Grand Mercure Biwako Resort & Spa

I stayed at “Sumihei” in Tango over the weekend.Even before my stay, they carefully discussed my detailed requests by email. I arrived with no worries at all and looked forward to the day.The first thing I felt upon entering the Room was the warmth of a space clearly crafted with great care down to every detail by local carpenters. Everything was impeccably clean, and I was able to relax in complete comfort.What impressed me most was the open-air bath in the Room. The Sea of Japan stretched out right in front of me, and the sense of openness was exceptional. From right after arrival until just before checkout the next day, I enjoyed it so many times I lost count. Soaking late at night or early in the morning, then lying beside the bath listening to the sound of waves, was a truly luxurious moment that helped me forget everyday life and relax from the heart.At both dinner and breakfast, staff kindly explained each dish and its ingredients one by one. Everything was delicious, and especially at dinner, there was so much crab that I couldn’t finish it all.Since it was before crab season this time, they told me it had been flash-frozen from last season’s catch—but it was more than delicious enough. Of course it’s nice to enjoy expensive crab at high-end kappo restaurants around Hanshin, but I felt Sumihei’s crab dishes were just as good. It reminded me again that “the best way to enjoy great ingredients is to eat them where they’re locally caught.”The complimentary private baths were also wonderful—I woke up early and tried them all. Each had its own unique atmosphere, offering a different kind of enjoyment from the Room’s open-air bath.And what left an especially strong impression this time were all of the staff.Not only are they trained to a very high standard; you can also feel their pride in working at Sumihei and their confidence as they provide attentive service. It didn’t feel scripted—each person naturally acted with genuine consideration for guests, which was truly impressive.Their hospitality even reminded me of The Ritz-Carlton staff.The food, service, Room, and open-air bath—everything made for an extremely satisfying stay.I didn’t just think “I want to come back”—when checking out, I went ahead and made a Reservation for one year later.I’m already looking forward to enjoying Tango—and Sumihei—in a different season next time.

We stayed here during Silver Week.The entire Accommodation was designed with a luxurious feel, using indirect lighting and other touches throughout. The Room was clean, and the dinner and breakfast buffets had a great variety—I'm truly glad we came. The menu ranged widely, including sashimi and tempura of course, as well as sukiyaki and steak, and there were many dishes I tried for the first time. Alcohol was all-you-can-drink in various settings too, which made it even more enjoyable.On the day of our stay we went cycling around Lake Biwa and ended up checking in quite late, but they were very flexible with dinner time. We started eating just before 8 p.m., and we were able to enjoy our meal at a relaxed pace.There were also various amusements inside the Accommodation such as table tennis, so families with children seemed to be having fun as well. It wasn’t just that the Facility was well equipped—the thoughtful ideas behind everything really conveyed a genuine sense of hospitality.It felt like an excellent value compared to what we paid for the stay. I’d love to come again.