Our Taiwan Hotel Review: Taipei, Jiaoxi Onsen, and Alishan Hotel

ABBEY: During our Taiwan trip, we stayed in several hotels across different destinations. Each one offered something unique, from convenient city access to relaxing hot springs and even a historic forest retreat.

Our first stop was Check Inn Taipei Main Station. The hotel is only a few minutes away from both Taipei Main Station and Ximending, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. We arrived much earlier than the official check-in time, but the staff kindly stored our luggage so we could start our Taipei adventure right away. By the time we returned, the city lights were already on. The room was quite compact, which is common for city hotels, but the hot shower had strong pressure and was exactly what we needed after a long day exploring Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. It was simple, comfortable, and perfect for recharging.

Our next accommodation was Hotel Pin Jiaoxi, located in the famous hot spring town of Jiaoxi. Upon arrival at the station, a complimentary hotel pickup was already waiting for us. Compared to our previous stay, the room here felt like an upgrade. The highlight was definitely the private hot spring bath inside the room. We could draw water directly from the hot spring and enjoy a relaxing soak whenever we wanted.

Hotel Pin also impressed us with its generous amenities. Afternoon and evening snacks were available, including soy bean curd, nachos, popcorn, and chicken nuggets. Drinks such as wine, juice, coffee, and tea were also provided. Each floor had water refill stations so guests could easily fill their bottles. For entertainment, the hotel offered arcade games like basketball, foosball, air hockey, and console games. There is also an outdoor hot spring area for guests who want a different soaking experience. The location is another plus. Restaurants, bakeries, fast food chains, and even a casino are within walking distance. There is also a convenience store nearby where I happily grabbed a Coke Slurpee.

One of the highlights of our trip was staying at Alishan Hotel. We decided to splurge a little because this hotel sits right in the heart of the forest within Alishan National Scenic Area. The hotel itself has a long history and has hosted notable figures, including Lee Kuan Yew.

After arriving via the hotel’s complimentary shuttle from the train station, we were warmly welcomed at the lobby. Along with our room key, we were also given tickets for the famous Alishan Sunrise Train, which many visitors take to watch the sunrise over the mountains. Our room was slightly bigger than the one we had at Hotel Pin, but what truly stood out was the breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. The mini bar was also complimentary.

Next to the lobby is the hotel restaurant where we enjoyed both breakfast and dinner, which were included in our stay. The buffet selection was extensive. Dumplings, roasted beef, noodles, braised fish, chicken feet, pizza, ice cream, and many other dishes were available. Honestly, those two meals were enough that you could easily skip lunch. Before heading out for a walk or preparing for the sunrise viewing, guests can also enjoy complimentary tea throughout the day. I particularly liked the ginger tea, although the following day it was replaced with oolong tea. The staff even arranged a shuttle to the station after our checkout, despite the timing being outside the usual schedule. The service was nothing short of excellent.

Our final stay was at Roaders Plus Hotel Taipei Station, where we spent three days and two nights. This stay was actually a reward from my office. The hotel is very close to Taipei Main Station, which makes it extremely convenient when traveling with luggage to and from the airport. It is also within easy reach of popular areas such as Ximending and the well-known Raohe Night Market.

At the lobby, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, along with afternoon snacks starting at 2 PM. Before heading up to the room, we usually grabbed a few bottles of water for hydration. The room itself was clean, quiet, and comfortable. It was not particularly large, but there was enough space to move around and organize our luggage. Most importantly, the bed, pillows, and sheets gave us a good night’s sleep every day after exploring Taipei.

Check Inn Taipei Main Station room review

Hotel Pin Jiaoxi private onsen tub and snacks

Alishan House luxury hotel inside forest area

Roaders Plus Hotel Taipei lobby carousel and snacks

WILL: Choosing the right hotel depends on your purpose. Sometimes you just need a bed to sleep in; other times, the hotel is the vacation. Since Taiwan doesn't have many Ibis hotels (our usual favorite), we explored local options.

Whether it’s a budget stay or a luxury splurge, we always scrutinize reviews and YouTube videos before booking. Here is our honest experience staying in Taipei, Jiaoxi, and Alishan.

1. Check Inn (Taipei Main Station)

Best for: Short stays and transit.

Price: ~TWD 4,347 per night.

We chose this hotel specifically for its location. It is within walking distance of Taipei Main Station (perfect for tours to waterfalls and lanterns) and just a street away from the beautiful 228 Peace Memorial Park.

• The Room: Very small. If you have huge luggage, you might want to skip this one. We could only open one medium suitcase at a time, and there wasn't much space to hang clothes.

