President Motel Taoyuan: Taiwan's Best-Kept Secret (Luxury on a Budget!)
President Motel Taoyuan: My Love Affair with Taiwan's Unexpected Gem (And My Unfiltered Thoughts!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to gush. And I'm not even paid to say this (though, President Motel, if you're reading this… I'm available for endorsements!). Seriously, finding President Motel Taoyuan was like stumbling upon a secret treasure chest buried in the bustling city of Taoyuan. I'm talking luxury on a budget, baby! Forget those cookie-cutter chains – this place is an experience, a freaking adventure, and I'm still buzzing about it.
First Impressions (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confused)
Now, I’m not gonna lie. Pulling up, I was a little taken aback. It’s a motel, yes, and the exterior… well, let’s just say it doesn’t scream "luxury spa retreat." But that, my friends, is part of the charm. Beyond that facade, it's like entering a different dimension. The lobby? Sparkling, modern, and staffed by the friendliest people you could imagine. Seriously, they're practically gleaming with helpfulness. And the check-in? Contactless! (Yeah, I’m a germaphobe, judge away.) Smooth, easy, and quick. Pure bliss when you're tired from a long flight. Plus, they had a convenience store right there! Winning already.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good Vibes
I always check on accessibility, because these days it's absolutely essential that every place tries hard. The elevator was a godsend, for sure. And the public areas seemed pretty smooth, allowing for the use of a wheelchair. It's not easy to remember all the things, but I will say that, the front desk seemed willing to help and tried to make things easier. But there were a few doors which could be a tight squeeze. But again, 10/10 from the staff.
My Oasis: The Room (Oh. My. God.)
Alright, time for my confession. I am not a subtle traveler. I like space, I like comfort, and most importantly, I want my room to feel like a damn sanctuary. Well, President Motel Taoyuan delivered. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (duh!), Alarm clock (ugh, needed it!), Bathrobes (YES!), Bathroom phone (never used it, but hey!), Bathtub (massive and glorious!), Blackout curtains (essential for battling jet lag!), Carpeting (plush!), Closet (ample storage!), Coffee/tea maker (critical!), Complimentary tea (essential!), Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Desk (I actually worked a little!), Extra long bed. Ah, my aching back! Free bottled water (always appreciated!), Hair dryer (thank goodness), High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (and FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (okay, maybe I didn't need that!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (thank you, modern world!), Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. Absolutely fantastic.
My room specifically, it was huge! Okay, I think I might have snagged an interconnecting room because I was traveling with a friend, but even without that, the rooms are HUGE. So much room. I’m talkin’ dancing-around-in-your-robe huge. The bed? Heavenly. Seriously, I sunk into that thing and almost didn't resurface. And the lighting! Perfectly balanced so you could actually read in bed (a crucial requirement for me). And, I had a massive window that opens which can be a rare commodity in a lot of places, which honestly gives you the illusion that you are really out in the world. Bliss!
Spa-tacular Indulgence (My Favorite Part!)
Okay, confession number two: I am a sucker for a good spa. And President Motel Taoyuan killed it. The Spa/sauna setup was top notch. I’ve been to fancier spas, sure, but the quality of the treatments here was amazing for the price. I treated myself to a Body scrub (exfoliation heaven!), a Massage (which nearly made me drool – in the best way!), and a glorious soak in the Foot bath. Okay, the Pool with view and the Swimming pool [outdoor] were closed, and I was crushed. But it's a motel, right? I'm still in shock! I spent a solid hour in the Sauna – detoxing and contemplating the meaning of life (or just what I wanted for dinner). They have Steamroom, too. And if you're feeling hardcore, there's a decent Gym/fitness center.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun
The A la carte in restaurant was a treat! Though, I was too cheap to get the Asian cuisine in restaurant and opted for the Room service [24-hour] for most of my meals. Thank God for this, because I'm a picky eater. They have a decent Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Poolside bar.
The food was actually pretty good. The Alternative meal arrangement (they cater to requests!) was a lifesaver. And, the desserts in restaurant… oh, the desserts! I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds just thinking about them. Okay, the Breakfast [buffet] was a little underwhelming, but the Western breakfast was still pretty good, even if I wanted more choice. Overall, it's a solid dining experience considering the overall price point.
Cleanliness and Safety: They Actually Care (A Big Plus!)
