Confessions of a Taiwan Travel Addict
I'm a self-confessed Taiwan travel addict! I go like, three times a year! Just snagged another trip thanks to those crazy cheap AirAsia fares. So, here's a review of the hotels I've stayed in, hopefully helping you plan your own Taiwan adventure. I also made the most of those NT$5000 vouchers for hotels and food – details below!
Making the Most of Taiwan's Vouchers
Those hotel and food vouchers are fantastic if you know how to use them. It takes some planning to find hotels with good value, close to the MRT, and that fit the voucher criteria, but it's so worth it!
Hotel Recommendations
1. Santos Hotel, Taipei
I stayed here during the public holiday last year.
Price: NT$6,500 / 4 nights / 2 people
This hotel isn't right in the heart of Ximending, but it's about 3km from Shilin Night Market. Super convenient – near both the red and yellow MRT lines, only a 5-minute walk. The rooms are pretty spacious, unlike some Taipei hotels I've seen. It's a little older, and has that distinctive Taiwan scent, you know, a bit musty from the carpets.
2. Hub Hotel Tucheng, Taipei
AirAsia rescheduled my flight, so I ended up booking this for a weekend stay last minute. It was kinda pricey: NT$1,800 / night.
Be aware: It's quite far from the city center.
Located on the blue MRT line, about a 10-minute walk. Small but clean hotel.
3. Hub Hotel - Zhongshan, Taipei
Staying here during the week meant more options and better prices.
Price: NT$1,300 / night
The rooms are small but clean. I rate the Hub Hotel chain pretty highly. It's near the red and yellow MRT lines, but still about an 8-minute walk.
4. For Relaxation: JBG Hot Spring Resort Hotel, Beitou
This place is super popular on weekends, so book in advance or go during the week for better prices. I booked through their Facebook page, told them I wanted to use the voucher, and they didn't require a deposit!
Price: NT$3,000. Used the voucher + paid NT$230 cash.
They have a private onsen in your room! The water is the real deal; it stains the shower fixtures dark!
5. Check Inn Taichung Wenxin, Taichung
Price: NT$5,035 for 3 nights. I booked through their website and paid a deposit of NT$1,511. I used the NT$3,000 voucher here.
The hotel is small, and barely enough space for two suitcases, but it's very clean!
6. Somer Chew Hotel, Tainan
Weekend rates tend to be higher.
The hotel has a simple but tasty breakfast and free bicycles, although the surrounding area is a bit hilly! There are some nice local markets nearby.
Price: Around NT$4,800. I used the NT$5,000 voucher here.
I booked on their website and added my card for the deposit, but they didn't charge it.
7. The Cloud Hotel, Kaohsiung
I give this place a 9/10!
It's close to a night market (lots of Vietnamese stalls there!). It is convenient as it's near the MRT station too.
The hotel is decent size, reasonably priced (around RM800 / night), and clean!
Food Recommendations
1. Spa Spring Resort
I spent NT$2,000 on sushi at this hotel in Beitou.
Their lunch set is delicious and reasonably priced. I only had to add NT$600.
2. Midtown Richardson Bo'ai
Also used the NT$2,000 voucher here and topped up NT$600 for a tasty hot pot.
Each person gets their own pot, and the portions are huge! They even have beef and lobster!
I don't usually take a lot of photos. Once the food arrives, I just dig in! Sorry, not sorry! 😜
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