Hualien Hotel Guide
The Best Neighborhoods & Where To Stay In Hualien
Welcome To Hualien
Squeezed between the mountains and the sea, Hualien is a lovely oceanside town on the east coast of Taiwan. About 2 hours south of Taipei, Hualien is the jumping-off point for Taroko Gorge National Park and numerous other outdoor adventures.
Hualien Layout at a Glance
Most of Hualien follows a rough grid pattern with primary roads going East-West and North-South. Zhongshan Road bisects the city from east to west and is the primary road to know in Hualien. Most things of importance are within 3-4 blocks of Zhongshan Road and there are always taxis driving up and down this wide road. Don’t know which way to go on Zhongshan? If you see giant green mountains in front of you, you are walking West! It’s that easy.
We believe these are the three best neighborhoods in which to stay in Hualien. Beibin, Downtown, Train Station. Each are good for different reasons as we will outline below.
Neighborhoods To Stay
Beibin
This oceanfront neighborhood along Beibin Street (actually two one-way roads a block apart) offers a growing collection of boutique hotels and guesthouses right by the ocean. Beibin Street begins at Zhongshan Road and is only 5-6 blocks long so it’s impossible to get lost (see map below). Beibin is a very short walk from the Dongdamen Night Market, Beibin Oceanfront Boardwalk and Nanbin Waterfront Park. The seafront bicycle path goes directly in front of Beibin street as well, making this area a great jumping off point for bike rides. If you want to be by the sea and within short walking distance to downtown restaurant and shopping areas, this is a wonderful neighborhood.
Downtown
The Downtown area can loosely be defined as the area of Zhongshan Road from the sea to Linsen Road and 4 blocks on either side (see map below). This is the area where you will find the primary shopping areas, most of the restaurants, Dongdamen Night Market, the outdoor craft markets and food vendors, several small walking roads and more. This is also the area with most of the banks, coffee shops, all the bars/nightlife and more. Really, if you want to walk from your hotel to do stuff, being in downtown is the best place to be. Most of the bars are along Linsen Road.
Train Station
This budget friendly area around the train station is where you will find most of the hostels and inexpensive accommodations. That being said, you are a hearty 20-30 minute walk into downtown for most of the action. Not ideal in hot summer heat or in the rainy season. Taxi’s to downtown are only $100 TWD each way but of course these can add up if you do it a lot. There are some decent restaurants in the train station area but nothing compared to the variety in downtown. If price and proximity to trains is your priority, there are hundreds of inexpensive places to choose from in this neighborhood.
Budget Hotels
Azure Hotel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.8/5
The Azure Hotel is centrally located in the downtown area of Hualien City, just a 4-minute walk from the Japanese General House. Featured amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. You can also get a roundtrip airport shuttle or train station pick-up service for an additional charge.
Byeyer Hotel
Price: $ Average Review: 4.5/5
While staying at Byeyer Hotel Hualien, you’ll be centrally located in downtown Hualien City, just a short 1-minute drive from the Hualien Dongdamen Night Market and 12 minutes from Chishingtan Beach. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, free WiFi, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. There is also free self-parking available onsite and a complimentary airport shuttle.
Lakeshore Hotel Hualien
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
A great option for families, the Lakeshore Hotel Hualien is in the downtown area, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the east and hills of green to the west. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the on-site sauna and Kids’ Haven. Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and a gym. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with cable/satellite channels, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a mini bar. Guests can enjoy local cuisine served daily at the modern on-site restaurant.
The Leaf Inn
Price:$ Average Rating: 4.9/5
The Leaf Inn provides a welcoming and comfortable place to stay while in Hualien, with express check-in and check-out features, free Wi-Fi and a coffee bar included. Staying at the inn is fun for the whole family, as kids will love the play area and adults can plan sightseeing trips with help from the friendly staff at the inn’s tour desk. Each room offers air conditioning, a rain shower, a flat-screen TV and comfy slippers. Enjoy a unique dining experience at the on location restaurant or relax in the cozy lounge bar.
Lishiuan International Hotel
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.0/5
The Lishiuan International Hotel is a short walk from the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum in the downtown area. The hotel has a rooftop terrace and free Wi-Fi, as well as valet parking and a free shuttle service. Additional amenities include fitness classes, a coffee bar, and 24-hour room service. All rooms are air-conditioned and the hotel provides a variety of in-house dining options with both the Tastefulness Cafe and Karaoke Lounge.
Midrange Hotels
Follow The Cloud B&B
Price: $$ Average Rating: 5/5
With a stay at Follow the Cloud B&B, you’ll be right on a river, and within a 10-minute drive of Chishingtan Beach. Amenities at this beautiful B&B include complimentary Wi-Fi, express check-in, express check-out, and a roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours). Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a private terrace for taking in beautiful views. Each stay also comes with a complimentary breakfast.
