Happy Hostel

Being a short walk from First Market was a real plus, and the guesthouse was clean with its own parking. Still, I wouldn't have booked if I'd known two of our three rooms had no windows. We reserved three four-person rooms at Yi Yuan Hotel through Line with the owner, who also owns the neighboring Xi Yue Lai Hotel. The owner asked us to choose between the two hotels and said both had four-person rooms. We chose Yi Yuan based on the Google photos. At check-in, two rooms had no windows, including in the toilets. All three rooms were very small: the hallway was too narrow to open our two large suitcases. They felt damp and stuffy, and the air conditioning was loud. We hadn't been told about the window difference, and every room type cost the same, so we didn't know what distinguished them. When we complained, the owner said, "Our rooms are the same as the photos. If you care about windows, you should ask yourself. No one has complained about this issue." We checked Booking.com and Agoda and couldn't find any clear notice of which rooms had windows. Photos for different room types were all grouped under the four-person option. The bed photos did match what was on the site, but mixing pictures of rooms with and without windows without labels was misleading. The Google photos were misleading too. The owner said those were posted by netizens, but Yi Yuan Hotel had photos of the Xi Yue Lai Hotel storefront. Please compare with the actual storefront photos. Yi Yuan Hotel is an old detached house converted for guests, with windows at the front and back. The room in the middle has none. Neither the booking sites nor the owner's Line messages mentioned that, so ask the owner if it matters to you. I hope the owner will proactively disclose this in future.

The owner and hostess were so polite, friendly, and thoughtful with guests. The room itself was on the small side, but totally enough, and so clean there wasn't a speck of dust. I slept on those comfy pillows and under that quilt until nearly noon! The price was reasonable, too. Downstairs there was a clean, comfortable living room and bathroom, and we could eat food from Lukang Old Street in the air-conditioned lounge. Really comfortable. I'd stay at this B&B again next time I'm in Lukang.

The landlady was understanding when an elderly family member suddenly got sick and we couldn't check in the first time. She let me cancel, and I was grateful enough to make sure I'd come back. Glad I did. It's convenient for the old street, Longshan Temple, and nearby small attractions. There are breakfast places close by, with McDonald's a bit farther away. The lobby and rooms were clean, the decor felt cozy, and the toiletries were all there. The fan was strong and the TV picture was great, though the shower pressure could've been better. The staff were just as friendly and welcoming as they sounded on the phone, polite and attentive. Xiao Hei (the dog) has his own personality, which I appreciate. Good value, and I'd happily visit again.

A clean room with all the basic facilities, and parking nearby is convenient. The B&B is close to the center of Lukang, so it's a good place to stay. I'd book here again if I need a room in Lukang.