Taitung's Hidden Gem: The First Foreigner-Friendly Home in Taiwan!
Taitung's Hidden Gem: The First Foreigner-Friendly Home in Taiwan! - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Little Crazy)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on a place that's not just a hotel, it's… well, it's a vibe. We're talking about Taitung's Hidden Gem, supposedly "The First Foreigner-Friendly Home in Taiwan!" – and I'm here to tell you, after a whirlwind trip, whether it's actually a gem or just a slightly tarnished pebble. And trust me, the truth is much more interesting than a perfectly polished review.
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Let's start with the elephant in the room: the name. "Foreigner-Friendly Home"? It sounds… a little… enthusiastic, doesn't it? But let's give them credit for the effort. And after spending a few days there, I can confirm: they really try. Like, really really. This isn't one of those hotels that just slaps up some English signage and calls it a day. They've actually thought about what makes a foreigner feel… well, at home.
Accessing Adventure (and the Hotel):
Getting there was a breeze. Airport transfer was smooth, a lifesaver after a long flight. Car park [free of charge] – score! Didn't have to wrestle with parking meters, always a plus. Taxi service is available too, though I didn't use it. Accessibility is a big selling point, and they've made a decent effort. While I didn't personally need them, I saw Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator, which is fantastic. I did notice the hallways were wide and easy to navigate, which even I appreciated lugging my suitcase!
My Room, My Sanctuary (And My Minor Gripes):
The Air conditioning was a godsend in the Taitung heat. The Blackout curtains? Also a lifesaver for a sleep-deprived traveler. The Wi-Fi [free]? Thank the internet gods! I could actually see my family's faces during the video call – a small, but significant, victory.
Now, onto the nitty-gritty of the rooms, which, let's be honest, is where you spend a good chunk of your time. My room – and they all boast the same, it seems--was pleasant enough: a Desk to work when I needed to, a Refrigerator for midnight snacks (essential!), and a comfy Bed. The included Bathrobes were plush and fluffy… until they weren't. After a few days of use, the quality felt a little less… luxury, and more… well-worn. But, hey, I'm not complaining, and It's a nice touch. They had complimentary tea and a Coffee/tea maker which was a blessing, especially since I'm utterly useless before my caffeine fix. Though, I did get the impression the mini-bar snacks were overpriced.
They also included a desk where I could actually get my work done. This is a blessing because I work from my laptop. This means I actually had space to be productive.
Safety First (and a Bit Second):
Okay, real talk. In a post-pandemic world, safety is everything. And boy, did they try in that department. Hand sanitizer everywhere, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Daily disinfection in common areas – absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays – hopefully! They go heavy on the assurances, which is reassuring. I saw CCTV in common areas and outside as well.
They also offer a doctor/nurse on call, which is nice to know, though thankfully I didn't need it. They provide First aid kit, and offer Safe dining setup and the Anti-viral cleaning products seemed to be used everywhere. They even have the Hygiene certification, but I don't know the exact details.
My one minor (and this is very minor) gripe? The whole "room sanitization opt-out available" felt a little… too much choice. I mean, the peace of mind of a sanitized room is priceless, right? Why give people the option to skip it? But I might just be paranoid.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry (Or At Least, Satisfied):
Food, glorious food! Let's be honest, the hotel restaurant is a make-or-break deal. The Taitung's Hidden Gem had a couple of decent contenders for both breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Dining, drinking, and snacking were solid, with Asian cuisine in restaurant, plus other options like International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant available. I indulged in the Asian breakfast buffet one morning which had a fairly good selection. The Buffet in restaurant, was pretty varied, but some items were better than others. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Coffee shop options were plentiful. I did try some of the Desserts in restaurant which were decent. They also offer an A la carte in restaurant, and some alternative meal arrangement for those with specific diet requirements. I think the Bar was alright, the Poolside bar was pretty great.
Relaxation Station (Or, My Attempt to Unwind):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The hotel claims to have a spa, a gym, and a pool. And, technically, they do.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] (with a Pool with view!) was glorious. Simply glorious. I mean, picture this: the sun, the water, a cocktail in hand… pure bliss. Sauna and Steamroom? Yes, please! I spent a solid afternoon feeling like a pampered princess. I didn't spend too much time at the Gym/fitness, but it appeared to have just enough for a quick workout.
