Escape to Paradise: Old Friend Hotel, Taichung's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Old Friend Hotel, Taichung - Don't Go Expecting Heaven, But It's Got Heart (and a Killer Pool!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups. We’re diving headfirst into the Old Friend Hotel in Taichung. And let me tell you, trying to review this place is like trying to untangle your headphones after they’ve been in your bag for three weeks – messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
First impressions? Well, “Escape to Paradise” is a bold statement. The hotel isn’t paradise, not by a long shot. But it's got a certain… je ne sais quoi. A friendly, lived-in vibe that’s more "your cool aunt’s house" than a sterile, corporate chain. It’s got character. And that, my friends, is something that's often missing in the world of cookie-cutter hotels.
Getting There & Around (Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… Mostly Okay!)
Okay, so the good news first: Car park [free of charge]. Score! Finding parking in a city like Taichung can be a nightmare. This was a definite win. They also offer Airport transfer, which is super handy (though I didn’t use it). Car park [on-site] is a bonus – always makes you feel like your car is well looked after. There's even a Car power charging station – nice touch for the eco-conscious.
The accessibility… well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The elevator is a godsend, obviously. And there are, thankfully, Facilities for disabled guests. But navigating the hotel felt a little… adventurous at times. Think: slightly narrow hallways, some thresholds that could trip a very clumsy you. Access is definitely there, but it’s not the smoothest experience. I didn't personally need full wheelchair accessibility, but I'd recommend checking the specific details with the hotel directly if this is a major concern.
The Room: Basic Comfort, With a View that Makes You Say "Wow!"
Right, let's talk room. My room was… decent. Solid. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but comfortable enough for my needs. We're talking Air conditioning, always a MUST in Taiwan. A Refrigerator was a lifesaver for keeping my water (and beer) cold. A Coffee/tea maker meant I could start my mornings with a caffeine kick without having to stumble downstairs. Essentials! There was Free bottled water, which is always a nice touch. Also, the Bathroom was clean and functional.
The REAL star, however, was the view. My room was a high-floor one (thank god for the Elevator!), and the panoramic view of the city… absolutely breathtaking. Makes you feel like you're actually escaping somewhere, even if it's just the noise and pollution. The Window that opens allowed the fresh air to flow in. And yes, I saw my fair share of smog. But somehow it feels cleaner.
The Amenities: Pool Paradise AND That Spa… Oh Boy
Now, the fun stuff. Let's talk about the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The pictures don’t do it justice. It's gorgeous! A Pool with view is an understatement. It’s an absolute oasis in the middle of the city, complete with a Poolside bar where you can grab a cocktail. Lounging by that pool, soaking up the sun, sipping on a "Mai Tai" (or two…) was pure bliss. Absolutely glorious. I could have literally spent the entire trip there.
And then there's the Spa. Now, this is where things get interesting. I was excited. I pictured fragrant oils, soothing music, and blissful relaxation. What I got? Well, let's just say it was… memorable.
I opted for a Massage. The masseuse was lovely, genuinely lovely. But the massage itself? It was… intense. She seemed to be attempting to knead my muscles into submission. I swear I could hear my stress levels screaming in protest. I left feeling a little tender, to say the least. The Sauna and Steamroom were nice though. I definitely think the spa experience could be a lot more relaxing. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
Food & Drink: A Feast for the Eyes, and Sometimes the Stomach!
The Breakfast [buffet] was… a mixed bag. There was an Asian breakfast option, and a Western breakfast option, which meant there was something for everyone, I guess. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, however, wasn't the best. The staff in the Restaurants were pleasant, but the quality of the food was inconsistent. The A la carte in restaurant was better and the Happy hour was a steal, offering good drinks for a reasonable price.
