Machiya Posong

The facilities were compact but clean, and the atmosphere was lovely. Some people might want private showers and toilets, but what was available was enough for me. The biggest surprise was how kindly they handled my personal difficulties. In the end, the service manager, Webb, drove me to the Fugang Harbor. They were incredibly kind, and I highly recommend them.

The place was clean and tidy, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

I stayed in one of the single rooms, which was small but cozy and suited solo travel well. It had a bed, a little table, and a clothes rack, with the whole room visible at a glance. The traditional sliding door uses a key. I wondered if that was partly to avoid entry beeps that could disturb guests coming and going on different schedules. I thought it was a sensible arrangement. The complex dates to the Japanese occupation period, when it served as dormitories for Taitung Girls' High School. After some restoration, it is now run and maintained by Yunpin Hotel Group. The connected Japanese-style buildings hold the reception, with a tatami lobby and a Japanese-style stove. There are single and double rooms, as well as buildings that sleep four to eight people. The staff were welcoming and explained the shared facilities after check-in. They warned me that sound carries and offered earplugs. Since rain was coming and going, they also asked if I needed an umbrella. Later, someone offered to show me around and explain the buildings' design and history. It really gave me a warm feeling about Taitung. Guests change into the provided slippers before entering rooms, and eating or drinking in the rooms isn't allowed. The shared spaces were comfortable, with a fridge and water dispenser, and the bathroom was spotless. My room was clean too, with towels and toilet paper supplied. There were occasionally little insects, perhaps because of all the plants, so keep that in mind if bugs bother you. The bathroom had shampoo and shower gel, plus a sit-down toilet, and was impeccably clean. The soundproofing was quite poor, but other guests were considerate. Apart from the unavoidable hairdryer noise, things were quiet after around nine, so I didn't end up needing the earplugs. I was comfortable staying here alone, and would pick a whole-building room if I came with family next time.

The staff were kind, attentive, and thorough, and I appreciate their help. The historic exterior was also very well kept. After checking in, I was so pleased that I invited my family to come stay in the whole building another time. Then the night turned into a nightmare. At 5:19 AM I was still awake because the person snoring in the next room could be heard all the way down the hallway. It felt like they were right beside me. I'm not a light sleeper, I can sleep on buses and subways, but this was too much. I understand an old building may not have good sound insulation, but a hotel should deal with a known problem properly instead of only handing out earplugs. The bathroom drainage was faulty too. While I washed my hair, water rose over my ankles, which was alarming. I had to wait for it to drain before I could shower.