changed this issue in less than a day. ||This is a place I definitely want to come back to, at least I know I would eat incredibly well, and to use this as a base to travel this less traveled area of Shiga.

Private cabin accommodations are comfortable, spacious and well equipped. It was the heart of summer, yet the air conditioning worked great and my room was just a 1 minute walk to the swimming pool and a 3 minute walk to the cool waters of Lake Biwa. The views of the lake and surrounding forest are quite stunning! The restaurant also exceeded my expectations. Michelin quality elevated cuisine, made using fresh local ingredients. My only complaint would be some of the buildings are a bit outdated and in need of a makeover, however I heard the hotel is set to go under a renovations sometime soon. Overall it was a great stay and a slice of real Japan, off the beaten tourist path. Highly recommended.

We stayed one night at L'Hotel du Lac on our way back to Kyoto from the Kaga Onsen area. Having gone two dinners in a row enjoying traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, we felt that French-Japanese dining experience would offer a nice contrast. And how right we were.||||The sprawling property is nestled along the north shore of beautiful Lake Biwa, with not much around it. It's definitely a place that will reduce your blood pressure - it really is that tranquil of a setting. From the mountains and forest behind the property to the beautifully manicured lawn in front (along with a pool and tennis court), the grounds are definitely first rate. Each room is wood cabin style individual units, and are charming and provides a sense of (European) place that's reminiscent of somewhere like Lake Como or Lake Garda. Inside, you're treated to separate living room and bedroom as well as a bathroom on the first floor, with a small loft with an additional bed on the 2nd floor (feels more like an attic - you can't stand straight given the very low ceiling.) It's not particularly spacious.... Our Villa Suite room was listed as 60m², but it felt a bit tighter than that, especially in the living area. The furnishings are somewhat low-budget; the dining chairs, for instance, are of the cheap and plastic (and very uncomfortable) variety. Outside of our cabin was a large patio; a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon reading a book or observing the monkeys that frequent the property grounds (depending on the season that you visit.) Overall, it's a nice, charming environment, but not the most spacious or comfortable accommodations.||||In contrast to the cabins, the main building is contemporary in structure, design and adornments. Almost Mediterranean in feel. In the common areas (including the dining room) there are floor-to-ceiling windows that give it an airy feel while allowing everyone to enjoy the gorgeous property grounds as well as Lake Biwa itself.||||Dinner and brunch were both very delightful. It's European-inspired Japanese fusion cuisine that relies mainly on local ingredients, and the result is terrific. The Fermented Japanese Turnip with Tofu Skin was a highlight, as was the lightly seared Cod with Tom Yum Kung sauce. Dessert dishes were also creative and incredible, especially the amazing Chestnut Ice Cream. Brunch was a hearty and immensely enjoyable affair - it's made-to-order a-la-carte dining with an expansive menu... and it's all-you-can-order. We had everything from a pastry basket to curry rice to Omi Beef Steak over rice (cooked in a hot stone pot) to Grilled Scallops to Sweet Almond Tofu. Each serving is quite small, so you can really enjoy a wide variety of dishes on offer.||||We really enjoyed our stay at L'Hotel du Lac. It was a perfect ending to a multi-day trip through the Hokuriku region of Japan, and we enjoyed the food in particular. For those that are based in Europe, or have opportunities to visit European countryside results, I'm not sure that I'd recommend that they visit L'Hotel du Lac given all of the wonderful things that Japan has to offer. However, if you know what you're getting into, and it's what you are looking for, then L'Hotel du Lac will almost certainly fit the bill.

We spent 2 nights here after crowded busy days in Kyoto. It was a welcome respite. LHotel du Lac is best described as a destination hotel. You go there because you want to go there, for its commanding view of Lake Biwa and for its food. It is well worth making the special journey, just over an hour from Kyoto Station for free shutlle pick up to the hotel. ||As a small luxury hotel, you can expect first class amenities and service. Their bar lounge provides alcohol on the house from 3 pm, and all the items in the room bar are complimentary, from local sake to Nagahama ale. There is hot drinking water from the airpot topped up each day. Washlet is top-of-the-range, with a sink conveniently within reach. Toiletries are Tuscan Soul, and you get an English newspaper delivered to your room each morning. ||It is food both for the stomach and the soul. We were quite happy to chill out at the hotel the one day that it rained on us, walking around the lake and soaking in its indoor natural mountain spring pool after the rains. The surroundings are so tranquil I was inspired to compose my first haiku out of that stay!||Their modern French cuisine restaurant Le Paysage makes the trip there worthwhile. They offer 2 dinner menus using seasonal local produce, one of which is a Cuvee Tasaki menu curated by world class sommelier Shinya Tasaki, with optional wine pairing. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner both nights. ||Breakfast was no less special. You have a choice of Western, or Japanese, or our favourite, a la carte buffet from which we could pick both Western or Japanese items, with champagne if you're not driving.:) Oumi beef, collagen soup and French toast were some of the highlights||We received attentive service all the way, starting with owner Hidekazu Tanaka who personally picked us up from the station. ||Personalised service, attention to details, great dining and an incomparable location all combine to make it a stay to remember for all time.

I have been in a private onsen just for a minimal fee. Isn’t that good? I have been in L’Hotel du lac and I was amazed by the beautiful view that is outside. Once I even went hiking in the mountains. It was perfect to hike on. The beautiful view is so good and I can see the sunlight shining through the mountains.||Wide range of food courses during the day, in addition breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was great.

I have visited L'Hotel twice and each time I am amaze by its beauty and tranquility, it is a place to rest your mind and soul. The property Is surrounded by lush green and fronting Lake Biwa. Food is at its best as the hotel uses all the local produce. Most importantly is the owner speaks wonderful English! Perfect combination if you are in Osaka or on your way to Kanazawa!

Beautiful hotel and surroundings, staff are really making an effort to improve and make the customers happy. A young and motivated American chef is now in the kitchen delivering a high level dining experience with the best local ingredients. Highly recommended.

On holiday in Japan but Tired of busy streets, seen too many temples ? |Then treat yourself to this hotel. We stayed in the Japanese style villas and it's the best way to experience minimalist Japanese architecture (including futons) but with all the modern comfort you can imagine.|The staff, although limited English speaking except one, are at the top of Japanese hospitality, friendliness and ready to assist with any question you may have.|Breakfast is the most exhaustive you can imagine. Western, Japanese or a la carte.|The location is stunning with lake views and the most fantastic road leading to the hotel grounds with cherry blossoms abound. You do need to factor in that Japanese come from far away to drive under the lush cherry blossoms. The villas are far enough on the hillside so it does not bother you but it may make getting to the hotel somewhat cumbersome.|If you want to have a few days holiday the way the Japanese do it, come here to relax.