Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel

Very unique experiencing staying at a hot spring hotel with private hot spring bath. The design of the room was of a traditional Japanese living space with tatami mat and wood floors. The hotel itself is quite old with old age wallpaper and a very simple washroom. Free shuttle from station for most of the day. Hotel booked us an early ride for us however due to our very early flight which was kind. Bit dusty and antique but overall had a great time!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this clean & cosy establishment. The staff were extremely attentive and friendly and our use of the shuttle up and down the hillside to the MTR station felt like we had a chauffeur service at our fingertips. The heated spring waters fhat is supplied to the individual baths do not carry a strong sulphur odor, but instead leaves one's skin feeling smooth and supple (due to its high lead suplhate content) The breakfast is more for an Asian taste, but nonetheless delicious and truly reflective of genuine local Taiwanese cuisine. The only drawback to the hotel is that it is starting to show its age and needs renovation in areas like carpets and toilet fixtures, albeit the tatami mats are still in excellent condition. As a reflection of its historic charm, be sure to check out the print in the lobby of a watercolor and ink painting, the original of which is now stored in the National Palace Museum, showing the establishment in its original form set among the hills of Thermal Valley, The original painting was gifted to the hotel by its painter, a cousin of China's last emperor Puyi, who was so enamored by his stay.at the hotel that he took to brush.

The in room onsen was glorious after a long flight. It was easy to get picked up from station in the free shuttle (using MRT payphone for free - ask in the ticket booth) Very pretty room & lovely surrounding countryside.