The information about this project and the room I was to stay in, wasn’t clear.

Very well renovated Japanese house (Chaya) - room 201. With a view of some greenery, comfortable beds, good and clean bathroom and toilet.

Stayed in June 2024

Nil

Location is superb. Ryokan is nice and traditional yet very functional. Friendly staff.

Stayed in April 2024

It was a very interesting contrast of old and new - a traditional Japanese house with modern amenities.

Stayed in May 2024

The staff was really friendly and welcoming. We were given an introduction of the area, along with a map of restaurants and places to visit. The rooms were lovely, big and comfortable. Would definitely recommend!

Stayed in April 2024

Don’t hesitate to book this place if you’re going to Otsu. The hotel is beautifully designed - bringing out historic features with modern touches. The free walking tour (in English) was so, so interesting. We didn’t book the breakfast but the welcome treat was delicious!

Stayed in March 2024

We stayed in their larger facility which is basically a whole house detached from their other rooms, lounge, and reception area. This is a wonderful two story residence with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and areas to lounge. It is located in a market area of a covered street that is easy to access but quiet. We enjoyed walks around the city (esp. down to the lake) and trying out local restaurants where we got to have some fun communicating with a very good-natured local owner. The hotel offers a wonderful breakfast of which we took advantage once during our two night stay. We would encourage anyone booking to take the breakfast as it is very good, but if you are like us you'll also want to reserve a morning or two to try alternates in the area.

Stayed in January 2024

Honestly nothing.

We are so pleased we went to Otsu and Hotel Koo. The accommodation was so lovely and we adored the tour of the local area. The rooms are so much better than the photos suggest - full of beautiful danish furniture, great amenities (porlex grinder and pour over coffee, lovely bath products) and beautiful construction. We’ve stayed in a lot of Machiyas and this one was such a beautiful, high quality renovation. The staff were so kind and nothing was too much trouble. I highly recommend to anyone wanting a night or two break from Kyoto, this is real Japan.

Stayed in January 2024

The hotel is great and clean. I like all staffs, they all are very nice and friendly. They recommended the locol good restaurants and shops to me. i was very happy, and had a good experience. i will come again.

Stayed in November 2023

1. Room with Japanese style and stmosphere, but big enough. 2. Service is very good, not only the friendly and passionate staff, but also the local snacks, wine, provided in lobby.

Stayed in November 2023

This is my third time staying at Hotel Koo, and first time staying at their machiya suite - Koujiya. I love that Koo offers so many types of machiya suite and each has its own vibe and personality. Everything is so original. Koujiya machiya suite is like a designer’s dream – elegant, cozy, and the statement furniture pieces are everything. The lighting? Super hygge, giving off the warmest vibes. I liked it so much, I extended my stay on the spot! This Machiya suite is a total surprise package. From the outside, it's low-key and so unassuming but inside, it's a luxury haven. The kitchen is a personal favorite, connected to the dining area where you can see a mini garden. Actually you can see the garden from the master’s bedroom and bathroom too, thanks to some clever glass magic. Basically, amazing design. Oh another favorite is the statement sofa on the second floor. I have so many favorites in this place, it’s difficult to list everything!! I think it’s great for couples/duo. It's not just a hotel; it feels like a real home, and the local vibe of the neighborhood is the cherry on top. Can’t wait to be back!!

Stayed in December 2023

Clean & stylish

Stayed in December 2023

There’s a bit of confusion when checking in

Hospitality and the architecture

Stayed in November 2023

Amazing views of the street below from the room

Stayed in October 2023

Nice hotel and good experience to visit otsu

Stayed in October 2023

Good experience overall with a few minor issues

Style. Converted traditional machiyas scattered throughout town, Japanese Nordic fusion Setting. Otsu, Southern end of Lake Biwa, only 20 minutes from Kyoto by car or two stations away Explore. Otsu is a quiet languid town with lots of interesting historical buildings. I was here a week before the "Otsu Festival", 1 of the three major festivals in the lake country and an important intangible folk cultural property designated by the country. 2 of the 13 Hikiyamas floats were being assembled near the Hotel’s reception (Ohmiya) & it was fun to listen to the kids practice their music for the festival. Hotel Koo also offers local tours for free and really encourages guests to eat out, shop etc. to revitalize Otsu. I quite enjoyed the walk and visit to the Mitsuhashi Setsuko Museum of Art, and just strolling the rest of Otsu. Rooms. I booked the entry level room which was 32 sq meter only. They have rooms/villas that are up to 100 square meter. My small but immaculate room had no closet but a clothing rack. No slippers either and only two tea bags were provided. I was happy with the bathtub but next time I’ll book a bigger room/villa @ the hotel. The day checking in I had trouble reaching the hotel by phone. Once there, staff were nice and helpful. Refreshing chestnut parfait at checkin and free sake provided in the evening. Food & drinks. Hotel booked Kasen for me, where I had a very satisfying hyperlocal meal. Prices. Value for money @ $174 Rating. 4/5

Stayed in October 2023

Accomodating, amazing helpful staff. They booked a reservation at a brilliant local restaurant for us and helped us when we couldn't work out the lock for the front door! The room surpassed our expectations - photos do not do this place justice! The Japanese bath was lovely!

Stayed in September 2023

Everything. Japanese design, a combination of modern and old design. Good size room with all amenities. Great staff and welcome. Only 15 minutes by train from Kyoto.

Stayed in September 2023

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The tour of the local area was engaging and informative. It really made me appreciate the city of Otsu. I would love to come back.

Stayed in July 2023

For people who like to experience old Japanese culture coupled with some modern elements, this is the perfect location. The hotel is a very old traditional house, original a tea trader's house. Although completely renovated with modern WC, restrooms etc., the old wooden structure was kept what creates a wonderful cozy atmosphere. There's free coffee and traditional sweets in the lobby and even some alcoholic beverages in the evening + a nice arrangement of seats so that visitors can enjoy a relaxing time together. The place is very calm and relaxing and the ideal location for visitors who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle in the big cities. The breakfast was excellent (for those who enjoy traditional Japanese breakfast). It came arranged in wooden boxes and was a pleasure for the eyes and palate.

Stayed in June 2023

Sad town, pricey hotel and unhelpful manager.

Beds, bathroom and decor

Stayed in May 2023

This was a hidden treasure. I was very happy to have found this place. Wonderful hosts, very welcoming and caring, everything very clean and newly renovated. Authentic Japanese. Absolutely wonderful!

Stayed in May 2023

appearance is ordinary storage house, but inside is modern and clean. the coffee place was phenomenal.

Stayed in May 2023

Nice traditional house with modern facilities. The furniture and the lamps are so nice. Looks elegant and chic. the breakfast experince also nice with local food menu. nearby there are some small galleries, loval market, cafe and bread shop

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing. Everything was great!

Hotel Koo is such an amazing experience! I can't wait to be back. Traditional Japanese House ー renovated beautifully with quality modern elements. The wooden structure gives a very historical and warm vibe while the Scandinavian furniture and lights compliment the overall design of the space. I feel like I'm transported back to ancient Japan but with the comfort of technology. It is such an inspiring place, really perfect for digital artists/nomads! Other highlights of my stay: the unagi chazuke breakfast, the super kind and accommodating staff who will let you in on the best dining spots, the free tours by the hotel where you get to explore the ocal street market and other machiya in town, and the relaxing lounge with free coffee and snacks! At night, they serve alcohol too!

Stayed in February 2023