Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel Hualien: Your Dream Taiwan Getaway Awaits!
Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel Hualien Review: My Dream Taiwan Getaway… Maybe? (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated!)
Okay, people, buckle up, because I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Hualien, Taiwan, and the Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel. The name itself, "Unbelievable," is a pretty bold statement, right? Let's see if they deliver. And honestly, reviewing a place this packed with stuff is like trying to eat an entire buffet in one sitting. I'm going to try my best, but it's going to be a bit of a rambling, honest, and possibly slightly manic dive. Prepare yourselves!
First Impressions: Accessibility and the Arrival Tango
First thing's first: Accessibility. Okay, this is where things got interesting. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests" and, bless their hearts, an elevator. That's good! Check-in was supposed to be "Contactless" (thank you, Covid times), but it ended up being a slightly awkward dance of me pointing at things and the staff, bless their confused souls, trying to understand my (admittedly terrible) Mandarin. I think we got there, eventually. The car park was free, which is always a win, but navigating it with luggage felt a bit like a very slow-motion obstacle course. Airport transfer is available, but I didn’t use it. It seems convenient though.
Inside the Fortress: Rooms, Glorious (and Sometimes Flawed) Rooms!
My room? Honestly, it was pretty darn good. Non-smoking, thank goodness. I'm a rebel, but I do not want to smell smoke in my sleep. The air conditioning worked – a lifesaver in humid Hualien. Blackout curtains? Yes! SLEEP WAS ACHIEVED (mostly). I had a desk, a seating area, and a window that opens – which I loved, until I heard the cicadas. They are incredibly loud!
Now for the nitpicks (because, you know, I'm a reviewer, it's my job!). The internet, advertised as "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!", was… spotty. Sometimes fast, sometimes like dial-up from the 90s. They also offer "Internet access – LAN," but who uses that anymore? The shower pressure was weak. And the soundproofing? Well, let's just say I learned a lot about my neighbors' late-night conversations. But hey, they gave me slippers, and those comfy little things can solve many a petty inconvenience.
Food, Glorious, Complicated Food! (And My Stomach's Opinions)
Okay, the food situation at Unbelievable Da Shih is… a lot. They have several restaurants, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and even room service [24-hour]. The breakfast [buffet] boasted "Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options," which is what you'd expect, right? Buffet, big, chaotic. The Happy hour was a nice touch, but I definitely felt rushed because there are a lot of people and the location isn't the best to enjoy the drinks in peace!
I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant one night. The food was good! The servers were all very attentive, and the place was well lit.
However, being a foodie, I also noted that they could improve a lot on the preparation of the dishes and ingredients.
And I have to mention: they offered "Vegetarian restaurant" and "Alternative meal arrangement," which I always appreciate.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pools, and My Near-Death Experience (Exaggeration Alert!)
Now, this is where the "Unbelievable" moniker almost earned its stripes. They have a swimming pool (outdoor), a pool with view, a spa, a sauna, a steamroom, a gym/fitness center, a massage service, and even "Body scrub and Body wrap" treatments. Whew!
I dove into that outdoor pool like I was escaping the Taiwanese heat… and then I almost drowned. (Okay, okay, dramatic. I almost choked on water). Jokes aside, the pool area is beautiful. The Poolside bar was great – that's where I spent the majority of my time.
I also tried the sauna and steamroom. The sauna was a bit too hot for me. The steamroom? Wonderful.
The Extras: Services, Conveniences, and the Little Things That Matter (or Don't)
Okay, so they offer a ton of stuff. Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, cash withdrawal, a convenience store, a gift/souvenir shop, a concierge, luggage storage… Honestly, the list goes on. They have a Doorman. You can get daily disinfection in common areas (because again, pandemic), hand sanitizer readily available, and even have "Hygiene certification."
But the little things? The bottle of water in the room was a lifesaver. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. But the ironing facilities? I didn't even get a chance to use them. And honestly? Sometimes a mirror that isn't fogged up would have been even better.
For the Kids & For the Adults: Because "Unbelievable" Can Be Many Things!
They have "Babysitting service," and "Kids facilities". I am the opposite of a parent, so I didn't pay any attention, to be honest.
The Verdict (and Why You Might Still Book it)
Okay, so Unbelievable Da Shih…is it? Well, no. It's not perfect. It's a bit clunky in places, the internet is unreliable in the rooms, and it’s a bit of a maze. But it's also… charming. It's got a lot going for it. The location is central. The pool area is fantastic. The staff, despite some language barriers, are genuinely friendly and helpful.
