Hualien Hotel Guide
The Best Neighborhoods & Where To Stay In Hualien
Welcome To Hualien
Welcome to Hualien, a city located on the east coast of Taiwan, known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Taroko Gorge National Park. As a popular tourist destination, Hualien offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers. In this guide, we will highlight the best hotels in Hualien, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or a relaxing getaway, Hualien has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top hotels in Hualien and plan your perfect trip.
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
Travel Charger Hostel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.7/5
The Travel Charger Hostel is located in Hualien City, close to the rear exit of Hualien Railway Station. The hostel offers free wifi throughout the property, and unlike many tourist areas downtown, this hostel has a local feel. Located in a quiet, less busy part of Hualien, it still has plenty to do nearby. The stylish common area is great for relaxing with a good book or doing some work. The hostel also offers comfy beds, hot showers, and friendly service. An outdoor terrace is a favorite place for guests to hang out and have a few drinks.
World Inn
Price: $ Average Review: 4.8/5
The World Inn is a hostel inspired by traveling the world and welcoming travelers from all over the globe to explore beautiful Hualien. The friendly owners of the hostel love to give guests tips on all the best local sights and dining options. The hostel has even more guest space in its new location, and the World Inn Coffee Shop is onsite. They serve freshly ground coffee and homemade cakes using only locally sourced ingredients. The World In is an excellent place for travelers and locals to meet, make new friends, exchange travel stories, and take a relaxing break from their adventures!
Hualien Dropby International Backpacker Hostel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.8/5
If you are looking for a place that feels like home, look no further than Hualien Dropby International Backpacker Hostel, your home away from home in Hualien City. The hostel offers free wifi access in the public area. Each room at the Hualien Dropby provides air conditioning, a balcony, and private bathrooms with a shower. You can cook in the shared kitchen or relax in the comfortable lounge. If you want to explore the city, the staff at the tour desk can assist with tour arrangements. You can also rent bicycles at this hostel for a great way to get about Hualien. You may be asked for a deposit via bank wire or Paypal within 48 hours to secure your reservation.
Pure B&B
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.7/5
During your stay at Pure B&B in Hualien City, you will be within a 10-minute drive of the famous Hualien Dongdamen Night Market and ShenAn Temple. Each comfortable room offers air conditioning and Egyptian cotton sheets. Featured amenities include express check-in and luggage storage for guests. For easy access to this B&B, a roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours, and train station pick-up service is also free. Make sure to take advantage of the complimentary continental breakfast!
Chateau De Chine
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.3/5
Chateau de Chine in Hualien is the first green resort hotel in Eastern Taiwan, implementing ecological, energy-saving, and carbon-reducing initiatives. The hotel offers a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle, an outdoor terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe where guests can fuel up before exploring. Situated near the Hualien Port and Hualien Cultural Center, you will have easy access to a wide range of activities in the Taroko Gorge and Eastern seafront, making the Chateau de Chine a great base while in Hualien. Keep an eye out because, throughout the hotel, you will find Jimmy’s (Taiwan’s famous artist) installations.
Midrange Hotels
1999 B&B
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.5/5
The 1999 B&B is located in the heart of Hualien City and is close to some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks, including the Japanese General House. Rooms at this B&B are spacious with thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, and complimentary amenities like stocked minibars, WiFi, and laundry facilities. Enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast each morning or the rooftop terrace in the evenings. Make sure to visit the famous Taroko Gorge during your visit!
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 wifi, flat-screen TVs, a fitness center, an onsite 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.
LakeShore Hotel Hualien
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
An excellent option for families, the Lakeshore Hotel Hualien is in the downtown area overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the east and mountains of green to the west. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the onsite sauna and Kids’ Haven. Additional amenities include complimentary wifi and a gym. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with cable/satellite channels, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a minibar. In addition, guests can enjoy local cuisine served daily at the modern onsite restaurant.
Li Shiuan International Hotel
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4/5
The Li Shiuan International Hotel is a short walk from the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum in the downtown area. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, free wifi, valet parking, and a free shuttle service. Additional amenities include fitness classes, a coffee bar, and 24-hour room service. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the hotel provides various in-house dining options with the Tastefulness Cafe and Karaoke Lounge.
Kindness Hotel
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
At this family-friendly hotel in Hualien City, you will find that the Kindness Hotel feels like home. Each room at the Kindness Hotel offers free wifi, a refrigerator, and air conditioning. Take advantage of some amenities during your stay, including a concierge and breakfast provided onsite. While staying at Kindness Hotel, you can check out The Tropic of Cancer – BinfengJingpu, Gangtiangong, and some of Hualien City’s top attractions. During your visit, check out one of Hualien City’s popular dumpling restaurants, including Gongzheng Baozi, Zhoujia Steamed Dumpling, and Dai Ji Wonton, all just a short distance from the Kindness Hotel.
High End Hotels
Just Sleep Hualien
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4/5
Just Sleep is in a great location in Hualien City, with many restaurant and food cart options nearby. Each comfortable and spacious room at this hotel offers air conditioning and a private bathroom. Guests can also enjoy Just Sleep Hualien’s playground, library, and laundry facilities. In addition, you will be close to the beautiful Nanbin seashore and the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. Consider visiting the Hualien Cultural Center nearby for the dazzling ocean and gorgeous mountainside views.
Fullon Hotel Hualien
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.3/5
The Fullon Hotel Hualien is located in downtown Hualien near the Hualien Harbor. The magnificent building that houses the hotel is now a landmark of Hualien and one of the most gorgeous spots in Eastern Taiwan. All the spacious rooms at this hotel offer air conditioning and plenty of room for the whole family. Additional guest amenities include the La Fontaine SPA, sea view swimming pool, karaoke, and bar. Rent a bicycle to explore the downtown area or take the kids to the playground.
Parkview Hotel Hualien
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.3/5
Parkview Hotel is located in the heart of Hualien. As the first five-star luxury hotel, it is situated to embrace the dazzling blue sea and dense hill ridges. Each individually furnished room has homey touches, including comfortable bedding and air conditioning. Relax at one of several pools at the hotel, including a children’s pool perfect for splashing with the family. Whether you want to enjoy the enchanting Taroko Gorge, enjoy delicious foods, or collect fantastic souvenirs, Parkview is the ideal base for your Hualien travels.
Before Sunrise B&B
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.9/5
Before Sunrise B&B provides unique beachfront accommodations in Hualien City. The B&B offers free wifi throughout the property, and each room has a balcony with gorgeous mountain views. Enjoy your outdoor terrace, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Each room also has a private bathroom with a shower and comfy slippers to lounge in. Breakfast is offered each morning with warm dishes, fresh pastries, and fresh fruit. The area surrounding Before Sunrise B&B is popular for cycling, and free use of bicycles is available onsite. Popular points of interest around the Before Sunrise B&B include Nanbin Park Beach, Beibin Park Beach, and Pine Garden.
Gaeavilla Resort
Prince: $$ Average Rating: 4/5
The Gaeavilla Resort in Hualien offers a unique and immersive experience you’ll never forget. The resort offers many amenities, from its mind-purifying teahouse to the yoga room and organic spa. Not to mention the health-enhancing food served at the onsite restaurant. Each room is designed with tranquility in mind and features free wifi, a flat-screen tv, and a private terrace or balcony.
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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About Island Life Taiwan
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.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us and let us help you pick the tour or adventure that’s right for you!
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