There's also a Coffee shop and a Snack bar, perfect for a quick bite or a caffeine fix. Honestly, I spent most of my time in the Poolside bar. The Bottle of water was a lifesaver.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure-ish
I have to say, I felt pretty safe at the Old Friend. They've clearly taken the whole COVID situation seriously. There's Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff seemed well-trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was a godsend. It was nice to know that they were making the effort, even if some of the practices seemed a little… over the top.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Mostly)
The Concierge was helpful, although sometimes a little overwhelmed. Daily housekeeping kept the room tidy. The Laundry service was a godsend, especially after a week of exploring. There's also a Convenience store on-site, which is always handy. The Elevator was great.
For the Kids: A Family Feasting Ground
I’m not traveling with children, but it’s clear the hotel is geared towards families, with Babysitting service, and a Family/child friendly atmosphere. I saw the Kids facilities and Kids meal options are a nice touch.
The Verdict: Go With an Open Mind (and a Sense of Humor)
Look, the Old Friend Hotel isn't perfect. It has its quirks. It’s not exactly a "luxurious" experience. It's more of a… genuine experience. It makes up for what it lacks in polish. The staff are friendly and trying. The pool is fantastic. The views are incredible. The access is there, even if not perfect.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But go with an open mind. Embrace the imperfections. Bring your sense of humor. Pack your swimsuit. And be prepared to leave feeling like you just escaped somewhere… well, real.
Final Score: 7.5/10 (Mostly for the pool and the view!)
Bandung's Hidden Gem: Studio Galeri Ciumbuleuit 1 - Unbeatable Views!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Taichung trip that's less "polished travel blog" and more "reliving a slightly embarrassing, yet ultimately rewarding, experience." And we're staying at the Old Friend Hotel. Hmmm, sounds promising… let's see where this goes.
Operation: Taichung Tango – A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (and hopefully less motion sickness than expected)
Pre-Trip Ramblings (aka, My Brain's Currently a Chaotic Playlist)
Okay, so Taichung. Taiwan. My brain's a swirl of anticipation, anxiety (will I order the wrong thing? Will I trip and faceplant in front of a whole tour group?), and a persistent craving for bubble tea. I’ve spent hours scrolling through Instagram, drooling over street food I can practically smell, and envisioning myself as the effortlessly cool, globetrotting foodie. Reality? Probably more like a slightly sweaty, perpetually confused tourist who occasionally looks like they might accidentally eat a bug. Whatever. We’re going.
Day 1: Arrival, Arrival! (and a near-disaster involving a suitcase)
Morning (Or Attempted Morning): Flight lands. I'm convinced the airplane is trying to kill me with turbulence. Seriously, it felt like a theme park ride designed by a sadist. Anyway, somehow survived.
- Anecdote: My suitcase, bless its heart, decided to stage its own escape from the baggage carousel. I swear I saw it leap off and roll towards the exit. Cue me, sprinting after it like a cartoon character, yelling "STOP, YOU ROGUE PIECE OF LUGGAGE!" Mortifying? Yes. Humorous? Definitely. Lesson learned: tighten those straps, people.
Afternoon: The "Old Friend" Encounter & First Impressions: The Old Friend Hotel. Ah, yes. The name itself conjures up images of cozy rooms, friendly staff… and hopefully, a strong air conditioner. The lobby? Surprisingly chic, kind of art deco-ish. I like it. The staff? Utterly lovely. They helped me navigate, the hotel is also in very strategic location nearby popular tourist places.
Evening: Street Food Shenanigans (And Mild Panic): Armed with a pathetic attempt at Mandarin and a Google Translate app, I venture out into the Taichung night. Oh. My. God. The smells! The noise! The crowds! It's sensory overload in the most glorious way possible. I eventually stumble upon a night market, and my internal monologue goes something like this:
- "Okay, deep breaths. Don't panic, just… look. What's that? Is that… a giant squid on a stick? No. Maybe. YES!"
- (After a valiant, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to communicate my order.) "Ugh. I probably ordered the wrong thing. Too late now."
- (Fifteen minutes later, munching on a delicious, and only slightly alien-looking, squid.) "Okay, maybe I'm not such a terrible traveler after all."
