Grace C.
Yelp
Loved it!
Hubby and I came here around mid October, and it was still humid (it rained a few times while we were there). We came by train and, once at the station, the hotel was a few blocks away going slightly uphill.
When you enter the main lobby, receptionist area is on the left. They seem to be prepared, as there were already around 5 or 6 staff members helping other guests check in, and there were plenty of other hotel guests lounging in a separate lobby area. At times, one of the staff members would come by to these guests to get some more information (perhaps these were last minute reservations?). As we had booked our rooms online a couple months ahead of time, we were able to go through the process fairly quickly (perhaps less than 20 minutes, including wait time). They were kind enough to let us check into our room a little earlier than their normal check in time (I think we were able to reach our room around 30 minutes before regular check in). The elevators were behind the entrance lobby.
When we got to our room, it was so clean and cute and posh at the same time! While there were plenty of kids staying at this hotel, we couldn't hear them that well once they were in their own rooms; otherwise, you will likely hear people running/walking down the hallway to get to their rooms/elevators. The room's cabinets were stocked so that you can prepare coffee/tea, or have a cool drink from the mini-fridge, and they had the cute kimono/body wraps already placed on the bed. TV was a good distance from the bed, so that we could watch a movie or two quite comfortably while sitting on the bed. Toilet and shower were behind one of the sliding doors, and the private hot springs bath was outside. While there were no curtains, there were foliage and enough cover where you wouldn't need to worry too much about peeping Toms. As always, make sure to shower first and be squeaky clean (completely rinsed of soap) before you soak into the hot bath.
We barely stayed one night and, the next morning, we went to try out their buffet-style breakfast. Ha, honestly, it was probably one of the best buffet-style breakfasts we had ever had anywhere and we ate until we were uncomfortably full. When you walk in, they will actually seat you when you approach the host. Once you are at your table, you can start grabbing the foods you want to eat; once done with your meal, there is a little sign that you can flip to note that you're done (very Souplantation style :) ). There was a great selection of appetizers/tapas, traditional Taiwanese/Chinese breakfast items, traditional American/English breakfast items, and there certainly was some pizzazz to each of the dishes, since they were all created by true chefs. Each dish was delicious, and you couldn't go wrong with any item you picked up. I think they made eggs at least 4 different ways, and I enjoyed each and every one of those. Great selection of cold and hot cereals, espresso/coffee machines, and constant hot/warm foods being cooked out and placed on small dishes for you to take back to your seat. OMG, the local fruit and fresh/warm/hot bread selection was probably some of my favorites: fresh, delicious, simple, tasty.
Check out was super easy and quick. We were out the door in under 5 minutes.
While we definitely thought highly of the hotel and really enjoyed our short time there, we are intrigued at what other hotels in the area have to offer. This hotel is situated nicely by not being too far from the train station, and close to arcades, local "night" markets (they're actually just regular businesses open late), parks, and awesome, delicious foods. Would likely come back! Of course, be aware of the mosquitoes when you go to the parks. :)
