CHECK inn Select Taichung Dadun

At over 6500 NTD for a night, I didn’t feel this hotel was worth the price or close to the five-star rating shown online. The facilities seemed worn and cheap, and the musty atmosphere made me physically uncomfortable. Parts of the room were neglected, dusty, and dirty. The swimming pool is permanently closed, though at least there’s a large playroom for kids. The front desk staff were friendly.

I booked a family room, which was spacious and clean, and felt like good value. It had two queen-sized beds and two bathrooms. Parking is limited, so you may need to park across the road at the sister hotel.

We stayed in the newer wing across the road, in a large, comfortable and attractive room with two comfortable king-sized beds and two bathrooms with showers. Housekeeping were polite and efficient, and the front desk staff were helpful. The hotel also has an older main wing. Breakfast was included, and although the buffet was a bit lacklustre, there was plenty and it filled us up. On weekdays the buffet stops at 10am. There’s a large gym and swimming pool next door. The gym looked good and was quite busy. The outdoor pool is a little old but large, with plenty of room for loungers and tables. The water was a bit cold for kids but good for swimming laps. There’s also a steam room, a large jacuzzi that could easily fit 12 people, and another pool with high-pressure jet massagers. My daughter cut her foot on a sharp stone in the pebble-dash pool lining. The lifeguards quickly got the first aid kit and patched her up gently and skillfully. Thanks, lifeguard Tina! I didn’t try the seafood restaurant in the newer wing’s foyer, but its decorative saltwater tanks outside were beautiful and the kids loved them. A good, safe choice for a family hotel.

The breakfast had a nice variety, and the staff were very friendly. We liked the room setup because we’re sensitive to noise, especially with two little kids: the bathroom was closest to the road, and a second door shielded the bedroom from it. At night we could still hear noise from other rooms, though I couldn’t tell if it came from upstairs or next door. Luckily, it faded as it got late.