we stayed at the quality inn largely due to posts here on tripadvisor. we drove from taipei for a two night stay so we could check out hualien and taroko gorge. parking right across the street, the hotel was clean, lovely and in a terrific location in hualien just off the main drag. room rate included wifi and breakfast, we took advantage of both. liked the breakfast very much, if you require a western breakfast this might be a bit of a stretch for you, but there are eggs and you can make toast, plus lots of fun things that we don't normally consider 'breakfast foods' in the west. i especially liked the fried greens and the peanuts and salted fish. hubby loved the congee and tofu.

bathroom was sparkling, had lovely amenities and great water pressure. lobby was quite attractive and clean. we'd booked the two single bed room but upgraded for US$15 a day to a king sized bed and slightly larger room.

we speak very, very basic mandarin, but the staff has some basic english and we were able to communicate effectively enough. if you speak chinese, you're golden. if you don't, it'll be a challenge--but they're all very helpful and eager to please. we asked for a recommendation for the dumpling restaurant (mentioned in another post) and i *think* we found the place...since we don't read chinese, and the map was only in chinese, it was a bit of a stretch...but we ate dumplings and they were delicious. one night we got hopelessly lost and ended up at a korean/japanese place, which was also terrific. we had a ball!

my only problem at this hotel wasn't really the hotel's fault; we had one night's sleep ruined by our upstairs neighbor. the floors are hardwood--gorgeous--and our neighbor came in, loudly, at 2am and proceeded to CLOMP around in her high heels for about 20 minutes before letting the shower run for 45 or so minutes (perhaps she passed out?) woke us both up, but it's part of what i expect in asian hotels, so i didn't bother complaining, either upstairs--language would have surely been an issue--or with the hotel--not really their fault.

the hotel is about half an hour's drive from the entrance to taroko gorge, and i'd stay there again in a heartbeat. ask for a high floor!

We loved this hotel. The staff at the reception are incredibly helpful. The hotel is in the heart of things. The rooms are spacious and clean. The breakfast is good if you get there early. There's free internet too.

The reception organized the Taroko Gorge tour which was excellent. I would recommend a half day tour. They also helped us book the golf course, which is quite good, and welcoming of beginnners.

Definitely recommend two restaurants. Ask them about the famous Wonton Soup restaurant and the Dumpling place (Gongsen Baozi). Both are AMAZING!!! Cant recommend them highly enough.

MY TRAVEL STYLE: If possible, I try to stay away from business and strongly prefer resorts that resemble the Four Seasons, Aman, and Oberoi but try to find similar properties at lower cost. I seek out the “wow” experiences and I encourage you to view hotels I have stayed at and their respective reviews (by clicking on my name).

LOCATION: Excellent for Hualien. Next to a great pedestrian area with shops, restaurants (Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza hut if you desire western food). About 40 minutes from the start of Taroko Gorge. If you want to see the Gorge, it’s best to stay in the National Park for better scenery and a more memorable experience (except there is no good food there).

BEST WAY TO GET THERE: 20 minutes to the airport by car. Best to have your own car here if you are planning to go to Taroko.

TYPE OF ROOM: Standard room

BED/SHEETS/PILLOW: Bed is soft and linens are of excellent quality with very good down pillows.

LIGHTING: Lighting is good in the bedroom and excellent in the bathroom. Lighting above the desk is more of a spot light and could be bothersome during longtime computer use.

BATHROOM/SHOWER: Beautiful bathroom with high quality wood floors and mosaic style tiles in shower. Water pressure is medium and the water temperature can be made consistently hot if desired.

TOILETRIES: Good quality.

CLEANLINESS: Hotel is 2 years old and the common areas, bedroom, and bathroom are exceptionally clean.

A/C: Quickly and quietly gets the room cool. All buttons are in Chinese so may be best to get an explanation of how it works before going to bed.

CLOSET SPACE: On the small side an probably good enough for 1 person to unpack all items.

STYLE OF ROOM: Real wood floors and beautiful stone make an impeccable combination. Room is visually stunning with huge floor to ceiling windows. Fresh flowers in the room area nice touch.

QUIET/MORNING LIGHT: Room is very quiet with the occasional neighbor slamming the door. Nearly all morning light can be blocked using the curtains.

FOOD: I think only breakfast is served at this hotel. There is an ok selection of Asian foods. For western food, you are stuck with toast, jam, kiwi, and oranges. Probably one of the worst Western food selection I have seen in a hotel in my last 11 months of travel and nearly 120 hotels.

TV/INTERNET: Flatscreen TV could be the next size bigger given the distance from the bed but is acceptable. About 10 English stations with several movie channels. Internet is wired and wireless and is no charge and very fast.

SERVICE: Staff speak enough travel English to be of help and are very friendly.

COMMON AREA: Beautiful, stylish, and contemporary. Nice lobby that provides a decent area for having a coffee or snack.

SUMMARY, ROOM, & CITY TIPS: We enjoyed dinner at Korea Restaurant which is an all you can eat Hot Pot restaurant. Higher floors have should have better views. If you have a car and pack out front you will get a ticket that is not a violation but a ticket to pay for the parking. The hotel will pick up the tab. We paid about US$65/night for this hotel which if it was in Manhattan would easily cost $500/night. This has got to the best hotel in all of Hualien. We looked at many hotels and I would be shocked if there is a better hotel than this one. We also stayed at the Promised Land, Azure, and saw the lobby at the C’est Jeune. Promised Land is the best bet if you want a resort experience with a pool but is 3 times the price. If you are looking for a hotel that is closer to Taroko and don’t care about gardens and pools, this is your best choice.