Taipei's Hidden Gem: Forever Inn - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Taipei's Hidden Gem: Forever Inn - My Unfiltered Take! (SEO-Powered Rant)
Okay, so I just got back from Taipei, and you know I have to spill the beans. And the beans this time? They're from Forever Inn. They call it a "Hidden Gem." Honestly? They're not wrong, but let's be real, gems need a little, well, polishing sometimes. This isn’t your sterile, corporate hotel review. This is my brain-dump after a week of humidity, noodles, and trying to navigate a city that's both dazzling and slightly confusing.
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Let's start with the stuff that matters. Accessibility. Okay, look, I’m not exactly in a wheelchair, but I do have some mobility issues, and I appreciate a place that thinks about all types of guests. The elevator was a godsend, especially after a day of exploring and downing way too many bubble teas. They mention Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn’t see any specific details on that. My room was on the lower floors which was great, but be sure to ask about specifics beforehand, it's crucial if you're truly dependent on accessibility. I did notice the exterior corridors, which made for easier access to my room without dealing with endless hallways. Car park [free of charge] & [on-site], a BIG plus in Taipei (parking is a nightmare!).
Internet - Oh, Glorious, Glorious Internet!
Alright, confession time: I'm a digital nomad. Wi-Fi is my oxygen. And at Forever Inn? Breathe easy, folks! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. They weren't kidding. It was fast, reliable, which is something I, being a serial workaholic, deeply appreciate. Internet access [LAN] in case you’re old-school, and I was, to plug in directly was also available. Internet services in general were smooth as butter, and Wi-Fi in public areas were strong, which is great for the lobby or the lounge (see below!).
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Life)
Okay, this is where Forever Inn really shines. After the whole global thing, cleanliness is paramount, right? They are definitely on top of it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Big check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Another big one. Hand sanitizer everywhere. They are very serious about this. They also mention Professional-grade sanitizing services and Rooms sanitization opt-out available if you felt the need, but I actually felt safe. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol, which is a relief. The Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour] are all pretty reassuring. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are good, but I think mostly just in case.
The Food - Fueling Adventures! (or My Stomach's Adventures)
Taipei is a food paradise. Full stop. And Forever Inn… well, they made it easy to explore. Asian breakfast was great. Breakfast [buffet] - always a win in my book. But the true gem? The amazing A la carte in restaurant options for lunch and dinner. Seriously, the noodles were a dream, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was on point. They also offered Alternative meal arrangement which is smart. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good, but nothing beats the coffee shops of Taipei, but you'd still appreciate them if you're in hotel. Bottle of water daily, so you can stay hydrated. Room service [24-hour] is always a good thing after a long day of sightseeing and eating, even if I didn’t use it myself. Though, the Snack bar, might be a good choice for a quiet night!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Oh My!)
Okay, so I might have become slightly obsessed with the Poolside bar. After a long day of battling crowds in Ximending, there’s nothing better than a cocktail by the pool (more on the pool later). Plus, Happy hour. Need I say more? They also had Coffee shop, and Desserts in restaurant, but I didn't actually try them all, I did go to the place I tried the Soup in restaurant and it was so good I went back the next day.
Services & Conveniences - They Thought of Almost Everything
Okay, so the Concierge was super helpful with navigating the city. The Laundry service was essential for the sweaty adventures. The Cash withdrawal was handy, too, and the Currency exchange was great. The Dry cleaning was a godsend after a few accidental noodle spills (trust me, it happens). They also had a Convenience store, which is, you know, a lifesaver. Luggage storage was appreciated. The Daily housekeeping was flawless. Food delivery options are fantastic. Facilities for disabled guests are good. Ironing service, Doorman, Safety deposit boxes… the basics are all covered.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax!) - The "Why" of Forever Inn
Let's get to the fun stuff! Forget the stress of navigating the city for a while! Forever Inn understands the value of chill.
- The Pool with a View: This is where Forever Inn really shines. I spent hours lounging by the Swimming pool [outdoor] pool, enjoying the city skyline, and completely zoning out. Pure bliss.
- Fitness Center/Gym: Okay, I, uh, tried the Fitness center. Let's just say my gym-going habits aren't exactly consistent. But the equipment looked decent.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Didn't have the chance to try those. But they sounded lovely.
- Massage: Now we’re talking. After a day of walking, that was very welcome.
- Foot bath: I enjoyed this.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: didn't try, but sounds cool
The Room: My Little Taipei Sanctuary
My room was… cute. Not luxurious, not over-the-top, but clean and comfortable. The Air conditioning worked fantastically (essential in Taipei's humidity). The Blackout curtains were crucial for sleeping off the jet lag. Free bottled water, of course. Daily housekeeping, which I mentioned, was on point. The Seating area was a practical and smart design choice. There was an Alarm clock, a Coffee/tea maker, a Desk perfect for working, Ironing facilities, and a Mini bar. The Safety/security feature, and Smoke detector, I appreciate. The Shower was fine. The Television, I can't remember if I turned it on. They have Wi-Fi [free] in rooms, and the Window that opens. All in all, it was a reliable room.
Things I Loved (and a Few Quibbles):
- The Location: Close enough to the action, but also felt like a little oasis.
