Park Lane Inn

The location is very good and the service was fine, but the room was far worse than a two-star hotel in Bangkok. The facilities and decor felt very old, and the bed was extremely firm. There was a humid, moldy smell, like an old grandma's room, perhaps from the curtains or carpet. The bathroom was tiny and old too.

Our suite had a lovely wide view over Taichung, plus a large living area, dining space, an open bedroom with two queen beds, and a marble bathroom. The rooms at Park Lane Inn look dated, with furnishings that feel like the 80s, but they were clean and looked after. The hotel is right in Taichung's shopping area, a convenient base for exploring. There's no nearby MRT or train, though buses and taxis are easy to find and affordable. We heard sounds from neighboring rooms and showers because the soundproofing wasn't good. The suite had a microwave, basic 3-in-1 coffee, Chinese tea and mocha tea, but no USB outlets or espresso machine. The entrance is shared with another property. For families on a budget who want a central location, it's a good option.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes close by, including the Sunny pineapple cake shop. The location is excellent for getting to many sights, with the National Theatre and Taichung train station within a 30-minute bus ride. The interior is a little dated, but it's good value. Don't be put off by comments about there being no metro nearby. Taichung has only a few metro stops anyway, and people get around by bus.

The bed and pillows were firm enough, and there was decent space in both the room and bathroom.