Kaho Hotel
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.3/5
With a stay at Kaho Hotel in downtown Hualien City, you’ll be within an easy 5-minute drive of Tzu Chi Cultural Park. Featured amenities at the Kaho Hotel include express check-in, express check-out, luggage storage, as well as a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle. Each room is uniquely furnished and comes complete with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Dine at the on-site restaurant or relax in the bar and lounge.
Full Kind Hotel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
The Full Kind Hotel in downtown Hualien City, is an 11-minute walk from Beibin Park Beach and 0.7 miles from Nanbin Park Beach. Each room at the 4-star hotel has a beautiful city view, and guests can enjoy full access to a fitness center and to a restaurant. Private parking is available on-site. Popular with couples, all guest rooms at Full Kind come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, an electric tea pot, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. Full Kind Hotel also offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast.
Aria2 Home
Price: $$ Average Rating: 5/5
You’ll find Aria2 Home in downtown Hualien City, an easy 10-minute walk from Hualien Railway Station. The Aria2 offers cozy and welcoming guest rooms. The homestay has a sun terrace with views of the mountains. Free parking is also available with advance reservations. Each guest room is designed in a different style and features a flat-screen TV and refrigerator. Certain rooms include a seating area, balcony, or terrace. Each private bathroom comes with cozy slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Sea Dragonfly
Price:$$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
The Sea Dragonfly in nearby Shoufeng is within a 15-minute drive of central Hualien. These beautiful apartment-style accommodations feature amazing ocean views close to Hualien. The featured amenities include luggage storage, an elevator, and coffee/tea in a common area. There is also free self-parking onsite. Each room offers free Wi-Fi, a flat screen tv, and a complimentary breakfast. You can also dine in the on-site restaurant for your convenience.
High End Hotels
Gaeavilla Resort
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4/5
The Gaeavilla Resort in Hualien offers a completely unique and immersive experience that you’ll never forget. The resort offers a plethora of amenities from its mind-purifying teahouse to the yoga room and organic spa. Not to mention the health enhancing food served at the on-site restaurant. Each room is designed with tranquility in mind and features free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen tv, and private terrace or balcony.
Arch Villa
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.3/5
At the Arch Villa, in downtown Hualien City, you’ll be an easy 15-minute drive from Chishingtan Beach and Hualien Dongdamen Night Market. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and refrigerator in a common area. There is also free self-parking available onsite. Find solace in the garden, relax in a shared lounge, or take in the amazing views from your private terrace at Arch Villa.
Hualien Farglory Hotel
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4.8/5
As one of the most famous hotels in Hualien, the Farglory Hotel in nearby Shoufeng offers a variety of rooms set against lush hills overlooking the ocean. The hotel is intricately designed as a Victorian palace, and each room features a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. During your stay enjoy free WiFi, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and 3 on-site restaurants. Guests can also pamper themselves at the hotel’s spa with massages, wraps, and aromatherapy. Free airport shuttles are also available as the resort is 20 minutes south of Hualien.
Fleur Villa
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.7/5
A stay at Fleur Villa, in downtown Hualien City, means you’ll be within just a 15-minute drive of Hualien Dongdamen Night Market and Chishingtan Beach. Featuring mountain views, Fleur Villa has accommodations with a balcony and a coffee machine, the property boasts a terrace and free private parking. The air-conditioned villa consists of 3 separate bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with toiletries provided and a living room. A flat-screen TV with cable channels is also provided. The nearest airport is Hualien Airport, which is just 2.5 miles from Fleur Villa. There is also free self-parking available onsite.
Bluesky Puyuma B&B
Prince: $$ Average Rating: 4.3/5
The Bluesky PUYUMA B&B in nearby Ji’an township is within a 15-minute drive of Central Hualien and Hualien Dongdamen Night Market. The featured amenities at this unique B&B include luggage storage, an elevator, and free self-parking onsite. Each room is designed in a uniquely fun way, including a fun Hello Kitty themed room. Every room has a private bathroom, as well as a terrace or balcony. You’ll also have a flat-screen TV and access to complimentary Wi-Fi.
So Much More To Discover in Hualien!
Map of Neighborhoods
*Map Not To Scale – From the train station it is a 20 minute walk to Linsen Road and a 30-35 minute walk to the Dongdamen night market,
Hualien Travel Blog
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Based in Hualien, Taiwan (adjacent to Taroko Gorge National Park), Island Life Taiwan designs all of our unique daily itineraries to help you discover the rich natural beauty and culture of Taiwan, in the most enjoyable, and most immersive way possible. We’re dedicated to showing you the most amazing locations in eastern Taiwan, while having the most fun and avoiding the crowds. More than just a tour operator and adventure outfitter, our team truly loves showing this awe-inspiring part of the world to our guests, and when you love what you do, it shows.
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