Hotel Review: Hoshino Resorts L’Hotel de Hiei

Mount Hiei is the highlight of my recent Kyoto trip. We all know that Kyoto is a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and the highest mountain of this region is Mount Hiei.

Hoshino Resorts L’Hotel de Hiei is one of the best accommodation in Kyoto. It is a mountain auberge built on Mt. Hiei with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa in Kyoto Prefecture. Guests can indulge in an original fusion of high French cuisine with time-honored local preparation methods in a dining room overlooking the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa.

The hotel is perfect for couples, solo travelers, family, or small groups. *A minimum age requirement of 7 applies. 

How to get there

Free shuttle bus from ”Kyoto Station”. 

The shuttle bus is free of charge and no need for reservation. 

Time table < 14:00  / 16：00　/　18：00>  

*The bus will depart on time. 

*The location of bus stop: located next to the taxi pool in front of 

 "Hachijo Exit" of Kyoto station. 

*A white colored bus with a name of "ロテルド比叡（L'Hotel de Hiei）". 

It is approx. 45 minute bus ride between our hotel and the station. 

Upon arrival, we are usher to the dinning hall here below.

We are served with a variety of tea for tasting.

Hotel outdoor sitting area with a great mountain and lake view.

  

You can choose to sit outdoor and enjoy your tea and snacks too!

GUEST ROOMS 

There are 3 types of rooms: 

• Standard Twin
• Semi-suite
• Suite

Each offers plenty of space, as well as furnishings that change with every room. The quiet atmosphere inside the room is ideal for relaxing in absolute luxury.

 I stayed in the Standard Twin room.

I love having my tea beside the big window.

The attached bathroom includes a bathtub and amenities.

An aromatherapy diffuser–containing water that was blessed at one of the most sacred Tokyo shrines–is just one of many special amenities provided in each room.

The Library

There is a cozy library located at the basement floor of the inn where you be able to find up to 200 over books on their shelves. The books are mostly art-related, and there are also English and French books as well.

ACTIVITIES (FOR HOTEL'S GUESTS)

Activity 1: Morning Temple Worship Enryakuji monastery

(Photo credit: Hoshino Resorts L’Hotel de Hiei)

 Activity 2: Wine Tasting 

L'hotel de Hiei overlooks Kyoto and Lake Biwa from Mt. Hiei, a quiet location removed from the urban bustle of Kyoto. Its sense of serenity and wonder can be explored in the historic Enryakuji monastery and along the shores of Lake Biwa.

Souvenir

It is a shop located on the first floor hotel. It sells souvenirs and liquor.

 Hotel Breakfast

Breakfast was great! The ingredients used are fresh!

Dinner

Dinner serves inspired nouvelle French cuisine that innovates with aged foods.

You get to choose between a standard course and a chef’s specialty course. Seasonal ingredients are used to prepare a variety of dishes throughout the year. 

One of the must try is the traditional aged fish delicacy that is transformed into an exquisite French dish. 

This is one of my favourite photo taken during my stay at Hoshino Resorts L’Hotel de Hiei. The sea of cloud is an instagram-worthy sight. This is what paradise on earth looks like, it’s as close to heaven as you can get.

To check reservations at L’Hotel de Hiei, please take a look at their official website.