- The Pool! Seriously, I’m still dreaming about that pool.
- The Staff: Friendly and helpful, even when I was utterly lost.
- The Value for Money: Excellent.
- Quibbles: No major downsides, but the decor wasn’t exactly cutting-edge. A few more English-speaking staff would be a plus.
Okay, Let's Talk Booking!
Forever Inn: Your Taipei Escape Awaits! Tired of the typical tourist traps? Craving authentic experiences and a stress-free stay in Taipei? Then Forever Inn is exactly what you need! Discover your personal paradise at this hidden gem, offering unparalleled comfort and convenience, all while keeping you connected with lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, savor delectable Asian cuisine, and unwind in the serene outdoor pool – all at a price that won't break the bank!
This is YOUR offer:
- Exclusive Deal: Book your stay at Forever Inn through this link (or from my review - hint, hint!) and receive a complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar.
- Bonus: Get a 10% discount on all spa treatments and a free airport transfer!
- For a Limited Time: This offer is only valid for bookings made within the next month, so don't miss out!
Forever Inn – Where your Taipei adventure truly begins!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Sea View Apartment in Nieuwpoort-Bad, Belgium!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving headfirst into the Taipei chaos with a trip to Forever Inn. Forget perfect itineraries, this is real travel, baby. Brace yourselves for the emotional rollercoaster!
Forever Inn, Taipei: A Disaster-Prone, Yet Delightful, Adventure (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lagged Lunacy
- Morning (ish): Land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). "Morning" is used loosely here because, thanks to the time change, my insides are convinced it's still 3 AM. The sheer humidity hits you like a wet, warm blanket. Ugh. Immigration was surprisingly painless, which I'm taking as a sign of looming doom.
- Transport: The MRT from the airport to Ximen Station. So efficient! So clean! I'm already suspicious of the Taiwanese public transport system, which is probably just me.
- Afternoon: Check-in at Forever Inn. Let's be real, the name is misleading, I'm pretty sure nothing lasts forever (especially my patience after a 14-hour flight). Hopefully, the room is as charming as the pictures.
- Anecdote: The check-in was a hot mess. The receptionist spoke limited English, I spoke even more limited Mandarin, it felt like one of those dream sequences when you're trying to order food and realize you don't actually speak the language.
- Late Afternoon: Ximending exploration! This area is pure sensory overload – all neon lights, street food smells, and people. So many people!
- Food Fumble: Tried to order a "bubble tea" (boba) and accidentally asked for it with "three times the sugar." Sweet mercy, my teeth! I'm pretty sure I'll be bouncing off the walls by nightfall.
- Evening: Dinner at a night market. The chaos! The smells! The potential for food poisoning! But the deliciousness! I ate something that resembled a pancake filled with savory things I couldn't identify, but it was heavenly.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure every single person in Ximending is wearing trendy sneakers. I'm judging my sad, comfortable walking shoes.
Day 2: Temples, Tea & Tourist Traps (and Maybe a Breakdown)
- Morning: Attempt to visit the Longshan Temple, a gorgeous place buzzing with incense smoke and energy. I am completely under-dressed. Everyone seems to be praying intensely, I'm just wandering around with my jaw dropped, feeling deeply inadequate.
- Emotional Reaction: Wow, that temple was intense. I felt both overwhelmed and deeply moved. I'm already thinking about what I need to do to be a better person. This is a problem because I had to run out to go to the bathroom.
- Late Morning: Tea ceremony! I went in expecting a sophisticated, calming experience. I was wrong. It was still great, but my guide was a bit intense, and at one point, he started talking about the "spiritual essence" of the tea, and I just wanted to know if I could get a cookie.
- Rambling Warning: Okay, about that spirituality thing…I'm not sure I'm "getting" it. I like tea, a lot. The ceremony was pretty, but it also kind of made me feel like a clumsy tourist. This is not a new feeling.
- Afternoon: The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Huge and impressive. I'm fascinated by the history, but also a little bored. Honestly, it would be a great place to just sit and people-watch, but I'm too afraid of looking like a disrespectful jerk.
- Evening: Dinner. I was hungry and frustrated because I had no idea what to order, a waiter who didn't understand English, and every restaurant was either closed, packed, or way too fancy for me. I ended up settling a restaurant down the street, and I will never try their soup dumplings again.
Day 3: Hot Springs, Hot Mess & Farewell (for Now)
- Morning: The Beitou Hot Springs. Ah, bliss! Soaking in the hot water, surrounded by the misty mountains. Pure relaxation, finally.
- Midday: Exploring the Beitou area. Strolling through the park, taking photos of the library (architecture porn!), and trying not to trip on the uneven paths.
- Afternoon: The Night Market Debacle. We've already established my love for good food, and I really went for it tonight. I tried some things I could barely pronounce, let alone identify. It was the perfect combination of terrifying and delicious. The night markets are an absolute MUST in Taipei.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: One second I was giddy with the deliciousness of a fried something-or-other, the next I was sweating from the heat and the questionable ingredients.
- Impression of the Evening: The food at the night market was fantastic, I even got some good deals on some souvenirs. I would go again because it was well worth it.
