Kindness Hotel Hualien

We had a really good experience at the Kindness hotel. Staring from the front desk that was always sufficiently staffed and competent. Our rooms were clean (!), spacious and everything worked properly (temperature control, Japan style toilets etc). Breakfast was sufficient (some suggestions for improvement in the other section). Additionally, there were two coffee machines available in the lobby at all times and an ice cream and snack bar open most of the time And they served dinner every night. I would absolutely stay in this place again, very good value for money. The location is close to the train station which was convenient on our arrival and departure. Otherwise the neighborhood is not especially nice. But we got around (to hikes) with a driver and explored the town on foot.

Room for improvement: • Better signage for vegetarian food in English: it seemed that there were some dishes that might not have included meat but it wasn't clear. And there was one incident where a dish labelled "vegetarian mustard greens" had ham in it. • Better dryers and laundry instructions in English. The hotel very conveniently offers free self-service laundromats, however, the washing machines are only in Chinese and have a very uncommon system that was hard to understand even after translating the text. This wasn't as big of a problem since the staff helped us out. However, the dryers take ages before anything starts to get dry. Three hours the least, rather six.

Walking distance to train and bus stations which is very helpful if you're using Hualien as a base for exploring Taroko National Park. Dongdamen night market is a quick bus ride away with the local bus stop right down the road. Or you could borrow bikes from the hotel! Breakfast buffet was a good size with some vegetarian options available and clearly labeled. We were also surprised to find that the hotel provides light afternoon snacks and tea, a full supper buffet, and a 24hr ice cream station! The extra calories were very much appreciated as we were doing a lot of hiking in this area. Self service laundry facilities were very helpful for this reason as well. I was pleasantly surprised how many washers and driers were available for guests. Staff was very kind and offered us an upgrade to our room which was spacious, clean, and comfortable.

The room was decent sized with air conditioning, and in fairly nice condition. Hotel provided breakfast and dinner, as well as snacks (ice cream, coffee, tea, snacks/crackers), included with the stay.

Parking was difficult to find until you find a way to park somewhere and go inside to ask where to park. There was a parking lot across the street, but I did not know this until I found a way to go inside and ask the desk, which meant I had to figure out where to park or stop my car first on my own. But once we found the parking lot, it was free (whereas several other hotels booked through booking.com listed parking but with additional fees). Not much to do around the hotel itself. The hotel staff said the same. We had to drive away to find things to do.

Good value, great location, and excellent breakfast would be the summary of my review. It was a great surprise that I found this Taiwanese hotel chain. The location is great - only 2 blocks from Hualien Train Station and one block from the car rental. The hotel offers surface and underground parking space (not mechanical), which is very convenient. The hotel room has many amenities that are reflecting the hotel’s detail-orientated minds. For example, they offered two different sets of Shower Gel, Shampoo, and Conditioners - one is floral and the other more masculine. There are pouches of milder cleanser for other’s needs. The hotel also has “night snack time” that offers crackers, cookies, ice creams, etc. The breakfast is magnificent. It even offers ice cream!! I will definitely book with this hotel chain if I visit Taiwan in the future.

There is no dislike - everything is perfect.

Everything perfect in this hotel, starting with staff: all sectors, receptionists, restaurant/bar staff, housekeeping. Not only friendly and helpful but really efficient and supportive. Room was impeccably clean (no carpets but modern flooring!) and quiet despite central location (two minutes walk to the railway station). Service was excellent despite high affluence due to tourist groups and weekend. Complimentary, rich supper buffet and afternoon snacks including a well groomed ice-cream bar plus coffee/tea/juices for free. Ample choice for breakfast, both western and eastern style. A heartfelt recommendation if you stay in the area!

I thought that I just booked a room! I found that breakfast and dinner buffet were included, along with coffee, tea, ice-cream, and snacks all day long, as well as free laundry facilities and bicycles. I had seen free laundry and snacks mentioned in other reviews and, frankly, I didn't really believe it! The laundry facilities were excellent and included detergent as well. The breakfast and dinner buffet options were substantial. The room was also surprisingly nice with an excellent shower and toilet with bidet functions. All around fabulous for the price - I would stay here again the next time I was in Hualien for a hike.

Nothing! It was one positive surprise followed by another.

The staffs are nice and pleasant. Room is clean. The location is great, a few minutes walking distance away from the train station. What are the special features are (1) free washes and dryers (2) free bikes (3) besides free breakfast, they offer free dinner with decent quality and variety, which I have never seen elsewhere. We rented our bikes, wandering through the city and beachfront, and returned to the hotel. Took a shower and went to the dinner buffet after taking a rest. What a lovely day.

Good, high quality hotel. Staff were efficient and courteous. There are free ice cream cones in the cafe area. The room was well equipped, quiet and comfortable. A carpeted hallway kept down the noise. The hotel is an easy walk from the station and there are many nearby hotpot restaurants. Breakfast buffet was wide ranging, although not much Western food. Best of all was the free dinner from 8pm on the first night you stay - an excellent Chinese buffet.

Not really.

Hotel room was quiet and clean. Bed was comfortable and toilet facilities were all working well. Breakfast spread was good. Hotel even provide supper from 8 to 10pm Location was within a short walking distance to the Hualien train station

Many tour groups. As such, breakfast area was very crowded during early morning opening hours from 7 to 7.30am to cater for the tour groups leaving hotel around 8.30am. If you don't like the crowds, you can have your breakfast later around 8.30 to 9am.

Great central location very close to the train station, and walking distance from the night markets. The staff were extremely helpful with all the questions I had. The free cafe and ice cream were delicious. Buffet breakfast AND supper were both very good, supper included a magician and live performer each night which was a great added touch. The free laundry facilities were so helpful to our whole trip, even includes washing powder so you really don't need to bring anything yourself. Would recommend and would stay again next time we're in Hualien!

Nothing at all!