Night: Hotel Room Reflection (and a sudden craving for Netflix): Back in my room. The bed? Heavenly. The air con? Praise the heavens. The view? Okay, it's a bit "concrete jungle" but hey, I'm here, alive, and most importantly, with a roof over my head. I am also pretty tired… I think I will stream some Netflix.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Trying Not to Get Lost (Again)
Morning: Temples & Tranquility (Plus a Side of Mosquito Bites): Decided to be all "spiritual and cultured" this morning and hit up one of those amazing temples. The architecture is beautiful, I have no idea what I'm looking at, but it's so pretty, it's hard to resist.
- Imperfect Observation: Apparently, my blood is quite delicious to Taichung mosquitos. Woke up with three new friends on my legs. Note to self: invest in industrial-strength bug spray.
Afternoon: Tea Tasting (and a near-disaster involving a teapot): Okay, picture this: me, sitting in a traditional tea house, attempting to be sophisticated. I was almost successful, until I knocked over a teapot. I really should not be trusted around breakables. Luckily, the owner was incredibly understanding (she probably sees this happen all the time). The tea? Sublime. The little cakes? Even better.
- Emotional Reaction (Good): Genuinely moved by the tea tasting experience. The whole ritual, the flavors, the peace… it was a much-needed dose of zen. Needed it.
Evening: The Night Market Round Two (and a culinary epiphany): Back to the night market, because, let's be honest, it's the best part. This time, I knew what I wanted to get. Had a bite of a street food dish that I thought I would never eat. I ended up loving it.
Day 3: Museum Meandering, Bubble Tea Bliss, and Departure (With a Heavy Heart)
Morning: Museum Time (and Questionable Art Appreciation): I went for the most popular art museum and after many hours of staring at paintings, my head was buzzing. It's beautiful.
Afternoon: Bubble Tea Nirvana (and a sugar rush to end all sugar rushes): The holy grail of Taichung: bubble tea. I. LOVE. BUBBLE. TEA. Seriously, I'm considering moving here just for the tapioca pearls. I probably drank enough sugar to power a small city. Worth it. Completely and utterly worth it.
Evening: The Sad Reality (and a promise to return): Packing up. The inevitable end. The old friend hotel… it has become my new friend. This trip? Messy, imperfect, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable. Taichung, you've captured my heart (and my stomach). I'll be back. Soon.
Postscript: On the plane, I'm already planning my return trip. This time, I promise, I'll learn at least some Mandarin. And maybe, just maybe, I'll manage to keep my suitcase from escaping. (Fingers crossed).
Escape to Paradise: Old Friend Hotel - You Got Questions? I Got, Um... Answers? (Maybe?)
Okay, so... what *is* this "Old Friend Hotel" thing anyway? Is it like, actually nice?
Alright, picture this: you're in Taichung, right? Smoggy air, bustling streets… then BAM! You stumble (literally, I almost tripped) into this secret garden, like a portal to another dimension. That's the Old Friend Hotel. Think less "cookie-cutter chain hotel" and more "grandma's slightly eccentric, but utterly charming, home." They call it "Escape to Paradise." Honestly? It's a bit much. But somehow, it *works*. The word "paradise" is a strong word. But if your idea of paradise involves a comfy bed, a genuine attempt at hospitality, and a slight feeling you’ve wandered into a Wes Anderson film? Yeah, it's nice. Sometimes. Other times… well, we'll get to that.
The pictures look… a little… vintage. Is it *actually* old? Like, falling-apart old?
"Vintage" is a polite way of saying "it's been around the block." Yes, the decor leans heavily into the… let's call it "retro charm." There's a lot of dark wood. Like, *a lot*. And the wallpapers? Oh, the wallpapers. Expect floral patterns, maybe some slightly faded gold accents. (My room? Think: "Your grandma's living room in the 1970s, but with more floral wallpaper." Seriously, It was like a constant, subtle migraine, but also kind of comforting, like being wrapped in a floral-printed hug.) Now, "falling apart"? No. But it's certainly… *lived in*. There might be a creaky floorboard or two. Embrace it. Pretend you're in a detective movie.