• Amenities: They surprisingly provided slippers, and the bed and bathroom were decent.

• Verdict: Good for a quick one-night crash, but not for lounging.

2. Hotel Pin (Jiaoxi Onsen)

Best for: Relaxation and value for money.

Price: ~TWD 7,667 for two nights.

This is a fantastic Onsen (Hot Spring) hotel in Jiaoxi. It felt worth every cent because of the "extras":

1. Free Pick-up/Drop-off at the train station.

2. Manga Library for relaxing.

3. Free Afternoon Tea including alcoholic drinks. 

4. Free Evening Snacks served around 8:00 PM.5. Private Hot Spring Tub right in your room!

Note: They do not provide slippers or dental kits, so remember to bring your own! It’s also very close to the Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park.

3. Alishan House / Alishan Hotel

Best for: Luxury, nature lovers, and VIP treatment.

Price: ~SGD 888 for two nights.

This is the oldest hotel in Taiwan and has hosted dignitaries from around the world. Since it’s located inside the Alishan National Forest Area, it fills up fast—book at least 3 months in advance!

• The Perks: They provide a free shuttle that is very frequent. They even give you a free ticket for the famous Alishan Sunrise session.

• The Food: The buffet is incredible. They serve high-quality beef and lamb, and the menu changes every day so you never get bored.

• The Room: Your mini-bar (beer, juice, chips) is refilled daily for free!

• Verdict: 100% worth the splurge to be surrounded by century-old trees.

4. Roaders Plus Hotel (Taipei)

Best for: Families and fun vibes.

Price: Check their website for current deals.

Don't let the old building exterior fool you. Once you reach the lobby, it’s like a playground! There is a carousel, plus free boxes of chips and candies for guests.

• The Room: Much bigger than Check Inn. We could easily open two medium luggages.

• Service: The staff were very attentive to all our requests.

• Verdict: A great, whimsical choice for staying in the heart of Taipei.

Quick Summary for Taiwan Travelers

No matter which one you choose, all these hotels offered:

• Electronic Bidets in the bathrooms.

• Free refillable water.

• Clean facilities.

Enjoy your future trip to Taiwan! 🇹🇼

***

 Check Inn (Taipei Main Station)

(W) https://www.checkinn.com.tw

Hotel Pin (Jiaoxi Onsen)

(W)https://www.hotel-pin.com/pin-en

Alishan Hotel

(W)https://www.alishanhotel.com.tw/en/

Roaders Plus Hotel (Taipei)

(W)https://roadersplushotel.com/en/

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Taiwan Train Guide: How to Ride the MRT, TRA, and Bullet Train Like a Local

ABBEY: I admit that the first time I saw the Taiwan railway network map, I was completely intimidated. Like most train maps, it looked like a plate of spaghetti. Lines everywhere, different colors, unfamiliar names. I was so confused that I closed my laptop and decided to deal with it another day. Haha.

But once I took the time to understand how Taiwan’s train system works, it became one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel around the country. If you are planning a Taiwan trip and feeling overwhelmed by MRT, TRA, and HSR, here is how I understood it and how we managed to navigate everything smoothly.

Taiwan’s train system is mainly divided into three types: MRT, TRA, and High Speed Rail (HSR). The MRT is the metro system within cities like Taipei. It is clean, efficient, and tourist-friendly. For MRT rides, we used an EasyCard, which you can tap in and out of stations. It can be topped up at machines inside the station, but do note that top-ups are cash only. The EasyCard is very convenient and can also be used on buses and even in convenience stores.

For intercity travel, we used both TRA and HSR. The TRA, or Taiwan Railways Administration, operates regular and limited express trains that connect different cities and towns across the island. We booked our limited express TRA tickets online in advance. Once we arrived at Taipei Main Station, we exchanged our online booking for physical tickets at the ticket booth. Booking online allowed us to reserve seats, which gave us peace of mind knowing we had guaranteed seats as long as we arrived at the station on time.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail, or HSR, is perfect for longer distances along the west coast. It significantly reduces travel time between major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. We also booked our HSR tickets online and collected the physical tickets at the station. If you want a fast, comfortable, and efficient way to travel between cities, HSR is the way to go.

Getting to and from Taoyuan International Airport was also very easy. We took the Airport Express Train, which takes around 40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station. After a red-eye flight, this was a convenient and stress-free option.

One of the highlights of our trip was taking scenic train rides. We rode the scenic train from Alishan to Chiayi, and it was truly memorable. The views of the mountains and forests made the journey just as beautiful as the destination. Here is a useful tip: do not rely solely on the official Alishan Forest Railway website when booking tickets because it often shows as fully booked. Try searching on third-party platforms like Alishan Easy Go, which may offer advance tickets. While in Alishan, you can also ride the iconic cypress wooden train, but it operates only on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.

