Thank goodness I only stayed one night, and its with the tour. I would be so upset if I paid full price for this lousy accommodation.
The purpose and probably original intent of this hotel was to replicate an onsen experience like in Japan. From the way it was designed, and my observation of the hotel's infrastructure, this place has seen better days. They got the surrounding environment to support a "hot springs" atmosphere since its built on top of a hill, smell of sulphur, their man made "spa/hot springs", surrounding mountains, and a bit more remote location to simulate a resort.
As this place was to simulate what you may find in Japan, the design was also predominately Japanese inspired that may have attracted lots of Japanese tourists to come visit Taitung and for local Taiwanese to experience without flying to Japan.
It has seen better days because the facilities are dated, dirty, and does not seem to be well maintained anymore. A overall tired look that if only someone would invest more money, should completely rip apart and start all over with a modern look instead of being Japanese inspired.
After climbing a dozen steps up to the main floor front desk area, a sad aboriginal statue greets you and the air conditioning was not even cool. The tired, dated front desk area was staffed with bored clerks. Upon entering our triple room, we see two queen sized beds, and a mattress pad on an elevated floor, similar to a Japanese styled accommodation. The desk on the floor was fine, but the closet on the elevated floor was a bit awkward to access and the balcony was about the same level too. There have a desk fan to use which I had to use later in the night because the air flow and air conditioning was lacking. Entering the bathroom, the floor and Japanese styled bath tub was made of a slate/rough granite material. That is probably why two different sets of slippers were given, one pair to wear around the room, and one to wear in the bathroom only. The cleanliness of the bathroom and the lighting left a lot to be desired. Then while washing my hand, the smell of rotten eggs start filling the room. We found out that its not the drains but the water. Brushing my teeth was not pleasant with this water. The Japanese styled toilet I have no confidence in its operation since its very quiet, low flow, and I even called for maintenance because I do not think it can handle my big waste! They assured me it would be able to but as I am not convinced, I used their lobby general use one. The men's washroom is traditional squat toilets only!!!! The women's at least had two out of four with western styled. They do have hot and cold spring water dispenser nearby for guests which is good. Due to us not driving, its a pretty far walk and dark to try and get to the nearest convenience store down the hill and probably not safe for a tourist like me.
So, your only choice for food is the restaurant in the basement that also serves as the breakfast room too in the morning. The tour provided dinner for us here and it was edible. The breakfast the next day had some variety that is made for locals 98% of the selection. Fine for us. Again, vouchers are collected as well.
During the evening after dinner, we dress in the mandatory swimming attire and mandatory swimming caps (cannot be shower caps). If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed in. The swimming attire and shower caps are of course inflated pricing at the SPA, so make sure you bring your own, or stop by one of the nice vendors on your way here at the bottom of the valley to buy them at very reasonable pricing.
There are many different areas of the spa you can visit. They have cold water, then varying temperature hot tubs, and big sprinkler sections for you to have the water massage you. If you want a snack, buy an egg for $10NT and boil it in their super hot water tank near the admin desk.
I would not stay here again since there will not be enough guests in the area to support it enough for them to renovate drastically. Stay elsewhere.
There are too many things to mention to get it up to today's standards and expectations.