This isn't just some passing mention. I'm genuinely impressed with the safety measures. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff are trained in safety protocol. Honestly, they made me feel safe (and maybe a little spoiled). They also had Individually-wrapped food options and the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They weren't just going through the motions; they were actually taking things seriously. Oh, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. More places need to take a page from this book!
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond
The concierge was super helpful (even though I didn't need much). I loved the Cash withdrawal. They have Dry cleaning. A convenience store (already mentioned, worship it!). They also had Luggage storage. The whole setup was so smooth. They also did the basics, like Daily housekeeping and Laundry service.
For the Kids (If You Have Them):
I don't have kids, BUT they did seem very family-friendly. They had Babysitting service, which would be amazing. They had Kids meal. They also had a Family/child friendly attitude, which is important.
Getting Around and Getting Connected (The Techy Stuff)
WiFi [free] everywhere! And, I mean everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bliss! Internet access – LAN, too (for the old-schoolers). They also offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. So, getting around was a breeze. They have Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking, too.
The Tiny Gripes (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Look, even in paradise, there are a few tiny pebbles in the sand. The exterior, as I mentioned, could be a little more inviting. The Breakfast [buffet] selection, while decent, could be better. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. Nothing, not even the slightly dated decor (which, frankly, has its own quirky charm), can take away from the overall experience.
The Verdict: Go. Now.
Seriously, book a stay at President Motel Taoyuan. It's a hidden gem, a portal to relaxation, and a testament to the fact that
Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise! (Tag Along)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your corporate travel agent's pristine little schedule. This is a real-life, messy, gloriously imperfect itinerary for President Motel in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Prepare for feels, tangents and a whole lotta "Oh, crap, did I book that?"
ITINERARY: OPERATION: FIND COMFORT FOOD & POTENTIALLY MY SOUL – President Motel, Taoyuan (Or at least, a decent shower)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka Jetlag & the Pursuit of Wifi)
- 14:00 (ish): Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Okay, initial impressions: humid. Like, REALLY humid. Which, honestly, explains a lot about my frizzy, pre-trip-hair-gone-wild. Customs was a breeze though. Surprisingly. I expected some interrogation about my collection of novelty rubber ducks. (Don't judge me.)
- 14:45 (ish): Finding a freaking ATM. The ubiquitous "How do I get to the President Motel?" signs aren't as helpful when you're cashless. Panic level: mild. Then, success! Found a 7-Eleven. Amazing. They have EVERYTHING. Seriously.
- 15:30 (ish): Taxi to President Motel. The drive? A blur of scooters buzzing, honking, and the city's glorious chaos. My internal soundtrack: "This is it, this is what I came for…is it?"
- 16:00 (ish): Check-in. The lobby smells faintly of… something I can't quite place. Maybe a mix of disinfectant and ambition? The staff is incredibly polite, which is a bonus. I’m running on fumes and want to crawl in a hole.
- 16:30 (ish): Room tour! (Or, the desperate scrabbling for a power outlet to charge my phone, which is currently my lifeline.) Okay, first impression: BIG room. Like, motel-room-I-can-actually-swing-a-cat-in big. The bed? Looks promising. The karaoke setup? Intriguing. The jacuzzi? Starts to drool.
- 17:00 (ish): The shower. A moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Seriously, the water pressure is heroic. I spent approximately 20 minutes under the glorious cascade, washing away the grime of travel and the lingering dread that I'd forgotten to pack my passport. (I didn’t, I swear.)
- 17:30 (ish): Unpacking fail. My suitcase exploded, I can not find my adaptor. But hey, i’m dry and clean, that’s what matters.
- 18:00 (ish): FOOD. The eternal quest. I’m STARVING. Consult the hotel’s "nearby restaurants" list. Everything is… Chinese. Don’t get me wrong, I love Chinese food! But the fear of ordering something that involves tentacles or fermented fish is very real. Venture out to find something palatable, or the nearest 7-eleven.
- 19:00 (ish): Stumbled upon a little noodle place. The menu is entirely in Mandarin. Point at pictures, pray for the best. Ended up with something with pork, broth, and noodles. DELICIOUS. Felt like a cultural victory. Or maybe it was just hunger.
- 20:00 (ish): Back at the motel. Contemplating the karaoke setup. Maybe. But first… Netflix and the potential for a solid night's sleep. Or at least, a few hours of oblivion before the jetlag kicks in again.
- 21:00 (ish): Failed at Netflix. The wifi is doing its best, but my brain is doing a terrible job of focusing. Realized i Forgot coffee. BIG MISTAKE. I am now the embodiment of what happens when a person gives up on everything and just wants to sleep.
- 22:00 (ish): Lights out (maybe). Now I can be the person I hope to be, so I can be happy and better and I can get coffee.
Day 2: Embracing the Absurdity (and the Jacuzzi)
- 07:00 (ish): WAKE UP. Not necessarily rested, but awake. Definitely need coffee. And sunlight. And maybe a therapist.
- 08:00 (ish): Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is surprisingly decent. Toast, eggs, some kind of questionable sausage (avoid). Fruit, though, is a win.
- 09:00 (ish): Decision time… Visit the local Taoyuan attractions or go back to bed?
- 09:30 (ish): Decided to take a risk and venture out, since I'd paid good money for the airfare, and the trip.
- 10:00 (ish): Spent the better part of an hour wandering around a local park. Found a group doing tai chi. Felt ridiculously self-conscious. Decided to just breathe and enjoy the sunshine.
- 12:00 (ish): Lunch (again). This time, I successfully ordered something that resembled dumplings. Small victory!
- 13:00 (ish): Back at the motel. The moment of truth: THE JACUZZI. Okay, so the jacuzzi is a bit… much. Lights that change colors, pulsing jets… this hotel room is suddenly more Las Vegas than Taoyuan. But, hey, I'm embracing the absurdity. plunges in.
- 14:00 (ish): Jacuzzi debrief. Okay, I'm officially prune-like. Also, incredibly relaxed. This motel is the perfect embodiment of Taiwan.
- 15:00 (ish): A nap. A glorious, guilt-free nap.
- 17:00 (ish): Karaoke (maybe). Still debating this. My singing voice is… well, let's just say it's an acquired taste.
- 17:30 (ish) - The Karaoke Catastrophe: This is it. Prepared myself. Ordered a beer. Chose a safe song (or so i thought). Hit the "Start" button. And then… I forgot all the lyrics. Half-mumbled, half-shrieked my way through. Felt the room is empty.
- 18:30 (ish): Dinner. Found a restaurant with pictures. Ended up with something involving fried rice and what appeared to be a fish head staring back at me. Couldn't bring myself to eat the eyes.
- 20:00 (ish): Thinking for a while. Now I am ready to be better.
- 21:00 (ish): Early night. The karaoke incident has taken a toll. Time for sleep, dreams of dim sum, and the vague promise of tomorrow.
- 22:00 (ish): Sleep.
Day 3: Departure & Reflections (Or, "Did I Actually Enjoy This?")
- 08:00 (ish): Wake up. Sad to be leaving. Sad to be leaving the jacuzzi.
- 09:00 (ish): Breakfast.
- 10:00 (ish): Check out. Wave goodbye to the quirky motel. Feel a strange pang of… affection? Maybe the jacuzzi got to me.
- 11:00 (ish): Taxi to the airport. The drive back is familiar now. The chaos feels… less overwhelming.
- 12:00 (ish): Find my way back to the airport.
- 13:00 (ish): Boarding
- 14:00 (ish): Take-off. Looking out over the city and the mountains.
Final Thoughts:
President Motel, Taoyuan: Not your standard luxury experience. But it was real. It was messy. It was funny. And in its own weird way, it was…perfect. Would I go back? Probably. Maybe for the jacuzzi alone. And the noodles. And the sheer, glorious, unabashed weirdness of it all. Now, back to reality. Until next time, adventure awaits!
Unbelievable Toyoko Inn Find in Tsu, Japan! (Near Tsu Station!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is President Motel really "luxury on a budget"? Or is that just marketing fluff?
So, what's the *actual* vibe? Is it… you know… romantic? Or awkward? Or what?
Let's talk amenities. What exactly am I getting for my money?
Okay, I'm intrigued. But what if I don't speak Mandarin? Will I be completely lost?
What's the biggest downside? Any drawbacks I should be aware of?
Alright, you mentioned a memorable experience. What's your best story?
So, is President Motel a good choice for a FAMILY vacation? Specifically with kids?
What's the best way to book a room, and are there any tips for getting a good deal?
Okay, last question: Would you go back? And if so, when?
