Alishan Hotel

The long bus ride was the hardest part of getting there. The mountain views were stunning, but some of my family got motion sick and it slowed us down on our first afternoon. It was also disappointing that the hotel couldn't let us check in early at 1:00 PM. Still, watching the sunset from the rooftop made the discomfort disappear. That view alone made the trip feel worthwhile. This is the only star-rated hotel I've stayed at so deep in remote mountains that still keeps such a high standard of service and facilities. The outside of the building shows its age, but our room was warm and cozy enough that leaving it for the freezing winter air was the real challenge. The lobby staff spoke fluent English and eagerly walked me through activities and hiking trails in Alishan Forest Park. Their warmth made a lasting impression. Breakfast and dinner also had the best variety I've experienced at a hotel in such a remote place. We'd planned to see the famous sunrise, but the freezing temperatures made getting out of bed so early difficult. We slept in instead, then hiked after breakfast. The staff helped us plan a safe route and schedule for Mount Tashan. Reaching the summit and looking out at the endless sea of clouds, with peaks like little islands in the distance, is something I'll never forget.

The setting is the real draw. In cherry blossom season, the park becomes magical, an unforgettable sight that makes up for some of the small drawbacks. The breakfast and dinner buffets were generous, tasty, and filling, just right after a day out exploring. A 4 p.m. check-in can be awkward when you arrive tired and early, but it ended up working out. There was plenty to see in the surrounding park, so we enjoyed a leisurely walk while waiting. Our room was basic but comfortably spacious, with a large window that made it feel open even though the view wasn't especially inspiring. The bed was cozy, and the modest bathroom had a heated toilet seat and a useful sprayer. Alishan Hotel isn't luxurious, but the comfort, scenery, and hearty meals made it a worthwhile stay for us.

Two restaurant staff, mr Jacky and mdm Jhang, made our first Alishan trip especially enjoyable. They gave us useful tips about routes to xianglin shenmu so we wouldn't miss it, and told us about Taiwan's special fruits, which meant a lot to us as foreigners. They made both the stay and dining a pleasure. It was great to meet them, and I hope to return to Alishan and Alishan Hotel soon. The room was upgraded, thank you, and had two king-size beds, each made by joining two separate beds. There were two wash basins, so no fighting over them. The decor was old, but the room was comfortable. No air conditioning, but there was a heater, and a water dispenser on L6. The walls were a little thin, so we could hear conversations as people walked by, though luckily not during sleeping hours. We were in the modern block, facing the woods, with a small balcony. When I booked, I didn't know how to get there and got no reply from the hotel. Luckily, the shuttle pickup details were easy enough to find on the hotel website. The hotel is inside Alishan National Park. You can board the shuttle at the Alishan transit area, by the park entrance where public buses 7322 and 7239 drop off or pick up passengers. You can also walk in after buying a park ticket. The shuttle stops at the Information Centre inside Alishan National Park.

The staff were very nice, and the location is prime. But the price doesn't feel justified by location alone. Both the hotel and rooms need remodeling. Even in the modern building, the floors and facade look run down. It's sad to see, because the place has so much potential but is missing quite a bit of upkeep.