7th Street 160 Hualien: The Hidden Gem You NEED to See in Taiwan!
7th Street 160 Hualien: Taiwan's Hidden Oasis – Or Is It? A Deep Dive (Because Why Not?)
Okay, listen up, fellow travelers! I’ve just gotten back from a trip to Hualien, Taiwan, and I'm here to spill the tea on 7th Street 160 Hualien. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the REAL DEAL. Buckle up, because this is going to be a messy, opinionated, and hopefully, helpful review. And yeah, I'm throwing in some blatant SEO keywords because, well, gotta eat! 😉
The Basics: Accessibility, Cleanliness & Safety, and Stuff You Actually NEED to Know
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I didn't personally require wheelchair access, but I did take a good look. The website claims to offer facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. It’s tough to say definitively without a firsthand experience but I'd advise contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs are met. They seem committed to safety; with CCTV in common areas and outside the property, 24-hour security, a first aid kit, and a doctor/nurse on call. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are, thankfully, present.
Now, let's talk Cleanliness and Safety – the post-pandemic priority. Let me tell you, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (okay, maybe a LOT). 7th Street 160 actually did a decent job in this regard. Their commitment felt sincere, not just a marketing gimmick. There was anti-viral cleaning products being used, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed to be really pushing physical distancing (which, let's be honest, is a bonus in any crowded place). I especially liked that they provided individually-wrapped food options. They even have rooms sanitized between stays! Okay, maybe I felt slightly more relaxed than usual in this regard. The Staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring, but I still brought my own sanitizing wipes!
Internet (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Okay, internet. In this day and age, it’s practically a basic human right, right? And 7th Street 160 Hualien delivers. They advertise free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, so you can stream your favorite shows or stay connected with family. They also have internet access – LAN if you need a hardwired connection (which, honestly, is pretty handy for work). They provide Wi-Fi in public areas also. I'll be honest, I did a bit of work while I was there. The Wi-Fi was generally good enough, but there were a few moments where it dropped out, which became quite frustrating when I was trying to send an important email. Still, I'd call it a win.
Rooms: Home Away From Home (Unless Your Home Has a Private Pool…then, Nevermind)
The rooms? They're lovely. Truly. They’ve got the essentials. You'll find air conditioning (thank goodness!), a coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, and all the usual suspects: hair dryer, in-room safe box, mini bar, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, slippers, toiletries, etc. I particularly appreciated the blackout curtains because late nights! Most rooms seem to have views, and I was lucky myself – I spent hours just gazing out the window at the mountain view!
I should also mention the extra long bed. I'm not exactly a giant, but even I appreciated the extra space. They also have non-smoking rooms (thank you, thank you!). And, for the workaholics out there, there's a desk and laptop workspace. Oh, and the wake-up service – which I admittedly only used once… because I was still in a food coma from breakfast!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Personal Heaven (and Hell, at Times)
This is where things get interesting. 7th Street 160 boasts a restaurant and a coffee shop, plus a poolside bar. I started with breakfast. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a breakfast buffet. The buffet was pretty good, with a varied selection to keep me going!
The a la carte menu was an adventure. I’m a sucker for Asian cuisine, but I also enjoy a good burger. The restaurant offers both Asian and International cuisines. The soup in the restaurant was divine on a rainy day, but the burger? Well, let's just say it wasn't the highlight of my trip. They also offer desserts in the restaurant, which were fantastic. Oh, and happy hour! Yes, they have it. Need I say more?
Rambling Thoughts About The Sauna… My Perfect Imperfection
Okay, this needs its own section. The Spa/sauna . . . I had a moment.
The sauna. I decided to indulge. Stepping into that sauna was like entering another dimension. Initially, the heat wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. Slowly, sweat began to bead on my forehead. It was, in a word, bliss. I drifted in and out of consciousness, feeling all my tension melt away.
