Hotel Queen

The noise was awful. Two rooms kept making noise until 3 a.m., and even earplugs didn’t let me sleep. The reception was supposedly open 24 hours and only about five metres from our rooms, but nobody did anything about it. There’s no lift, and you have to climb quite a few stairs just to reach reception, something to consider if you have heavy luggage. Staff didn’t speak any English, not even basic words, so communication was impossible and I couldn’t get help. This felt like an overpriced budget hostel, not a hotel. I’ve stayed at other nearby hotels with much better quality and service for less. This was one of my worst travel experiences, and the first time I’ve written a review because of it.

We asked for help with some luggage, but the staff member just sat at the counter and watched us carry it. She did the same when we checked out. The website listed checkout at noon, yet she initially said we had to leave at 10 a.m. and asked for an extra 500 Taiwan dollars to stay until noon. After we negotiated, she agreed to let us check out at noon. That staff member was dishonest and unfriendly.

I stayed here during quarantine in early 2022. I don’t speak any Mandarin, and Mr. Tony was very helpful and kind. I really appreciated how he treated guests. My experience with the two other female staff members was different. When I called reception, they didn’t seem willing to help with my needs, which was frustrating while I was quarantining. A few days before I arrived in Taiwan, the hotel contacted me about an extra early check-in fee. I declined because I thought the time would have been clear from the flight and landing details I’d submitted. The hotel then said I couldn’t enter before 15:00 and couldn’t wait in the corridor. So I stayed at Taoyuan airport after landing and planned work meetings using the airport internet. Later, the hotel called to say I could come without paying the extra fee. The conflicting messages confused me and wasted a lot of time. My room had no window, which could be hard for a long stay, but I was able to bear it.

The room was noisy, the TV didn’t work, and the air conditioning couldn’t be adjusted. It got very cold in the morning. My flat pillow gave me a headache every day, and I saw a big mosquito flying around the room. The shower temperature kept changing, and they only took cash. For the same price, you’d get better facilities with Airbnb. I’d choose another hotel if possible. This place only makes sense for a longer stay if you’re really on a tight budget.