Lucky Taitung

Pros: breakfast is included, there’s a wide selection of snacks, guests get tickets to the Taitung Botanical Garden (available at all Taitung hotels), and there’s a covered arcade for shelter from rain. Cons: you can’t wear shoes inside, and the provided slippers collect dust. The soundproofing is extremely poor. First-floor rooms are prone to ants and aren’t suitable for storing food. The TV doesn’t work, and the hair dryer is underpowered. At NT$1,800 for a double room, it feels quite expensive for the room quality and location. It’s a self-service hotel with no reception staff. Contact beforehand is informal and requires phone confirmation, which can feel a bit jarring, similar to overseas. I personally don’t like this setup and wouldn’t consider coming back.

The place was clean, cozy, and quiet, and the guesthouse owner’s daughter gave us a warm welcome. Someone in the next room said they come to Taitung twice a year and always stay here. We were lucky, too, because the mattress had just been replaced.

The landlady made me a tasty, filling French sandwich for breakfast, with vegetables, fruit, black beans, and milk. My room was spotless and I slept really well during my one-night solo trip around the island. She was so welcoming that I’d happily stay here again.

We hadn’t rented a car before arriving, and the owners helped us sort out transportation. We really appreciated that. They were friendly, the place was clean and comfortable, and breakfast came with very fresh fruit and vegetables and tasted great.