Here's the deal:
- Pros: Lots of amenities, mostly clean, generally good value for your money.
- Cons: The internet is iffy, a bit noisy, some minor maintenance issues.
BUT!
If you're looking for a comfortable basecamp to explore Hualien, a place where you can swim, sweat in a sauna, and grab a 24-hour plate of noodles at 3 AM… Then… this might just be the "Unbelievable" getaway you're looking for!
My Final, Honest, Stream-of-Consciousness Thought:
Would I go back? Maybe. I'd probably bring my own Ethernet cable (just kidding… mostly). But for the price, the location, and the sheer volume of stuff they cram in there, I'd say… it's worth a shot. Just manage your expectations, pack your patience, and pray for good WIFI.
Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel Hualien: Book Your Dream Taiwan Getaway Today!
Ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Hualien, Taiwan? Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel is your perfect home base! We offer an unparalleled blend of comfort, convenience, and relaxation to make your Taiwan escape unforgettable.
Here's what makes us stand out:
- Unbeatable Location: Centrally located, close to Hualien's top attractions.
- Relaxation Redefined: Dive into our stunning outdoor pool, unwind in our spa, or rejuvenate in our sauna and steam room. We even offer body scrubs and wraps!
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and essential amenities.
- 24/7 Dining: From Asian and Western breakfasts to late-night room service, satisfy your cravings anytime.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids facilities available, create cherished memories for the whole family.
- Safety First: Rest easy knowing we prioritize cleanliness and safety with enhanced hygiene protocols, including daily disinfection and individually-wrapped food options.
Limited-Time Offer!
Book your stay at Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel before [date] and receive:
- 15% off your room rate!
- Complimentary Breakfast included!
- Free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability)!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
Click here to book now and start planning your unforgettable Taiwan adventure! [Hotel Booking Link]
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Escape to Paradise: Marrakech's Most Luxurious Riad Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my potential Hualien adventure at the Da Shih Hotel. Prepare for whiplash – and maybe a little bit of motion sickness, because I’m not going to lie, my planning skills are… well, let's just say they're aspirational.
Project Hualien: Da Shih Hotel (and the potential for glorious chaos)
Day 1: Arrival – Sweet Sweet Freedom & The Art of the Panic Buy
Morning (ish - if I can actually drag myself out of bed): Fly into Hualien Airport (hopefully, flights aren't delayed this time!). I'm already picturing myself, slightly dishevelled, clutching my backpack and that "I survived the flight" expression. Straight to the Da Shih Hotel. The online photos… they look promising! I'd better pray the reality lives up to the hype. I'm really hoping they have a decent shower situation. Nothing worse than a weak trickle after a long journey.
Afternoon: The Hotel Reconnaissance & The Great Snack Hunt: Check-in. Okay, deep breaths. First impressions count! Will the lobby be sparkling clean or… let's say, "charmingly weathered?" Then, the critical mission: Locate the nearest 7-Eleven. Because, let's be honest, no Taiwanese adventure is complete without a 7-Eleven run. I'm thinking instant noodles, weirdly delicious snacks I can't identify the ingredients of, and a gigantic bottle of something that might be tea. It will probably be way too sweet, but I won't regret it.
Evening: The Coastal Fumble & The Midnight Snack Regret: Walk around around the hotel. I'd like to see the beach, but I already know myself well enough to predict that I'll get hopelessly lost or, even worse, stumble upon a pack of aggressive stray dogs. Let us pray, therefore. I'm hoping for a nice easy location for dinner. Somewhere cheap, authentic, and within stumbling distance of the hotel. I may or may not end up ordering way too much food, fuelled by travel excitement and the realization that I'm finally here. And then, yes, the inevitable midnight snack. Because, you know, why sleep when you can eat?
Day 2: Taroko Gorge - Nature's "Whoa" Moment…or My Personal Everest:
Morning: Alright, Taroko Gorge. The main event. This is the one I've been waiting for. I'm going to TRY to get up at a decent hour (hah!). I'll try and grab a taxi or, if I'm feeling brave (and the public transport gods smile upon me), I'll attempt the bus. The itinerary says "picturesque hikes," but my fitness level says "gentle strolls with frequent breathers." I plan to enjoy the view. I'm really planning to enjoy the view. I’ve seen the photos – stunning, breathtaking, make-you-feel-insignificant-in-the-face-of-nature stunning.
