CAPYBARA Hostel

The room's look was simple and comfortable, with an industrial style and exposed concrete. But the double bed was actually two single beds pushed together, with a groove down the middle. The comforter felt a little heavy, and the sheets were badly pilled, rough and uncomfortable to sleep under. I chose this guesthouse through a package with Lirong Holidays, hoping for the ocean-view rooms shown in the photos and expecting a lovely vacation. I had assumed all the properties operated by the same company, including this one and Shanshui Surfing B&B (Buildings 1 and 2), were 600 meters from Shanshui Beach. I only found out at check-in that the package flights and hotel were for Maodi Guesthouse. It's in a village-like area among houses, but the alleys are a maze and the place gets dark and deserted. I spent ages finding my way back each day.

The balcony was huge, nice for getting fresh air or exercising in the morning, and the four-person room had enough space for the kids to draw and play games. The concrete industrial style was simple and clean looking. I liked the bed's firmness so much I wanted to stay in it, and the shower's strong spray made bathing refreshing. It was easy to rent a car at the guesthouse, and they thoughtfully had child safety seats. Breakfast vouchers gave us several choices, and the beach was close enough for the kids to play in the sand and water. A great Penghu stay! 👏👏

The place was clean and tidy, with a wet and dry separated bathroom and a really powerful showerhead. It sits right by the beach, about a 15-minute drive from the city, so it suits people looking for quiet and water activities. I rented a newly purchased Like 125 from the B&B. Even the helmet was new, and the bike was comfortable with a roomy seat for our North Loop trip. The airport pickup staff were friendly and shared map information without being asked. I didn't get a text right away, but when I called, someone answered and said I could contact them any time with questions. Since we had registered for the Peace of Mind bonus, the receptionist immediately checked and refunded the fee. It was a pretty positive stay.

We asked about staying two months ahead and got no reply to our messages, so we booked over the phone. I followed up by message and the owner agreed. On the call, they asked whether we needed to pay a deposit and said they'd send the details, but nothing came. We booked whole buildings at three guesthouses. The other two sent payment information right away and we transferred the money. This one kept saying we hadn't booked properly and that someone else had booked before us. Why tell us we could book by phone? Two weeks before the trip, they still weren't replying despite repeated messages. A few days before departure, when we called to confirm, they said the booking had never gone through. They blamed us and nearly left our group of more than ten stranded. With only two days left, they suggested we find somewhere else and kept passing responsibility around instead of acknowledging their mistake. The booking process was awful. After we kept asking, they said other guesthouses had rooms, but at a higher price than originally agreed, which gave the impression of deliberate price gouging. Fortunately, the guesthouse that referred us helped find another room. Once that booking was settled, I immediately transferred the deposit and messaged to confirm. Staff said by phone they'd received my message and would reply, but they didn't. I called the next morning and afternoon and heard they'd respond after checking, yet they kept dragging it out. I had to chase them three or four times because they just don't answer messages. The accommodation itself wasn't bad, but be prepared for the possibility of being left without a room when booking.