Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa グランドメルキュール琵琶湖リゾート＆スパ 琵琶湖美爵水療度假酒店

Grand Mercure Biwako Resort & Spa is a large lakeside resort hotel located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. Situated at 38 Oshima, Oshima-cho in Nagahama, the property sits between the expansive Ho Park and the calm waters of Lake Biwa, with the cityscape spreading out behind it. Formerly known as “Hotel & Resorts Nagahama,” the hotel was rebranded in 2024 under Accor’s Grand Mercure brand, refreshing its interior design and guest services.

The hotel offers convenient access, just a 10-minute walk from JR Nagahama Station. It is a direct ride from Osaka on local lines, and around one hour from Kyoto or Nagoya via Maibara, making it an easy getaway from the Kansai and Chukyo regions. A shuttle bus operates from the station, ideal for guests with large luggage. For those arriving by car, the hotel is about 15–20 minutes from the Nagahama IC (Hokuriku Expressway) or the Maibara IC (Meishin Expressway), and also serves as a comfortable stop during a lakeside drive.

Next to the hotel lies Ho Park, a well-known cherry blossom spot. Its lakeside promenade, lawns, and playground areas are all within a few minutes’ walk. Guests can enjoy seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn. The Nagahama Castle Historical Museum is also located within the park, making it easy to combine sightseeing with leisurely lakefront walks. As a hub for the northern Lake Biwa area, the hotel offers good access to attractions such as Chikubushima cruises and the Kurokabe Square district.

With 362 guest rooms, the hotel is large in scale and offers a broad range of room types including twins, doubles, Japanese-Western rooms, triples, and family rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with standard amenities such as a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, safe, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms are positioned to overlook Lake Biwa, and upper-floor rooms offer sweeping views of the lake, Ho Park, and the surrounding mountains. Following the rebrand, interiors were refreshed with light tones and a clean, modern resort style.

The main dining venue is the buffet restaurant “Le Sensoriel,” located on the second floor with wide lake-facing windows. Breakfast is offered as a Japanese-Western buffet from 7:00 to 9:30, while dinner is served as a buffet from 17:30 to 21:00. The menu incorporates regional specialties such as lake fish, Omi beef, and local vegetables, blending local flavors with family-friendly selections. Many dinner plans include free-flow beer and wine, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed evening meal.

The hotel’s onsen facilities are another highlight. The large communal baths and open-air baths feature “Nagahama Taiko Onsen,” historically connected to Nagahama Castle. The indoor bath is designed with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, while the open-air bath and sauna allow guests to unwind in the fresh outdoor air. A “Wellness Lounge” is available for post-bath relaxation, offering a calm space to enjoy drinks. The onsen is reserved for hotel guests, ensuring a peaceful environment.

In summer, the outdoor garden pool opens and is especially popular with families. It features a main pool with a depth of about 1.1 meters and a separate shallow pool for children. With Lake Biwa and the greenery of Ho Park as a backdrop, guests can enjoy refreshing seasonal leisure time. Pool use is included in the all-inclusive benefits for many plans, and both pre-check-in and post-check-out use are available, making it easy to build pool time into your stay. The hotel also offers table tennis, a kids’ play area, and indoor activities suitable even on rainy days.

One of the hotel’s defining features is its all-inclusive system. Many plans include dinner, breakfast, lounge drinks and snacks, onsen access, and selected activities in the room rate. While some premium drinks and certain activities incur additional charges, most alcoholic beverages at the buffet, sparkling wine, and light snacks in the lounge are included—ideal for guests who prefer to relax on-site without worrying about extra costs.

Facilities include restaurants, an onsen and spa, the outdoor pool, meeting rooms, banquet halls, a shop, coin laundry, and smoking areas, making the hotel suitable for long stays, families, and group travel. A parking area is available next to the hotel, convenient for guests arriving by car (conditions and fees may change seasonally; checking the latest information is recommended). With its lakeside openness, proximity to JR Nagahama Station, and simple all-inclusive pricing, Grand Mercure Biwako Resort & Spa serves as a versatile lakeside retreat for both train and car travelers.