Ginkgo Hotel

The night tour around the area, shared with other hotels, was informative. It cost about twd199. The room was old but clean and well kept, with comfortable beds and a decent pillow. I'd stay again, though breakfast was a letdown: it was boring, the staff service wasn't great, and hours were only 7-9am. They started putting food away by 840am, even the instant tea and coffee packets, and at 845am a tall restaurant worker pointed at his watch to hurry us out.

Across the road there’s a pleasant nature path with mist and tables and chairs for a quiet moment. The hotel is clean and nice, within walking distance of Monster Village, Xitou education centre, and the bus station. Breakfast is included and has plenty of vegetarian choices. Downstairs, the cafe serves set meals and hot pot, just right on a cold mountain night.

Breakfast had a good range of dishes, including egg and toast if the local food isn't your thing. The staff were okay, reasonably friendly but nothing special. Rooms were clean, though that's about all I can say for them. The hotel feels badly outdated and well past its prime. Its open central layout carries noise to every floor, so check whether there's an event during your stay. We were there for a school reunion, and the seniors played loud MJ, Chinese tile poker, until the early hours. It's about a 10-minute walk from the Xitou park entrance, all uphill, so getting here is a bit of a challenge. Still, it's a decent place if you're spending time in the park. If arriving by bus and expecting the hotel shuttle, ride all the way to the end. Don't get off early with hotel staff, because the route is steep and hauling luggage up it is no fun. There's very little food or anything else nearby. Eat or buy something before the local places shut around sunset. Next time, I'd honestly stay somewhere inside the park.

The breakfast was decent, which helps since there aren't many restaurants nearby. It's a comfortable stay at a reasonable price, and the location works especially well for visiting Xitou Recreational Forest. I'd happily come back to this hotel if I return to Xitou.