MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Hualien

Where to Stay in Hualien

Hualien East Coast, Taiwan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Hualien has a full spectrum of lodging options, catering to every budget and travel style.

Hostels

  • Budget-friendly options

    Often located near Hualien Train Station, offering dormitory beds and sometimes private rooms.

  • Social Atmosphere

    Ideal for solo travelers or those seeking social interaction, presenting common areas for meeting other visitors.

  • Affordable Pricing

    Provides basic amenities at lower costs.

  • Connectivity

    Many offer complimentary Wi-Fi.

Minshuku B&Bs/Guesthouses

  • Personalized Experience

    Family-run establishments to stylish boutique properties, often with homemade breakfast.

  • Local Cuisine

    Many include a homemade breakfast, demonstrating local flavors.

  • Unique Designs

    Often feature unique designs or themes, reflecting the owner's passion.

  • Warm Hospitality

    Owners often share local insights and stories.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

Explore distinct accommodation experiences beyond standard hotels.

Farm Stays

Pros
  • Deep cultural insight
  • Traditional meals
  • Storytelling
  • Immersive rural experience
Cons
  • Limited public transport
  • Requires planning
  • Fewer dining choices
  • Can be basic facilities

Vacation Rentals

Pros
  • More space
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Privacy
  • Cost-effective for groups
Cons
  • No daily service
  • Less local interaction
  • Booking can be complex
  • Limited on-site assistance

Homestays

Pros
  • Authentic local experience
  • Direct cultural interaction
  • Homemade food
  • Support local communities
Cons
  • Less privacy
  • Language barrier possible
  • Not always luxury
  • Limited amenities

Important Considerations

For booking unique stays

Confirm availability and specific amenities, especially for smaller, independent properties.

Accessibility

Some unique local accommodations may have limited accessibility features.

Neighborhood Guide

Hualien's areas each possess a distinct character, influencing your travel experience.

Hualien City Center around Hualien Train Station

  • Character: Bustling and convenient. This area serves as the transportation hub for Hualien.
  • Pros: Easy access to trains, buses (including Taroko Gorge shuttle), and scooter rental shops. Numerous dining and shopping options.
  • Cons: Can be noisy due to traffic and activity.
  • Cons: Less scenic compared to coastal or rural areas.

Near Dongdamen Night Market

  • Pros: Walking distance to the famous Dongdamen Night Market, presenting diverse and affordable food choices every evening.
  • Pros: Close proximity to the coast and city parks.
  • Cons: Can be crowded and noisy in the evenings.
  • Cons: Parking proves difficult if you drive.

Qixingtan Scenic Area

Pros
  • Has stunning ocean views and direct proximity to Qixingtan Beach and its popular bikeway.
  • Offers a picturesque coastal setting for cycling.
  • Close to Hualien Airport, beneficial for early departures or late arrivals.
Cons
  • Further from Hualien city center, needing a taxi, scooter, or car for easy access.
  • Limited dining options nearby.
  • Less convenient for Taroko Gorge without private transport.

Practical Advice

Traffic considerations

During peak hours, traffic can be heavy, notably in Hualien City Center. Consider walking or cycling for short distances.

Local transportation

Scooter rental is popular, but confirm you have the proper international driver's permit.

Public transport

Buses cover main routes, but their frequency varies.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel times.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Reservation Systems

International Platforms

Widely used and reliable for finding hotels and B&Bs in Hualien.

Local Platforms

Often offer tour packages that include accommodation, or they may list unique local experiences.

  • Klook
  • KKday
  • Many B&Bs also possess direct booking websites, sometimes presenting slightly better rates.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Vary by Property

Always check the specific deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your booking.

  • Many properties offer free cancellation up to a certain point, furnishing flexibility.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Prices for accommodation rise significantly during peak tourist seasons and especially during Taiwanese public holidays.

  • Booking during shoulder or low season results in considerable savings on lodging.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • Peak Season (March-May, September-November)

    Highly advised for these periods and all Taiwanese national holidays/long weekends.

  • Popular Accommodations Sell Out

    Specific room types can sell out quickly during peak times.

  • Train Tickets

    Express train tickets to Hualien also need booking well in advance.

  • Shoulder/Low Season

    These seasons present more flexibility for last-minute bookings and potentially lower prices.

Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates

  • Fixed Prices

    Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary or expected in Taiwan.

  • Non-negotiable

    Prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable.

  • No Haggling

    Unlike some other regions, haggling over accommodation prices is not a common practice.

  • Transparency

    Published rates reflect the final price.

Accommodation Recommendations

Family-Friendly Options

Lakeshore Hotel Hualien and Park City Hotel Hualien are well-regarded for families, presenting spacious rooms and good facilities.

  • Farglory Hotel Hualien has extensive recreational facilities.
  • Consider vacation rentals for more space and self-catering options.
Solo Traveler & Long-Stay

Hostels like Hualien Wow Hostel offer opportunities to meet other travelers in common areas.

  • Many B&Bs also cater to solo travelers with comfortable single rooms.
  • Vacation rentals often present better value and facilities for extended stays.
  • Some minshuku may present discounted rates for longer bookings.

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

Pine Garden

While a historic site, it does not function as an accommodation. It is a cultural space.

Minshuku

Some offer cultural activities or traditional meals, permitting immersion into the local way of life.

Farm Stays

In the East Rift Valley, offering deep cultural insight.