- Anecdote: I was once supposed to hike a similar gorge in… well, elsewhere. Let's just say I ended up sitting at the bottom, eating a sandwich and watching everyone else. My fear of heights and my utter lack of balance didn't quite mesh with cliffside trails. I'm hoping for a better outcome with Taroko. I am not an outdoorsy person, but I'm going to channel my inner explorer.
Afternoon: Taroko Gorge, Take Two (Or, More Like, "Still Alive? Good.") Okay, so, Taroko. It's… bigger than I imagined. The trails are steeper! And the view… oh my god the view. I take a thousand photos (because who knows when I'll be back?), and I manage to make it up the easy path without falling off a cliff (a personal victory). I'm covered in sweat, my legs are screaming, but damn, it's worth it. This is what I came for. It’s a moment. I actually take a deep breath. I feel something inside of me.
- Imperfection: I accidentally dropped my water bottle. And I'm pretty sure I saw a monkey eyeing me with a look that said, "You are weak, human."
Evening: Post-Gorge Glory (And a Desperate Search for a Massage): Back to the hotel. Shower. Shower. SHOWER! I'll probably be so exhausted I'll collapse on the bed. But before that, I need food. LOTS of food. I want to eat everything that isn't moving. And possibly a massage. My legs were probably never made for hiking, and they're begging for mercy.
Day 3: Coastal Charm & The Pursuit of Bubble Tea Perfection
Morning: Exploring the coast. I want that classic Taiwan coastline experience. Maybe a bike ride (if I can find the energy), and I want to visit some of the little local shops and cafes. I'm hoping for a bit of that "lost in translation" charm while I try to order something. I also want to practice my Mandarin (which, let's be honest, is mostly limited to "Ni hao" and "Xie Xie").
Afternoon: Bubble Tea Quest & The Art of Sidewalk People-Watching: This is a crucial item on my list! I'm talking about the bubble tea. I will accept nothing less than peak bubble tea excellence. The perfect balance of tea, milk, sweetness, and those delightful, chewy tapioca pearls. This is serious business. I will hunt down the best bubble tea in Hualien. And I will savor every single sip.
- Quirky Observation: I'll likely spend a significant amount of time just sitting (with my bubble tea) and people-watching. Taiwanese people are fascinating! Their fashion sense is impeccable – and, if I’m lucky, I’ll hear snippets of conversation. I'll probably make wild speculations about these complete strangers' lives. It's a guilty pleasure, I accept it.
Evening: A Farewell Feast & The Existential Dread of Leaving: The last night. I have to find another restaurant. Somewhere with delicious food! I'm going to stock up on snacks. And, I will try and come to terms with the fact that this magical trip is nearly over. Okay, maybe I'll buy some more bubble tea. And possibly cry. I'm not very good at goodbyes.
Day 4: Bye-Bye, Hualien!
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Because I need to take something home. Back at the Da Shih Hotel, I would like to try breakfast.
- Afternoon: Depart from Hualien. Head to the airport, and back to the more mundane world. I'm going to already miss the chaos, the scenery, the food.
Rambling Reflections & Imperfections:
This is just my idea. I have no idea if the schedule will turn out this way. Will I find the perfect bubble tea? Will I survive Taroko Gorge without needing to be air-lifted? Will I manage to order food that isn't a complete mystery? The fun is in the not knowing. Embracing the mess, the unexpected detours, the moments of utter confusion. I’m ready for a journey, ready to be thrown out of my comfort zone, and ready to embrace the chaos. Fingers crossed I don't get lost. And that the hotel has decent Wi-Fi.
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Unbelievable Da Shih Hotel Hualien: Your Dream Taiwan Getaway Awaits! ...Or Does It? (Real Talk FAQ)
Alright, let's be real. You're thinking about Da Shih Hotel. Hualien. Taiwan. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, I've been there. I've *lived* it. And I'm here to spill the tea (and possibly a little fruit juice from the ridiculous pineapple I bought) on whether this place is actually worth your hard-earned vacation days.
Is the Da Shih Hotel *actually* "unbelievable"? Like, really?
Okay, so "unbelievable" is a strong word, yeah? Marketing hype probably. My initial reaction? Well, I walked in and thought, "Huh. It's...big." It's definitely not *ugly* (thank goodness), but 'unbelievable'? Let's just say my expectations weren't *completely* obliterated, but they were… adjusted. It’s clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. And the lobby has this weirdly comforting, slightly dated elegance. Like something your grandma would adore if she was extremely hip and traveled to Taiwan kind of dated. So, yeah, "believable" with a few question marks.
The view from the rooms – is it Insta-worthy or just…meh?
THIS is where things get interesting. The view? It truly depends. If you get a room with the ocean view… Girl, prepare for your Instagram to explode. I mean, *waves*. Stunning. Utterly, ridiculously gorgeous. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window the first morning, drinking terrible instant coffee from those tiny packets that always get stuck in the corners of the mug. But if you’re facing the, ahem, *other* side? Well, you might get a view of neighboring buildings or… (gulp) the air conditioning units. Ask for the ocean view. Beg for it. Threaten to write a scathing Yelp review (just kidding… mostly). Pro-tip: pack binoculars. You'll thank me later.
What's the deal with the breakfast buffet? Is it the highlight of the day, or a culinary crime?
Oh, the breakfast buffet. Okay, so, let's dive DEEP, shall we? It's… a buffet. There are options. Lots of options. Like a dizzying array of… things. Okay, first, the pastries. They looked promising. They were… fine. Slightly dry. Definitely not Parisian-bakery-level. Then you have the savory options – noodles that somehow tasted both bland and intensely flavored (it’s a Taiwanese mystery!). My personal highlight? The *fruit*. Honestly, the fruit was glorious. Pineapples, mangoes, things I couldn't even identify but devoured with gusto. And the coffee? Well, it was there. I'm not a coffee snob because the instant stuff, I swear, it works. It's a necessary evil, especially after exploring Taroko Gorge, which is exhausting. I went back for seconds on the fruit. And thirds. So, judge for yourself.
What excursions should I absolutely NOT miss? And what about the ones I SHOULD?
Okay, listen up, because this is crucial. Taroko Gorge? GO. Just… go. It's jaw-dropping. Breathtaking. You'll want to take a million photos, and then probably just shut up and stare. The trails are well-maintained, even though I almost took a tumble on a particularly muddy patch (embarrassing, to say the least). And the air? It's so fresh you'll feel your lungs thanking you. Book a tour, hire a driver, whatever you gotta do. Just make sure you get there. Seriously. I can't overstate it. I spent a whole day there. And I'd have spent two!
Now, the beach? Meh. It’s pretty, sure, but the sand is kinda coarse. Unless you’re really, REALLY into beaches, I'd prioritize the gorge over a beach day. And that "whale watching" tour they offer? Hmm. We went on a whale-watching tour. We saw… nothing. Except a lot of sea. And the boat was a little cramped. Save your money and go for more fruit at the buffet. Trust me.
Are the staff helpful? Do they speak English well?
This is where I have some, shall we say, *mixed* feelings. The staff are generally very polite. Sweet, even. But the English proficiency? It varied. Some spoke it well (bless their souls), some… not so much. There was one particularly hilarious moment when I tried to order a taxi and ended up accidentally requesting a "dancing giraffe," which, sadly, never materialized. So, download a translation app. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. You'll probably be okay. And be prepared for some wonderfully awkward, yet charming, interactions. It just becomes part of the experience. I loved every bit of it! Except the dancing giraffe. Where was that thing?
Is there a spa? And is it worth it?
Yes, there *is* a spa. And, yes, it *is* worth it. After hiking Taroko Gorge, your muscles will be screaming for mercy. Trust me. I got a massage and it was...heavenly. The masseuse was incredibly skilled. The room itself was dimly lit, peaceful, filled with the scent of some sort of exotic essential oil that made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. Highly recommend. Do it. You deserve it. Especially because you'll likely be eating your weight in fruit. Treat yourself. Treat. Yourself.
The best and worst things about the hotel? Be honest!
Okay, the truth bomb! This is where I unload all my baggage. The best? The *view*. And the spa. And the overall cleanliness. And, honestly, the location is pretty ideal for exploring Hualien. The worst? The breakfast buffet could be better. Some of the rooms feel a *little* dated (but in a charming, slightly quirky way). The elevator situation? On one day felt a bit slow. And the occasional language barrier can be a tad frustrating (see "dancing giraffe" anecdote, above). But, overall? I had a great time. Would I go back? Probably. I’m already plotting it. The view alone is enough to make me want to return and stare at the ocean again, even if I have to eat those oddly-textured pastries. It's a solid choice, with enough quirks and charm to make it memorable. And isn't that really what a good vacation is all about?