But here’s the hilarious part and the raw, real review: There's a rule about no clothes in the sauna, which I understood, but was not prepared for. Being surrounded by other steam-addicted people in the buff was . . . an experience. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. Let's just say I spent a lot of time pretending to contemplate the ceiling! . The point is, the sauna experience was unforgettable, even if a little awkwardly hilarious.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (and Why the Pool with a View Is Almost Perfect)
Okay, so you’re not just going to sit in your room all day, right? The hotel offers a swimming pool (an outdoor one, mind you) with a view. The view. The view. It's practically paradise. The view made the slightly-too-loud splashing of kids tolerable. Did the slight chlorine taste when I accidentally drank water in it bother me? Maybe just a little. The other ways to relax are a fitness center, a gym/fitness and a spa with massage.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Alright, here's where 7th Street 160 really shines with its services and convenience. They've got a concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, a convenience store, and on-site event hosting (though, I didn't participate in this experience). Plus, they offer contactless check-in/out – which is brilliant.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because No Place Is Perfect)
Now, it’s time for the juicy bits. No place is perfect, and 7th Street 160 has its quirks. The elevator was a little slow at peak times. The pool area can get crowded (though the view made it worth it). Also, the location is slightly outside the main downtown area, which means you probably do need to rely on a taxi but, this gave it a quiet, almost rural vibe!
Getting Around (And Why You Might Need a Taxi)
While the property has car park [free of charge], and the taxi service is readily available, you may need to rely on them when you want to see the sights of Hualien. Make sure to clarify the cost of things if you're not used to the taxi costs.
For The Kids and For a Romantic Trip
For a family, it offers babysitting service, family/child-friendly options, and kids facilities and kids meal. The couple's room and the proposal spot is perfect if you're planning a romantic getaway!
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor hiccups, 7th Street 160 Hualien is a gem. It's clean, has a good atmosphere, offers some great amenities, and feels genuinely committed to providing a good experience. The beautiful views, a great location, and the comfortable rooms make it a winner.
Here's My Offer: The "Escape to Paradise" Package
Book your stay at 7th Street 160 Hualien and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar! (Because you deserve it!)
- 15% discount on all spa treatments! (Pamper yourself!)
- Free breakfast for two! (Fuel up for adventures!)
- Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability), because who wants to be rushed?
- A hand-picked guide with the best local spots in the area (Trust me. You'll thank me later.)
This offer is exclusive to my readers and available for a limited time!
**Click here to book your stay and experience the magic of 7th Street 160 H
Luxury Getaway: Marriott West Conshohocken - Unforgettable Philly Experience
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the real deal, a messy, chaotic, slightly hysterical account of my planned rampage through 7th Street, 160 Hualien, Taiwan. Prepare for the unexpected – because let’s be honest, that’s half the fun.
The Hualien Hustle: A Highly Subjective Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (and the Night Market, obviously)
- 14:00 – Landfall! Okay, so the flight was a blur of crying babies and stale peanuts. Made it! Officially in Hualien. Deep breaths. First impressions? Hot, humid, and the air smells faintly of dumplings. Good start.
- 14:30 – The Great Taxi Negotiation. Found a taxi. It was a battle of wills, a dance of hand gestures and broken Mandarin. Finally agreed on a price that might have been slightly inflated. But hey, I’m alive and the driver seems jolly enough. Score!
- 15:15 – Hotel Check-In…and Mild Panic. My hotel, "The Sea Breeze Bungalows" (or something equally cliché), is…charming. In a "hasn't-been-updated-since-the-80s" kind of way. The aircon seems to be contemplating rebellion. I’m already regretting not booking a room with a balcony.
- 16:00 – Map-Reading Meltdown (or, "Where the Heck Am I?") Armed with a map that looks like it was drawn by a particularly enthusiastic toddler, I venture out. Immediately get lost. Wander aimlessly. Spot a stray cat that looks suspiciously like my Aunt Mildred. Decide to name it Mildred Jr.
- 18:00 – Night Market Nirvana (Finally!) The Hualien Night Market. Oh. My. God. The aromas! The vibrancy! The sheer, glorious chaos! This is it. This is the reason I came. First stop: Stinky Tofu. Okay, the name is a little…off-putting. But the taste? Holy. Mother. Of. Deliciousness. I ate, I conquered, I may have offended a few tastebuds around me. Worth it.