What's the food situation like? Do they have good breakfast? Because breakfast is important.
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The make-or-break meal of the weary traveler. Their breakfast is… an experience. Don't expect a Michelin-starred spread. Think more along the lines of a buffet. You got your usual suspects: toast, jam, a scrambled egg that probably isn't fresh, and maybe some questionable sausages. The coffee? Let's just say it'll wake you up, alright? But the best part? The staff, bless their hearts, tries SO hard. They are genuinely lovely. One morning, the woman at the egg station gave me a *huge* smile and kept offering me seconds of egg. I was so flattered, I practically ate the whole plate. It was the best thing ever. But honestly, bring some snacks. Just in case. Or maybe… plan an elaborate brunch elsewhere.
Okay, let's cut to the chase: Is it worth the money?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It depends. It *completely* depends. If you're looking for luxury and perfection, run. Run far, far away. If you're on a tight budget... well, check the prices. It's generally not extortionate, but it's also not a hostel. But, if you're after something unique, something with character, and you appreciate the little quirky things in life, then… yeah, maybe. Honestly, I had to sleep on a mattress that was so old my back hurt, but then again I have that floral headache, but that feeling… The memory of the place, the staff’s efforts *almost* makes up for it. Almost. But honestly, if you're considering it, weigh your expectations. It's not a five-star experience. It's a… well, you'll see.
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient?
The location… it's a bit of a mixed bag. It's not *right* in the heart of everything, but it’s also not stranded in the boonies. You're a short cab ride (or a decent bus ride - if you can figure out the Taichung bus system, which, honestly, is an experience in itself) from the major attractions. That said, after a long day out in Taichung, it can feel like another expedition to get back. I’m not kidding, I spent an entire evening chasing the bus. It’s a trade-off: a little peace and quiet versus ultimate convenience. I chose the peace, eventually, because I got *really* tired.
I heard they have a pool. Is the pool, like, Instagrammable?
Ah, the pool. The siren song of the weary traveler. Let me tell you about the pool… IT IS A DELIGHT! It’s not olympic size, it’s not infinity-edged, IT HAS A FUNKY BLUE TILED BOTTOM. But it is there. And honestly, with the heat and humidity of Taichung, it feels like an oasis. Is it Instagrammable? Yes. Is it photogenic? Absolutely. You can get some killer shots, so long as you avoid the lighting that makes you look like a ghost from a silent movie.
But let me tell you a story. I went swimming around sunset. The pool was empty, save for me and a couple of… ducks? Yes! Two ducks! Waddling around like they owned the place! I swear one of them gave me the stink eye when I splashed water. It was ridiculous. But it was also… magical. The ducks, the sunset, the slightly-chlorinated water… it was perfect. I’d go back just for that moment. Forget perfect lighting, forget Instagram. Just… ducks.
Any tips for surviving (and potentially loving) the Old Friend Hotel?
Tips, you say? Okay, here are some nuggets of wisdom, gleaned from my own… *experiences*.
* **Embrace the weird.** Seriously. The quirks are part of the charm. Just. Let. It. Happen.
* **Pack earplugs.** The traffic, the creaky floors, the… other guests. Sometimes you just need peace.
* **Bring snacks.** Always a good idea. Especially for breakfast.
* **Be nice to the staff.** They're lovely humans who are trying their best. They may look tired. They may seem a little lost at times. Give them a break. They’re worth a thousand hotel chains who are just… ok, you know?
* **Lower your expectations.** This isn't the Ritz. But that's kind of the point.
* **Do try the pool.** Even if you don't swim, go watch the ducks. It's worth it.
* **Forget the hotel wifi.** Forget it, you probably want to explore Taichung.
* **Prepare for the unknown.**