- Evening:
- The Final Farewell: Back to Forever Inn to pack, then to the airport. The end of the journey.
Overall Verdict: Taipei is a sensory overload. It's beautiful, chaotic, delicious, and occasionally overwhelming. It's a city that throws you off balance but also manages to pull you back in. I'm exhausted, I'm full of amazing food, and I'm pretty sure I'll be dreaming of bubble tea for weeks. I'll be back, Taipei, even though you almost broke me. (In a good way, mostly.)
P.S. If anyone sees my inner peace, please send it back to me. I seem to have misplaced it somewhere near a dim sum cart.
Phuket Paradise Found: Your Dream Villa Awaits!
Forever Inn - Taipei's Hidden Gem: FAQs That Actually Tell You Something (Maybe)
Okay, okay, "Hidden Gem." Is it *actually* hidden? Like, do I need a treasure map and a cryptic riddle?
Right, the "hidden" part isn't *entirely* accurate. It's more like... off the beaten path. Which, honestly, is a relief. One time I tried to find a "hidden" restaurant, and I ended up wandering around for three hours in a torrential downpour. My hair looked like a drowned rat, and I was pretty sure I saw a ghost. So, no, you don't need Indiana Jones skills. But it's not plastered all over every travel blog either. Finding it felt...kind of special. Like you're in on a little secret, you know?
What's the *vibe*? Is it modern, minimalist, or like a grandma's attic? (Please, no grandma's attic. I'm mildly allergic to mothballs.)
Good question! Thankfully, no mothballs! It's... cozy. Think comfortable, clean, and with a surprising amount of natural light. I'd describe it as a sort of "modern-meets-traditional-Taiwanese-charm." There are these beautiful wooden accents, and the rooms are spacious – especially for Taipei! (Space is a precious commodity there, let me tell you.) One of the best things? The lobby smell. Seriously! It's this subtle, almost floral scent that just wraps you up in a hug the minute you walk in. (And, bonus, it doesn't smell like a cleaning product!)
Is it close to stuff? Like, good stuff, like the night markets and... bubble tea?
YES! Oh my, yes. Forever Inn is strategically located. You're a short MRT ride away from *everything*. I'm talking Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market (my personal favorite – the pepper pork buns are to DIE for), the Taipei 101 (for cheesy tourist photos, obviously), and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (for a dose of culture before you go back for more bubble tea). And listen, about the bubble tea... there's a little shop *right* around the corner. I might have had a...a few... cups. Okay, more than a few. Don't judge me.
The rooms – spill the tea. Are they clean? Spacious? Do they have those weird, scratchy Taiwanese blankets?
Okay, the rooms. This is where Forever Inn truly shines. First off, YES, they are spotless. And yes, they ARE surprisingly spacious for Taipei. This is a massive win, because you NEED space to spread out your souvenir haul and, you know, de-wrinkle your travel clothes. The bathrooms are modern and clean (important!), and the beds? Oh, the beds! Cloud-like. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. No scratchy blankets! Yay! They had these soft, fluffy duvets. Bliss. I’m literally getting sleepy just remembering them.
Breakfast? What's the spread like? Do I need to smuggle in my own peanut butter?
The breakfast is... good. Not the *best* hotel breakfast I've ever had, but definitely above average. There's the usual buffet (toast, cereal, fruit), but the best part is the Taiwanese breakfast options. They have congee (rice porridge), delicious savory soy milk, and sometimes even these amazing little savory pancakes. (Make sure you ask for the pancakes! They run out fast!) And, no, you do *not* need to smuggle in peanut butter. Although, if you have a particularly strong craving, I guess you could…I won't judge. Unless it's that weird, crunchy kind.
Okay, what *really* sets it apart? Because everyone *says* their hotel is amazing.
The *people*, really. The staff at Forever Inn are incredible. genuinely kind, helpful, and just... real. They aren't just going through the motions. They genuinely care about making sure you have a good time. I had a bit of a travel mishap (lost my wallet - panic attack!) and the lovely lady at the front desk, whose name I sadly forgot (my brain was fried), helped me navigate the police station (in broken Mandarin and a lot of frantic hand gestures). She even called a taxi and managed to make me feel like I wasn't a complete idiot. It was a genuinely stressful situation, but her calm and helpfulness made all the difference. That kindness? That's what makes you remember a place, and what brings you back. That’s *exactly* why I’m recommending this place.
Is there anything I *didn't* like? Be honest!
Okay, full disclosure: the elevators can be a *little* slow during peak times. And the air conditioning in my room was a tad on the chilly side (but maybe that’s because I like it hot!). And, if I'm being *super* nitpicky, the coffee at breakfast wasn’t the strongest. But honestly? Those are minor complaints. It's hard to find fault when the good outweighs the bad by a country mile.
Would you recommend it? Would *you* go back?
Absolutely, a thousand times YES! I would go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already mentally planning my next trip to Taipei, and Forever Inn is at the top of my list. It's more than just a place to sleep; it's a welcoming haven in a bustling city. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and genuinely friendly place to stay, look no further. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. (And if you do, blame me. But you won't.)
