Taroko Village Hotel

Cindy, also known by her Taroko name Timing, at reception helped us so much with planning our visit and translating when we met our driver. She even took the time to show me a plant in the garden that I’d asked about. The staff were lovely and did everything they could to make our two-night stay pleasant. The buffet was great both nights, with local dishes we’d never tried. One thing we missed was the BBQ on the first night because the buffet celebration introduction wasn’t translated into English, and we didn’t realize food was set out in another area. We still got to try lots of interesting things. The dinner show was fascinating too: the young servers, cooks, and gardeners were also the performers, and they were very talented. We enjoyed the music, traditions, and dances, though we couldn’t understand what was said between performances. Our room had a cute decor and welcome gift. It was rustic, but comfortable and had everything we needed. The setting is peaceful, with lovely mountain views and a little narrow trail on the property. We saw a barking goat, and there were butterflies around. I recommend this place 100%!

The meal was a good way to get a feel for Taroko food culture, served in a calm setting that fits the gorge’s natural and cultural surroundings. At the restaurant inside Taroko Village Hotel, we tried a range of traditional Taroko-style dishes, including wild greens, mountain pork, and freshwater fish. The cooking kept to simple, natural flavours and indigenous methods. The mountain vegetables stood out as fresh and flavourful, and the grilled meat went well with the local sides. Some tastes were unfamiliar, but enjoyable. Service was efficient, and staff explained a few dishes. Portions felt balanced, and there was enough variety to sample different specialties. Wooden decor suited the peaceful atmosphere. A good experience if you want to explore traditional indigenous cuisine.

The air here feels so fresh, and staying is a really different experience. The 7:20pm show each day is worth catching: they play traditional instruments and dance, with little jokes and humor that kept it entertaining. I especially liked the emcees. The boss, whom the staff call village chief, is impressive. He bid for the project 20 years ago and has run the place since. He’s from Taipei city, not the village, but is deeply invested in the community and especially the children. The boss is changing this September 2024, and the staff may not be 100% Taroko village people anymore, so catch them while you still can. If you want somewhere to relax, this is a must go.

We were here during the 3. April earthquake, and the staff did an incredible job keeping us safe and calm. I really admire their bravery and dedication to the hotel. The views are amazing, and the rooms give you a real sense of the area. Staff are very friendly and, though their English isn’t great, they try to help with your requests.