Spring Spa Hotel — Hotel in New Taipei

We were considering between Volando Urai the most famous 5-star hotel which was 200metres away and this hotel, but our desire for two double beds in a room made us choose this one.||||We loved it for so many reasons:||1. This family room was humongous! Both beds where king beds and they even provided extra beddings in their four-panel huge wardrobe, which I presume is for any extra guests who will be sleeping on the floors, which I'm sure with that space can accommodate another four persons at least.||||2. The 1.5-metre bath comes with hot spring and all four of us fit in with room to spare. A bit of casual chat with the locals and research made us aware that the water here is pH-neutral sodium bicarb and carbonic, thus good for skin revitalization as compared to those at Beitou which are sulphurized thus better for dry/itchy skin. We loved how nature provides different 'hot springs' for different health purposes! We did not use the public bath at all since we could have our 'beauty soaks' right in our room!||||3. Our room was obviously the "VIP room" of this hotel since it had its own private stairs and landing, unlike the other rooms in this hotel with two wings. It is also right above the breakfast area and reception making it easy for us to request for help/services. This is a great tip for all our travels --- get the best room at cheaper hotels, you'll be surprised what a bargain and much better service and value-for-money you'll be getting. It's cheaper YET way better then an average room at the top hotel.||||4. This room is on the side that has mountain and 'river' view. Waking up every morning to the cool mountain breeze and birds chirping was what a mountain holiday should be like. Well as for the 'river' view, since the dam was built RIGHT BESIDE this hotel, the river kind of dried up but you could still see a little of the blue carbonized hotspring water and the beautiful rock formations beneath it. Then again, that could also be one of the reasons why Volando just 200metres away could charge way higher for a view of the river (behind the dam and NOT dried up).||||5. 7-11 was a 5-minute stroll away and it is a 20-minute uphill walk to the famous old street where you can find the creator of Taiwanese sausages. Or you could take a 5-minute public bus ride up which we did from diagonally opposite our hotel's lobby. Cutting through the Old street got us to the oldest cable car and Yun Hsien amusement park built in 1970s in Taiwan. More on those in...

I recently stayed at this hotel, booking through Agoda at $160 USD per night, and I'm compelled to share my disappointing experience.

First red flag: a 5 PM check-in time, which is ridiculously late compared to standard hotel practices. The reason became clear when I noticed only one elderly cleaning staff working at the next guest room as late as 10 PM - the hotel is clearly understaffed.

The room condition was appalling for the price point. We found dust everywhere, hair on the floor, and peeling wall surfaces. Basic amenities were missing - there wasn't even hand soap at the sink. The bathroom had persistent foul odors, raising serious hygiene concerns.

The so-called 'hot spring' experience was equally disappointing. The tub contained what seemed like regular tap water at lukewarm temperature. I'm skeptical whether this was genuine hot spring water or just clever marketing. Adding to our frustration, despite the pool's advertised closing time of 10 PM, guests were denied access to the lobby hot spring after 9 PM. That means the hot spring can only be used from 5-9pm (5pm check in time). When questioned, staff said we should pay attention to a notice at check-in.

Given the premium price point of $160 per night, these issues are simply unacceptable. There must be better options at this price range that actually deliver on...

Gracefully we found a twin bedroom with in-room spring spa in Wulai (checked most hotels at similar rate provided only double bed). |《Location》 Limo from TaoYuan airport NT$1500, took 50m. Alternatively, 1.5H by metro then bus#849.|It's about 1.2km to Wulai Old Street. There was no walking path so needed special cautions walking on the road. Next day I took the only bus route #849 to Old Street, only two stops taking less than 5m, fare was NT$14. |《Room》 clean and sufficient space. The show water was slightly disappointed as I loved hot shower but it was only light warm! All drinks in-room were free, 4 bottled water+2 cans Pocari Sweat.|《Breakfast》 Two choices and I had same (western set, see photo) for the 2 days.|《Facilities》the public spring spa was specifically great (although I could enjoyed in-room). It was Japanese style which required no clothing. There were spring pools (one cold and four hot with various temperatures. Two with massage functions). Steam rooms also available. Hotel guests got one free entrance per night stay.|《Service》staff were nice and helpful. Feel like family...