We also experienced the Bong Bong Train at Taipingshan. This train was previously used to transport wood, and today it serves as a short heritage ride through the forest. It is a quick ride but offers a charming glimpse into Taiwan’s logging history.

Once you secure your tickets, the rest is simple. Arrive at the station early, check your platform, secure your luggage, find your seat, and enjoy the view. Taiwan’s train system may look confusing at first, but once you understand the difference between MRT, TRA, and HSR, it becomes one of the most efficient ways to explore the island.

If you are planning to travel around Taiwan by train, do not let the railway map scare you. With a little research and the help of online booking, navigating Taiwan’s trains can be smooth, convenient, and even one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip.

Taiwan High Speed Rail bullet train at the platform with spacious seating.

WILL: When visiting a new country, figuring out the transportation system can either make your trip smooth… or slightly chaotic. During our recent trip to Taiwan, we realized that although the trains are incredibly efficient, there are actually three different train systems, and each one serves a different purpose.

Once you understand how they work, traveling around Taiwan becomes super easy and enjoyable. Yayyy!! Here’s a simple guide to help you get around.

1. The Taipei MRT (Subway/Metro)

If you’re staying in Taipei, the MRT will be your best friend. It’s the easiest way to hit all the famous spots like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and those legendary night markets.

• The Cleanliness is Real: It is one of the cleanest systems in the world. Important: No eating, drinking, or even chewing gum is allowed once you pass the gates. The locals are very strict about this!

• The "Priority Seat" Culture: You’ll see dark blue seats reserved for those who need them. Even in a packed train, Americans are often surprised to see these seats left empty out of respect. It's such a beautiful part of the culture!

• How to Pay: Grab an EasyCard at any station or 7-Eleven. It’s a "tap-and-go" card you can also use for snacks and buses. Super easy!

Pro-Tip for Taipei Main Station: This place is a massive underground city. We got lost twice! 😅 If you feel like you're walking in circles, just follow signs for "Street Level" to reset your GPS.

2. Taiwan Railway (TRA / TRC) – Regional & Scenic

The TRA (now called TRC) is the traditional rail that loops around the entire island. We took this from Taipei to Jiaoxi and then to Nangang.

• The Experience: It’s slower than the bullet train but way more scenic.

• The Famous Bento Boxes: Unlike the MRT, you can eat here! You have to try a Railway Bento. It’s a classic Taiwanese experience—usually a pork chop, rice, and veggies in a cute box. Many stations have "vending machines" for drinks on the platform, too.

• Booking: For express trains (like the Puyuma), book your seats online in advance! They sell out fast, especially on weekends.

3. High-Speed Rail (HSR) – The "Bullet Train"

If you’re heading from Taipei down to Chiayi or Kaohsiung, the HSR is the way to go. It’s basically Taiwan’s version of the Japanese Shinkansen.

• Speed: Taipei to Chiayi takes about 90 minutes. It's a total game-changer!

• Standard vs. Business: We skipped Business Class because Standard Class is amazing. The legroom is huge—you can put a large suitcase in front of your feet and still have room to wiggle your toes. (Wink-wink!)

• Vibe: Even if the trains look a little "classic" on the outside, they are squeaky clean and whisper-quiet inside.

4. Alishan Forest Railway – The Bucket List Ride

This is widely considered the most beautiful train ride in Taiwan, but it is the hardest ticket to get. Luckily, Abbey is a booking wizard and handled it for us! 🤗

Is it worth the hype? YES. It makes you feel so small as you wind through giant ancient trees and misty mountain crevasses. You get to see the history of the logging industry and how they used to transport these massive trees.

Travel Hack: Take the train instead of the bus! The mountain roads to Alishan are super "zigzag," and the train is much better if you're prone to motion sickness.

🤫 A Quick Note on "Train Etiquette"

Taiwanese trains are quiet. You’ll notice people don't take phone calls or play videos out loud. It makes the ride so peaceful! Just bring your headphones and enjoy the view.

Taiwan’s trains aren't just a way to get around; they are part of the adventure. Whether you're grabbing a bento on the TRA or flying down the coast on the HSR, you’re going to love it.

***

Metro Taipei 

(W) https://english.metro.taipei/Default.aspx

Taiwan Regional Railway

(W) https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US

Taiwan Highspeed Railway

(W) https://en.thsrc.com.tw/

Alishan Forest Railway

(W) https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/EN

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!