Yingjia Hot Spring Homestay

This was a lovely farm stay for a weekend break or a road trip. The wooden house was cozy and spacious, with a private hot spring bath looking out toward the woods and mountains. There are two convenience stores nearby that are open all day and night. I’d gladly come back.

The owner’s warmth is what made me want to write this review. From answering booking questions and sharing nearby restaurant information to arranging check-in, they were so thoughtful. Before we left, the owner even gave us two boxes of Taiwanese Sugar-apple from their harvest. Such a sweet gesture. They’re humble, friendly Taiwanese country people and farmers. We needed somewhere comfortable to recover after three days of tough high-mountain hiking on Jiaming Lake National Trail. I felt lucky to cancel my first booking at a 5-star hot spring hotel in popular Chihpin and choose YingChia Spa B&B on the spectacular Huatung Highway instead. By general standards it may not be a 5-star accommodation, but in many ways it offered more than a 5-star hotel. Our room was spacious and spotless, with lovely timber cabins, though it wasn’t modern. Opening the bathroom’s sliding door revealed a huge private hot spring bath, about 10 sqm, with a beautiful mountain view. This applies only to some room types. The owner had put out a table and chairs so we could sit comfortably between soaks. The public pools are drained, disinfected, washed, and refilled every day. I understand the water is reused on their large farm, so it isn’t wasted. Breakfast was generous, with Taiwanese and Western-style food served in a dedicated restaurant. We loved it. They don’t really use email or online booking, so it’s better to call or use LINE.

I stayed in a single cabin, so other guests didn’t bother me. The surroundings were clean, and the interior was a little modern, though the hot spring tub had a traditional style. Breakfast was basic traditional congee.

The service was warm, everything was clean, and the outdoor hot spring pools were super clean too.