- 21:00 – Regret (and More Night Market) I'm stuffed. Absolutely, utterly, gloriously stuffed. I probably shouldn't have eaten seven dumplings. Or three skewers of grilled squid that were so good they made me weep a little. But, as the locals would suggest, there is always room for more. I went back for the bubble tea and then just sat there, watching the crowds, feeling a profound sense of joy.
Day 2: Taroko Gorge & The Great Cliffside Existential Crisis
- 08:00 – The Wake-Up Call That Never Happens. Alarm. Snooze. Alarm. Repeat. Finally, I drag myself out of bed, feeling only slightly less hungover than I should. Taroko Gorge awaits!
- 09:00 – Bus Adventure. The public transport system is a beast of its own. But, with the help of some charming locals, a confusing bus route, and a generous helping of luck, I am on my way.
- 10:00 – Taroko Gorge – The Jaw-Dropping Begins. Words cannot adequately describe the majesty of Taroko Gorge. The marble cliffs! The rushing river! The absolute insignificance of my own existence! It’s breathtaking, humbling, and a little bit terrifying. I walked along the Shakadang Trail, and I fell IN LOVE. I walked on the bridge and took picture after picture, even tho they wouldn't do it justice.
- 13:00 – Lunch (and the Realization That I'm Bad at This). I ate a sad sandwich from a 7-Eleven and realized I'm not exactly a hardcore hiker.
- 14:00 – Eternal Rock: I can't express how much I love the Eternal Spring Shrine, watching the water pouring down, taking it all in.
- 16:00 – Back to Base: My Hotel (and Mildred Jr. Has My Heart) The ride back was quiet, and I felt tired but happy. When I got back to the hotel, Mildred Jr. was sitting on my window and I almost cried.
- 19:00 – Dinner, The Second Night Market Round: There's more to Hualien night market than I first saw. This time I focused on the smaller vendors and I wanted to try everything. I got a huge bowl of soup, and it was the best thing I've tasted in a long time.
Day 3: The Coastal Capers & Farewell Feast
- 09:00 – Breakfast Bliss and the Sea of Regret (I didn't get sea food) It's my last morning. I want to go to the ocean but the hotel doesn't have a view. I will hit the sea food on the market because it will be my time to leave.
- 12:00 – Farewell Feast. One final night market run, this time with a mission: eat everything I haven’t already devoured.
- 14:00 – Sayonara, Hualien! Time to go. I'm leaving with a full stomach, a slightly lighter wallet, and a heart full of memories. See ya, Taiwan! Farewell, Mildred Jr.!
And the Truth?
This itinerary? It’s just a guideline. I'm sure I'll get lost, get overwhelmed, and make plenty of questionable food choices. But that's the point. Adventure isn't about sticking to a rigid schedule; it's about embracing the chaos and discovering the unexpected. So, here’s to the impromptu detours, the accidental culinary masterpieces, and the sheer, unadulterated messiness of it all. This will be a trip to remember, and I’ll tell you all about it when I get back (if I ever do)! Now, wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. And maybe, just maybe, pack me an extra dumpling.
Guilin's Hidden Gem: Ji Hotel's Stunning Two Rivers & Four Lakes View!
Seriously, what IS 7th Street 160 Hualien? I'm picturing a postal code.
Okay, so it's NOT a postal code - thank goodness, because that would be boring. Think of it as a *vibe*. It's a specific street number in Hualien, Taiwan. And it's famous (at least in my world) for being a haven of art, quirky shops, and cafes that smell like pure happiness and the distant, delicious promise of coffee.
Why should I even bother going? There are a million places to visit in Taiwan!
Alright, listen. You *should* go because it's… well, it’s like stepping into a postcard! Okay, maybe a slightly *stained* postcard, because things *happen* there sometimes, but the point is, it's authentic. No chain stores, no homogenized tourist traps. Just… life. And art. And the distinct feeling of being somewhere *real*. Trust me, after battling the hordes at a few other places I visited, 7th Street was like a balm for my travel-weary soul. It was like when you finally take off your shoes after a long flight – pure relief.
