MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Alishan

Where to Stay in Alishan

Alishan Taiwan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Budget:

    Limited options within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. More choices for hostels and guesthouses exist in Chiayi City or Fenchihu.

  • Mid-Range:

    Several hotels and guesthouses operate within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. These are often basic but functional. Comfortable B&Bs are available in nearby Fenchihu.

  • Luxury:

    Few luxury options are within the immediate Alishan recreation area. Higher-end hotels typically integrate with natural surroundings.

  • Minshu (民宿):

    Taiwanese-style guesthouses or B&Bs, often family-run, providing a individual and local experience. Common in Fenchihu and surrounding areas.

Specialized Lodging

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Less common in Alishan itself. You are more likely to find vacation rentals or apartment options through platforms like Vrbo or Airbnb in Chiayi City.

  • Chances For homestays:

    Some Minshu in surrounding villages might offer a homestay feel, providing a closer connection with local life.

  • Camping:

    Official camping facilities are limited within or immediately adjacent to the main Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

  • Private Campgrounds:

    Certain private campgrounds exist in the broader Chiayi mountain region, but not directly within the main tourist hub of Alishan.

Neighborhood Guide

The location of your accommodation significantly shapes your Alishan experience.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Pros:
  • Walking distance to attractions like Alishan Station, main trails, and shuttle bus stops.
  • Early access to sunrise trains without a long commute.
Cons:
  • Limited hotels, often booked far in advance. Prices are generally higher.
  • Facilities can be more rudimentary than city hotels.
  • Food options are mostly hotel restaurants or small, casual eateries.

Fenchihu Fenqihu

Pros:
  • Charming atmosphere with a nostalgic feel.
  • More diverse local food options.
  • More straightforward to find Minshu-style accommodation.
  • Convenient if you plan to take a segment of the Alishan Forest Railway.
Cons:
  • Requires an additional bus transfer to reach the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.
  • Attending sunrise at Zhushan challenging unless you arrange an early private transfer.

Chiayi City

Pros:
  • Widest range of accommodation, from hostels to luxury hotels.
  • Extensive dining and shopping choices.
  • Good access to High-Speed Rail (HSR) and conventional train (TRA).
Cons:
  • Requires a 2-2.5 hour bus ride to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.
  • Catching the Alishan sunrise is very challenging unless you stay overnight within the park.

Additional Neighborhood Insights

Safety & Proximity:

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is very safe and excellent for getting to core attractions. Fenchihu and Chiayi City are also very safe.

Noise & Vibe:

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is generally quiet, with natural sounds. Fenchihu is lively during the day but quiet in the evenings. Chiayi City is a typical bustling urban environment.

Booking Strategies

Planning your accommodation early can secure your preferred stay, especially during popular times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • Peak Season (Cherry Blossom, Autumn Weekends, Holidays): Book 3-6 months in advance for accommodation inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Fenchihu also requires significant advance booking.
  • Shoulder Season: Book 1-2 months in advance, especially for weekend stays, to have availability and good choices.
  • Low Season: Booking 2-4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient. You might find better deals closer to your travel date in this timeframe.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com and Agoda are widely used and reliable for finding accommodations in Alishan, Fenchihu, and Chiayi.
  • Local Platforms: Consider checking local hotel websites directly, as they sometimes offer specific deals not found elsewhere.
  • Negotiation: Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for established hotels. Minshu might offer slight flexibility during very low season or for longer stays.

Booking Details

Deposit & Cancellation:
  • Policies vary by property and booking platform. Always review specific deposit requirements.
  • Many properties, especially during peak season, ask for a deposit or full payment in advance.
  • Understand the cancellation deadline to avoid penalties.
Seasonal Pricing:
  • Accommodation prices are significantly higher during the cherry blossom season (mid-March to mid-April).
  • Prices are also higher during long weekends or public holidays.
  • Lowest prices occur in summer (due to potential rain and typhoons) and certain periods in winter.

Important Consideration

Affiliate Bookings:

By using recommended booking platforms like Booking.com and Agoda, you support this guide at no extra cost to you.

House Sitting:

For unique long-term stays, explore platforms like TrustedHousesitters for potential house or pet-sitting exchanges.

Branded Hotels:

International hotel chains like IHG Hotels may have real estate in nearby cities like Chiayi.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some general accommodation recommendations catering to different what you need for your trip and budgets.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Chiayi City/Fenchihu

In Chiayi City, hostels like Light Hostel Chiayi offer clean, affordable dormitory options.

  • In Fenchihu, various Minshu or basic guesthouses like Fenchihu Hotel provide budget-friendly stays with local charm.
Mid-Range Alishan Park

Within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, consider Alishan Gou Hotel or Mei Lu Hotel.

  • These hotels are ideally located for park attractions and sunrise trains, offering comfortable but generally simple rooms.

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Alishan Park

The "Historical Building" wing of Alishan House offers a more upscale experience with renovated rooms and a sense of history.

  • Its modern building also features comfortable mid-range to upper-mid-range rooms.
Historical Significance

Alishan House has cultural and the role it played in history, dating back to the Japanese colonial era.

  • Fenchihu Hotel, though simple, is historically distinguished, located right next to the railway station, immersing you into the town's heritage.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Quad Rooms:

    Hotels located inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area often have quad rooms or family suites suitable for families.

  • Spacious Options in Chiayi:

    If you plan day trips to Alishan and prefer more spacious accommodation, Chiayi City offers a greater variety of hotels and apartment-style options.

Solo & Long-Stay Travelers

  • Solo Travelers:

    Hostels in Chiayi City are excellent for solo travelers, providing opportunities to meet other visitors. Solo rooms are available in hotels within Alishan.

  • Long-Stay:

    Long-stay places to stay are not typical for Alishan itself, as it is mainly a destination for short visits.

  • Chiayi as a Base:

    For longer stays, Chiayi City offers more amenities, diverse dining, and varied living arrangements, making it a better base for exploring the region.

Additional Accommodation Information

Hostelworld

For budget-conscious travelers seeking dormitory-style lodging, Hostelworld is a specialist platform to consider, especially in Chiayi.

  • Find affordable options.
  • Meet other travelers.
  • Good for solo adventurers.
Booking.com & Agoda for Variety

These major platforms offer the broadest selection of hotels and guesthouses throughout all price ranges in Alishan and its surrounding areas.

  • Wide selection of properties.
  • User reviews and ratings.
  • Secure booking process.

Booking Your Alishan Stay

Consider Your Goals

Staying within Alishan Park for sunrise access, or Fenchihu for historical charm, or Chiayi City for urban amenities and convenience.

Plan Ahead

Especially for peak season or popular hotels, booking several months it's wise to book in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.

Read Reviews

Check recent guest reviews on booking platforms to align expectations with the reality of mountain accommodation.

Where to Stay in Alishan. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation