Lucy Casley checks into Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Taroko National Park, Taiwan.
Getting there:
A nearly six-hour bus ride from Sun Moon Lake to the opposite side of the Taroko Gorge, with astonishing views along the way, gets you to Silks Place Taroko Hotel.
This is the only five-star hotel in Taroko National Park.
Check-in experience: It took a little longer than expected to get the room keys, but we were welcomed warmly and given an iced tea.
Room: Two single beds with lots of space in the room. There was a large desk with a chair, a TV, sofa and — because I was on ground level — a small courtyard.
Bathroom: The toilet, like most high-end hotels I visited in Taiwan, had a controller to adjust the heating of the toilet seat, among other functions. The shower had amazing pressure and there was a separate big bathtub.
Toiletries: There were plenty of bath towels and hand towels. The collection of toiletries included a dental kit, and there was a luxe robe and slippers.
Facilities: Two pools — one indoor and one on the rooftop where there are multiple spa pools at different temperatures, and a sauna. There are two restaurants, an occasion room, a retreat lounge, a shop with food, drinks and gifts, indoor and outdoor activities for adults and children, a gym, tennis court, yoga room. There are also evening performances and movie nights.
The bed: Two queen beds, very comfortable and clean.
Price: About $450 per night.
Noise: No noise from my bedroom.
Food and drink: We had an exceptional banquet at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. The breakfast buffet offered Western and Asian options.
What's in the neighbourhood? There are a couple of scenic walking trails close by and it's a five-minute walk up to Changchun Shrine, to which the hotel offers tours. If you run out of deodorant or anything there's a 7-Eleven nearby too.
What's so good about this place? The atmosphere is uplifting and friendly, and there are lots of fun activities on offer.
Perfect for? If you're after a bit of evening atmosphere with a few things going on such as movie nights and campfire songs, Silks Place is for you. It's an ideal place to stay if you are visiting the gorge, especially if you have the family in tow.
Would I return? Absolutely, it was a great experience.