What’s the best part about 7th Street 160? The food? The art? The people?
Okay, this is where it gets messy, because the *best* part is… everything, combined with the fact that the entire area feels like a secret, almost. The food? Heavenly. The art? Breathtaking. The people? Honestly, the loveliest folks you'll meet. BUT... If I HAD to pick, it's the *feeling*. I’m a total sucker for that “lost in translation” thing, and walking down that street, I felt like I was in a movie, and I could have walked off the edge of the world and been perfectly content (which is saying a lot for a total control freak like myself). It’s the feeling of being *away* from the daily grind. The feeling of possibility. And honestly, that's pretty darn powerful.
Give me some specifics. What can I *do* there?
Alright, action items! First, eat. *Everything*. Seriously, demolish all the food. Second, be prepared to spend hours wandering in and out of little shops, each filled with unique crafts and artworks. There's this one tiny gallery (I can’t even remember the name, and I’m still kicking myself for not writing it down!) with these handmade ceramic mugs… and I tell you, I could have spent my entire savings in there. Third, just… *be*. Grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and watch the world go by. Observe the people, the light, the way the shop owners just *are* in their space. The quiet rhythm of 7th Street is so much more than a place, at the end of the day.
Okay, food. What kind of food are we talking about? Give me the goods!
Oh, the food! Okay, I'm already salivating and I was just there a month ago. This one little open air restaurant tucked away at the back of street had the most amazing Xiao Long Bao I've *ever* had. And I lived in China for a year, so I'm somewhat of an expert, okay?! They also had some noodles that I can't even describe, I'm getting weak. It was some kind of mystery meat, but the way the chef folded it and flavored the dish… magical. And one thing is for sure: it was nothing like the chain restaurants back home. And the prices? Laughably low. Seriously, I ate like a queen for like, ten bucks a day. I’m still dreaming about the food. I swear, even the street food vendors had some sort of culinary artistry.
Is it crowded? I hate crowds.
Honestly? It depends. I went during the off season and it was blissfully uncrowded. You could actually breathe. But I heard whispers that it gets a little tourist-y in the peak season. So, if you're a crowd-avoider like me, research beforehand. The best experience is when the crowds are minimal, and you have the street all to yourself.
How do I get there? And is it easy to get around once I’m there? I'm not exactly a seasoned traveler.
Getting to Hualien is easy enough - I took train from Taipei. It's a gorgeous train ride, actually! After arriving in Hualien, I hopped in a cab. Walking once there is the best way to experience it. That said, if you're not keen on walking, you can find taxis. It is a small area, after all. Honestly, it's perfectly doable even if you're a nervous Nellie like I am. Just embrace the adventure and don't be afraid to get a little lost.
Any specific shops or cafes you'd recommend?
Ugh, I wish I could remember the names of everything! This is where I fail as a blogger, sorry! But you should keep your eyes peeled for the place with the ceramic mugs. Seriously, I’m still kicking myself for not buying the entire shop. And almost every cafe is good. I suggest you just pop into whichever takes your fancy.
What about the accommodation? Is it expensive?
Honestly, Taiwan is pretty affordable in general. Hualien is no exception. I stayed in a sweet little guesthouse that was run by a really friendly couple (I think I can find the name in my photos, I promise). It was clean, comfortable, and CHEAP. Way cheaper than anything I'm able to afford back home. You can find everything from hostels for backpackers to slightly more upscale boutique hotels. It's a buyer's market. Get on Booking.com or Agoda and start looking!
Anything to avoid? Any downsides?
Well… if I'm being brutally honest... I wish I was better at Mandarin. I got by, but I could have had a far richer experience if I knew more. And, as I mentioned earlier, the weather can be unpredictable (I got caught in a torrential downpour, but it's part of the adventure, right?). And,Nomad Hotel Search
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