N. Castle Hotel

It's a small, nicely decorated, clean room, though the walls between rooms are basically fake and don't block sound at all. The place feels very casual. To get in, you need to call the owner from the door using the iPod or a phone so they can unlock it remotely. You can leave luggage at the counter whenever, but most of the time nobody is there watching it.

The rooms were comfortable, roomy enough, very clean, and well kept, and the price was affordable. The woman who helped us was really nice. It feels like a BnB that's been upgraded into a hotel. If you're planning to visit the hot springs in Jiaoxi, staying in Yilan could be more economical, since Jiaoxi is only a few minutes away by train. They also include free breakfast at McDonalds.

There was hair in the bed, dirty sheets, ants and a spider in the bathroom, and other insects bit me at night. Dust was everywhere, as if the room hadn't been cleaned for months. I could hear every word from other guests in their rooms, along with other noise while trying to sleep. Breakfast was a McDonald's coupon, so you had to go buy it yourself. The worker wasn't friendly, and took my bank card without returning it. I later found it left unattended at reception.

It's a convenient place to stay in Yilan, with clean rooms and friendly service. The train station, night market, park, and shops are all within walking distance.