Taiwan YH Super Star in Taichong – Beacon International YHA

Walking into the beacon hotel entrance on the 1st floor seems like walking into just any other hotel in the world, however as soon as you reach the 11th floor and walk into the reception are you immediately realize that this isn’t just an ordinary hotel. The whole hotel has been completely refurbished and the reception area features a stunning light centerpiece that momentarily makes you forget about any feelings of weariness after of a long journey, and a lounge area with a selection of modern furniture carefully selected to invite you in to sit and relax.

Beacon Hotel has recently been refurbished and looked more like a luxury hotel as opposed to the usual hostel accommodation one might expect. In fact, Taiwan’s network of YHA hostels are not the usual thing you might expect anyway. The majority of YHA accommodation in Taiwan are all hotels, penions or guest houses that have lowered their prices and dedicated floors or sections for budget travelers, so everywhere you stay will be a pleasant surprise.

The hostel is managed by a young couple who have studied hospitality abroad and believe in the YHA philosophy so strongly that they have dedicated part of their luxury establishment to hostel style accommodation. The location was superb as it was right in the action of the fabulous University Night markets – anything and everything you could want is in these markets! To me it felt even bigger than the famous Shiling Markets in Taipei – and more spacious.

At the time we went, the new hostel section is still a work in progress and the rooms are expected to be completed in March. However, we were very fortunate to get a sneak peak into the new area. There are single sex dorms and mixed dorms and each bathroom sink has it’s own hairdryer which is a bit of a luxury add on. Also being high up, the view from this floor overlooks the city and there is also a large balcony area to relax and meet other guests.

Unfortunately, there is no kitchen – which is technically a YHA requirement, but I think in Taiwan this is actually not a problem. In my month of living in Taiwan, I found that you can get a full belly from about NT70 (about US$ 1 )or sometimes even less depending on what you order – food here is so cheap and good that it’s cheaper to eat out than try and cook anything yourself. In fact - most Taiwanese people eat out themselves anyway. There is also a brand new breakfast eating area that has windows from the floor to the ceiling which overlooks the city, this will also have a lounge area for people to mingle and watch TV if they wish.

If their hotel rooms are anything to go by, their backpacker rooms are going to be incredible too. So make sure you book a bed there if you’re staying in Taichong.

Taiwan Youth Hostel Association
Room3037,3F.,No.3,Beiping W. Rd.,
Jhongjheng District,
Taipei City 100, Taiwan
TEL: +886-2-2331-1102 / 2331-2655
FAX: +886-2-2331-1393
E-mail: ctyha@yh.org.tw
www.yh.org.tw