Now, about the Spa. This is where things get a little… less glamorous. The Massage was… okay. It wasn't the worst massage I've ever had, but it certainly wasn't the best. The pressure was a bit inconsistent, and the ambiance was a little sterile. The staff were friendly, but I didn't feel completely relaxed. The Body scrub and Body wrap were an option, but I decided not to try them.
Services and Conveniences Galore (Or, The Little Things That Matter):
They offer a staggering amount of Services and conveniences. Seriously, the list is long. To hit some highlights. Air conditioning in public area, check! Concierge, check! Daily housekeeping, check (though, again, some of my fluffy things took a beating). Laundry service and Dry cleaning, check. I saw a Cash withdrawal there too. There is also a Convenience store which I thought was a lifesaver for snacks!
For the Kids (Maybe It's Time to Propose?):
I didn't have kids with me, but I did see they were trying to be family-friendly. They had a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal options. They also had a Family/child friendly rating, and a Proposal spot where people can get engaged.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls):
Okay, here's where things get REALLY messy. Because Taitung is amazing! The scenery is incredible, the culture is fascinating, and there are so many things to do. The hotel itself will happily arrange Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], and Car power charging station for electric vehicles.
However, the hotel's information about local attractions was… shall we say… limited. I had to do my own research – which, for me, is half the fun! They do arrange a few options. Getting around is easy enough.
The Verdict: A Gem, But With a Few Tarnish Spots.
Would I recommend Taitung's Hidden Gem? Yes. Absolutely. Despite a few minor imperfections (and, let's be honest, what hotel is perfect?), it's a solid choice, especially if you're a traveler who appreciates creature comforts, safety, and a genuine attempt at hospitality. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean and comfortable. And the pool? Pure bliss.
But here's the kicker: This isn't your cookie-cutter, sterile hotel experience. It's quirky, it's got personality, and it's trying to be the best it can be. And in a world of bland, homogenous hotels, that's something worth celebrating. Go in with an open mind, embrace the imperfections, and you might just have an amazing stay.
Don't expect perfection. Expect a great time. And, if you're lucky, a few surprises.
My Recommendation: Book It (But Pack Your Own Luxury Bathrobes).
**(And,
Lagos Luxury Redefined: Creme Suites Hotel's Unforgettable Stay
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your sterile, perfectly-packaged itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving -- and hopefully thriving -- in The First Home for Foreigners in Taitung, Taiwan. And believe me, it's going to be a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival - "Lost in Translation (and Luggage)"
Morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM, or whenever my sleep-deprived brain decides to surface): Wake up in the hell of transit. Plane. Train. Taxi. The whole damn shebang. Feeling like a crumpled-up piece of paper by the time I hit Taiwan. Arriving at the First Home, bleary-eyed, clutching my passport like a lifeline. Praying to the travel gods my luggage actually made it. (Spoiler alert: it didn't. Again.)
Mid-Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Check-in. The staff is unbelievably sweet, bless their hearts. They speak enough English to get me by – mostly a lot better than my Mandarin, which consists of "Ni hao" and a desperate plea for bubble tea. Get assigned a room, which smells faintly of… something. Let's go with "adventure." Unpack the emergency essentials (deodorant, phone charger, emergency snacks). Swear I saw a cockroach. It's fine. Everything is fine.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. Wander out, starving, and immediately get overwhelmed by the sensory overload of a Taiwanese street market. The smells! The sounds! The scooters weaving like drunken bees! Finally manage to point and gesture my way into a bowl of noodles. It's spicy. My face is red. I love it. Find a tiny, chaotic place selling iced tea. My first sip of Taiwanese iced tea? Pure bliss.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Trying to find a SIM card. Turns out, this requires a level of Mandarin I don't possess. Eventually, a kind lady at a convenience store, after what I can only describe as an interpretive dance involving my phone, a dictionary app, and a lot of smiling, gets me sorted. Success! Now, to figure out how to actually use the damn thing.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - Whenever I pass out from exhaustion): Exploring the neighborhood. Walking down the streets of Taitung. I want to see everything, I'm like a kid at a candy store. I feel alive. Then the jet lag hits me like a bus. Stumble back to the First Home, eat some leftover noodles, and fall asleep, fully clothed, on top of the bed. Amen.
