【虹夕諾雅 谷關】HOSHINOYA Guguan luxury stay in Taichung
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Welcome to HOSHINOYA in Guguan, a mountainous neighborhood located in Taichung. It's a relaxing hotel in Taiwan's renowned hot spring destination. HOSHINOYA stands out with its magnificent hotel design featuring spacious maisonette rooms and a spacious garden.
My best friend Sunny and I decided to treat ourselves to an unforgettable night at HOSHINOYA Guguan. Even though our stay was short (literally one night), it was extremely relaxing.
Throughout my trip, I've gathered some valuable tips to make sure you make the most of your time, learning from the lessons we've picked up along the way when we were staying at HOSHINOYA.
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about HOSHINOYA
Originally known as Hoshino Hot Spring Inn, HOSHINOYA roots traces back to 1914 when it was founded and operated by Kuniji Hoshino. It all began in the enchanting destination of Karuizawa, where the discovery of natural spring water ignited a hot springs revolution.
What sets HOSHINOYA in Guguan apart is its natural spring water that flows directly from the earth. Notably, they neither cease the flow nor recycle the spring water, ensuring a constant, pure stream. Not only that, but the spring water at HOSHINOYA Guguan are filled with soft, low-alkaline, hydrogen carbonate offering a plethora of skincare benefits.
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getting there
The most convenient and efficient way to reach this tranquil retreat is by car.
For those arriving at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), HOSHINOYA offers a hassle-free airport chauffuer service. Simply make a request online three days before your arrival to schedule a pick-up, so you can have a seamless transition from the airport to your mountain retreat!
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unique rooms
HOSHINOYA Guguan gives you a choice of four distinctive room layouts, each exuding a blend of luxury and comfort. While all rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, an electric kettle for enjoying the provided tea, and a minibar stocked with complimentary beverages, I’ll briefly explain each rooms, and focus on our enchanting room we stayed at, Shui.
Shui
Our chosen sanctuary, Shui is tailored for 1-2 guests, featuring a generously-sized double bed.
The amenities, which includes free Wi-Fi, a cozy Japanese pajama set, wooden slippers for casual strolls in and out of your room, and a well-appointed outdoor bath upstairs, transforming your stay into a serene retreat.
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dining experience
Since HOSHINOYA is located in the mountains, Sunny and I discovered that there was a lack of nearby dining spots, which led us to embrace HOSHINOYA's thoughtfully curated dining package, adding a touch of luxury to our stay.
This dining package is reserved online when you’re booking your stay. The dining package includes Dinner + Bed & Breakfast.
Once you’ve arrived to HOSHINOYA, the staff who will guide you to your room will ask what time you would like to dine at the Dining Hall. You can figure out what time works best and call them at the front desk to reserve your spot.
Don't Forget: When securing the dining package, make sure you communicate any dietary preferences in advance.
Taiwanese kaiseki dinner
The Taiwanese kaiseki dinner, a fusion of Taiwanese flavors presented in the traditional Japanese kaiseki style. The carefully crafted dishes showcase the richness of Taiwanese cuisine, promising an amazing feast for the senses.
Dinner dining times are between 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
PRO TIP: If you crave a drink like wine, remember that the cost will be conveniently added to your room tab.
Breakfast
With three options ranging from Taiwanese and Japanese to American breakfast styles for you to choose, we decided to indulge in the unique Japanese breakfast.
The fresh and filling breakfast offerings, coupled with the serene ambiance of the Dining Hall, made a delightful start to the day.
Breakfast is served between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM. You can make advanced reservations for a personalized and enjoyable experience.
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HOSHINOYA Guguan activities
The hotel offers a plethora of activities, both within its serene walls and outside the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
— Stay Inside —
Public bath
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the public bath hall, divided into separate sections for men and women.
Once you’re inside, there’s indoor and outdoor baths for you to choose from providing a rejuvenating experience.
You can enjoy the natural spring water without your swimwear here — but don't forget to rinse and wash before soaking in!
Outdoor pool
For a refreshing dip surrounded by nature's beauty, HOSHINOYA has a stunning outdoor pool — which requires swimwear.
— Head Outside —
Outdoor activities
HOSHINOYA offers a range of activities, some are free of charge and some are reservation-based. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, explore the options that align with your interests.
HOSHINOYA Activities: Browse through Hoshinoya’s activities and plan your itinerary
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what’s nearby
If you're looking to extend your adventure beyond the hotel, here are some nearby attractions and activities to consider:
GUGUAN TEMPLE
Whether you seek spiritual solace or are intrigued by the architecture, this temple provides a glimpse into the community's heritage
GUGUAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE
For a thrilling experience and panoramic views of the landscape, take a stroll on the Guguan Suspension Bridge
SHAOLAI TRAIL
BASIANSHAN NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA
SONGHE TRIBE
← this photo was taken at the Guguan Suspension Bridge!
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final thoughts
I really enjoyed our stay there at HOSHINOYA. My only biggest regret was not being able to get there earlier because of traffic! So, make sure to plan out your trip going to HOSHINOYA Guguan EARLY!
In retrospect, I recommend a minimum stay of 1 to 2 days to fully enjoy the HOSHINOYA experience along with their accommodations, activities, spa treatments, and the outdoor pool.
The food was also a great bonus. I loved that they combined the Dinner and Bed and Breakfast so you don’t have to worry about finding food or bringing your own food to the stay. But! The food is also not cheap as well! The rooms pricing was decent, but when you added on the Dinner + Bed&Breakfast, a huge portion of the bill goes into the food.
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Know Before You Go!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best visiting months are from October to April, offering pleasant weather. Even though October can be warm, the mountain nights in Guguan can get chilly — a perfect match for a soothing bath!
CHECK-IN + CHECK-OUT
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM
Dietary Request: Inform HOSHINOYA in advance for any dietary preferences or restrictions
Parking: A convenient parking lot is available below the stay. Self-park and ascend to the hotel lobby hassle-free
Payment: Mastercard, VISA, JCB
Perfect For: Ideal for a getaway, a self-care retreat, or simply seeking refreshing clarity
Pet Policy: Unfortunately, no furry friends allowed at HOSHINOYA
Pricing: $$$$, but consider booking early for potential discounts
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check out my Taichung vlog!
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11032023 17:33
Last Updated: 09.10.2024
Imagine escaping the crowds and relaxing in a charmingly vintage cafe filled with mouthwatering desserts and exquisite coffee. ☕️