The Retro Tai-Pan

Choosing accommodation for business trips often comes down to various factors. It could be value for money, the story behind a guesthouse, or perhaps just something I once heard. Sometimes, it's simply about completing a puzzle in my mind. This time, I was drawn by the promise of a rich breakfast the next day. As a solo traveler, I got a double breakfast, and whenever thoughts of dieting crept in, I reminded myself of the golden rule: 'live in the moment.' After all, 'tomorrow will be better,' no matter what. I had a wonderful experience at 'Jia Hotel' before. Besides its history as a traditional garment factory, it maintained its retro terrazzo floors and the original wooden staircase handrails, perfectly satisfying my longing for an old-world charm. The dining tables cleverly incorporated sewing machine designs. As I ate breakfast, my feet rested on the pedal, and with every bite and foot movement, it felt like I was completing a shared ritual where past and present converged. There are many old shops in the vicinity, each brimming with cultural charm. Passing under the arcade, I heard the melody of Japanese songs. Old folks sat on wicker chairs watching the street; they weren't open for business but rather seemed to be guarding their old homes, immersed in the slow passing of time amidst the music. Perhaps, what I've been writing about all along isn't just the journey, but rather those disappearing scenes of life. To preserve them in words, in a way, leaves a bit of warmth along my path.

The breakfast was absolutely delicious, especially the American breakfast platter, which I highly recommend. The indoor facilities were comprehensive, and the lighting created a great ambiance. The hotel's location is perfect, making it super convenient to go out for meals and shopping nearby. I'd definitely come back to stay here again if I have the chance.

The room itself was very comfortable and the location is super convenient, right next to the Haian Road underground parking garage. Parking was 240 NTD per day. The overall space is quite large, but the bathroom did have some rust.

The value for money is okay, but there's no laundry service. Interestingly, the hostel next door has it, and we had to fit our schedule around theirs just to do laundry. They're paying just over a hundred dollars a night, while I'm paying over seven hundred, which feels a bit like the guest has become the host.

The tatami room was very spacious with excellent natural light. The bathroom was also large, and the air conditioning was stable. Plus, the breakfast was delicious! Even though there's so much to eat in Tainan, I still highly recommend trying the breakfast here. 👍🏼

The environment, spaciousness, and breakfast were all excellent. The only downsides were the poor soundproofing and the chemical smell of the towels. Unfortunately, I was woken up in the middle of the night by loud fun and screaming from the next room, which was a disaster. Luckily, there was staff at the front desk who could intervene, and I was finally able to get some peaceful sleep!

The breakfast was delicious. It's a bit far from the train station, so you'll need to take a taxi. However, there are some tourist attractions nearby. It would be even better if they offered laundry service or facilities!