Day 2: "The Great Bike Ride of Discomfort & Delight"
Morning (Whenever I can drag myself out of bed): Rent a bike. This is a must in Taitung. Picture me, a slightly-uncoordinated human on a bicycle, wobbling off into the unknown. Discovering the sheer joy of cycling alongside rice paddies. It's idyllic. Almost.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Coastal Highway! This is the reason I came. I find the road. Its a mix of blue, green, and brown. I've spent hours staring at a screen trying to figure this one out…and now, I'm staring at the actual view. It's breathtaking. Absolutely, ridiculously breathtaking! I start seeing a beautiful beach. The waves are crashing, and the sun is smiling. I can't believe I'm actually here. My heart almost stops when a rogue gust of wind rips my hat off and sends it flying into the ocean. (Luckily, I fished it out. It was a good hat). Stopping at a small cafe for a coffee and a piece of cake. The bike handles poorly and I almost get run over by a bus. (Again, fine.)
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Return to the First Home for a lunch, feeling like a total champ, and then nap. I desperately need a nap. I don't trust myself not to fall asleep on the beach. I don't trust myself at all. It's so peaceful here, and I'm finding myself thinking, "wow, I could never have found this experience at home."
Late Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Trying to actually do some actual work. This is proving challenging, as the lure of the outside world is strong. The air is thick with the scent of jasmine and the promise of adventure. I fail miserably at work, which is fine. Dinner at a local restaurant. I get a deep fried fish. I order it by pointing at the menu with a picture, which may or may not be a fish. It's amazing.
Night (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Evening walk, trying to find a bar to chill and have a drink. I'm always alone in the countries I travel. The most I've done is meet other foreign friends in the hostel, but tonight, this is a solo moment.
Day 3: "Cultural Immersion (and a Near-Death Experience with a Pineapple)"
Morning (Because I can't sleep in forever): Visit the Taitung Railway Art Village. So artsy! I'm not sure I understand half of it, but the vibes are impeccable. I buy a weird, ceramic cat and name it "Mr. Wigglepants."
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Fruit market time! I attack the fruit stalls with the enthusiasm of a hungry lion. I buy all kinds of weird and wonderful tropical fruits. The pineapple… oh, the pineapple. I try to cut it myself. It nearly takes a finger off. I then proceed to, well, eat the pineapple. I think it was the best pineapple I've ever tasted in my life. I'm officially addicted.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Learn the basics of Tai Chi in the park. (A very slow, very uncoordinated beginner). I fall over. I laugh. The locals are amused. I chalk it up to "cultural exchange." I keep falling, lol.
Late Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Trying to find a good bubble tea shop. This is serious business. I'm doing some research. I will go for this. It can't be missed! Turns out, there's a bubble tea place right next door! I order the most outlandish concoction on the menu. It's delicious.
Night (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Reflect on the day. Wonder if I'm going to make it home. Write a few notes in your journal. Pray the cockroaches leave me alone.
Day 4 (and Beyond): "The Unpredictable Adventure Continues…"
This is where things get hazy, folks. This is real life! There will be days of pure bliss, days of utter frustration, days where I question every life choice I've ever made. Days where I'll swear I can't eat another noodle, and then immediately demand another bowl. I might visit an indigenous village. I might attempt to learn a few phrases in Mandarin (key word: attempt). I might get hopelessly lost. I might fall in love with Taitung (very likely).
The Ongoing Imperfections: Expect random train delays, misread maps, linguistic blunders, and the constant battle against my own sleep-deprived stupor. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it?
The Final Thoughts: I'm terrified! Excited! Exhausted! I'm going to miss home, but I'm also finding myself here, in the chaos and beauty of Taitung. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Wish me luck, I'll need it. (And maybe some bug spray.)
Taitung's Hidden Gem: The First Foreigner-Friendly Home in Taiwan! - FAQs (and a whole lotta feelings!)
Okay, so what *is* this "First Foreigner-Friendly Home" thing, anyway? Sounds...grand.
Is it *really* foreigner-friendly? I've heard those claims before...
But remember what I said about expectations? This isn't a five-star hotel. It's more of a slightly-chaotic family home that occasionally hosts bewildered foreigners.
What's the food like? Because, you know, food is important.
Is it *clean*? Because travel can get… well, let's just say I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
What's there to *do*? Besides eat and, you know, exist?
Give me a specific, memorable experience. Something that sticks with you.
Would you go back? Be honest!
