Fenchihu Hotel

This is a review of Fenchihu Hotel's restaurant only, not the accommodation. We got there shortly after 2 PM on a Monday. The dining area with the view was closed, but there were several seats in the usual dining area, so that was fine. I ordered the chicken and pork railway bento. I liked the pork better, though both were delicious, and it was hearty, comforting food on a cold spring day. The staff spoke English and were friendly and helpful while we ordered. Since we weren't staying overnight, they later helped us call the bus station to check details about the last bus out of Fenqihu, at 5 PM. They also let us rest on their benches for a while after eating, while we had all our travel bags with us. The service was wonderful, and the experience made me want to stay overnight at Fenchihu Hotel in the future.

We stayed one night on vacation, and for the price I think it deserves five stars. The room was very basic, with a Japanese futon-style bed and a tea-making area, and the bathroom was basic too. There was a water fountain in the common area and a 7-eleven right next door. Staff spoke good English. There's no parking, but we found plenty of free street parking. The hotel sits in the middle of Fenqihu Old Street, with a lovely atmosphere and easy access to nearby forest walks.

Getting transportation up to Alishan has very few options, and the bathroom was quite disgusting. The wooden tub never drained fully, leaving about a quarter inch of water in it, so we didn't use it. We showered outside the tub instead and splashed water everywhere. There weren't any chairs in the room either. I wouldn't recommend it.

We stopped at Fenchihu Hotel just for the famous bento, and it lived up to the hype. The meal was hearty and full of flavor, with fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked rice, and a satisfying mix of meats and sides. It's a classic local treat, and eating it in Fenchihu adds to the nostalgic feel. A must-try when visiting the area.