Luisa & Jack's Home

We felt misled by the listing and had a very poor stay. We booked by phone for January 31 to February 1, but nobody told us the rooms were renovated in a traditional courtyard house. The website photos showed a two-story Western-style home, quite different from the actual place. One room shown in the picture is beside someone’s ancestral hall, so keep that in mind. We had already told them we wouldn’t eat breakfast there, and repeated this when paying the balance at check-in. The owner seemed a little displeased. The guesthouse is in a remote, narrow alley, so you need to be careful when passing or backing up. We also wondered why parking spaces weren’t assigned. After everyone had parked, the owner came out and asked us to move closer because other cars would be returning later. We grew up in Meinong with our maternal grandparents and brought the children back to visit and show them where we spent our childhood. The Hakka people’s disapproval left us feeling none of the warmth or hospitality we expected. The children said they wouldn’t recommend this place to their friends.

We’d been looking forward to taking the kids back to Meinong, where Mom grew up, but ended up disappointed. The guesthouse address was listed as 56-1, while the place we stayed was 56, which even made us wonder if it was legal. Its website photos looked completely different from reality, and we felt played. Getting there and parking were stressful. It’s tucked in a remote alley beside an irrigation ditch, where cars can barely pass each other and parking is very scarce. Moving the car felt like a driving test. The owner warned us about mosquitoes and said to shut the door behind us, but shouldn’t there have been a mosquito-catching lamp? We’d have been up all night swatting them to protect my sister. We got up early to take a walk and then realized someone’s ancestral hall was next door. People who mind that should know. We were completely dumbfounded. My mother and grandmother always said people in Meinong were hospitable and kind, but we didn’t feel that warmth or kindness this time. We just felt like we were being treated like royalty. The whole experience was terrible.

The grounds are a big part of the appeal: tall trees, a wide lawn, and a pond where ducks and fish swim. There are several terraces with high ceilings, and sitting there in the cool breeze, listening to the water, is so peaceful. Watching the sunset is a treat for those of us who live in the city. The place feels close to nature, and in summer mosquitoes are inevitable, but bringing repellent and not leaving the door open for long makes them manageable. The guesthouse is warm and welcoming, and the owner’s care shows throughout. The female owner and young proprietress are both very friendly, and it’s good value. Rooms mix Chinese and European styles and feel cosy. If you can plan a three-day, two-night trip, this is a great base for Shandimen in Pingtung to the south, Liugui Scenic Area to the east, Qishan to the west, or Shanlin District and Moon World to the north. Whether you want to see the area or simply relax, it’s a place that can soothe a tired mind and body. I’d want to come back.

The breakfast was good value, so I’ll add a star for the service. Still, there’s a lot that needs attention. The sheets had gecko droppings, the comforter was very stiff, and the place felt dirty and full of mosquitoes. The handover was inconvenient and poorly explained. It was sad to see what could be a lovely setting in such poor shape. The plants, trees, and fish pond all looked unhealthy and neglected. I hope someone will put time into caring for them.