HOSHINOYA GUGUAN

I spent two nights at Hoshinoya Guguan in a Feng room. The hotel was accommodating, converting the beds from three singles to a king and a single for us. Regrettably, despite its stunning location in the mountains, the resort doesn’t justify its high rates. I’ve visited other hot springs resorts, and, unfortunately, Hoshinoya Guguan doesn’t measure up. Additionally, there’s ongoing construction nearby, which is incredibly loud. The noise from the banging and machines disrupted the peaceful setting, forcing us to stay indoors rather than enjoying the outdoors. For those interested in the onsen, it’s worth noting that the public hot spring is open only from 6-10 a.m. and 4-10 p.m. It closes for cleaning daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which seems impractical. Ideally, cleaning would occur overnight to not disrupt daytime use. The dining options are quite limited. Dinner at the restaurant was underwhelming with bland food, and the courses arrived too quickly, making us feel rushed. Breakfast is available from 7-9:30 a.m. and lunch from 12-2 p.m., offering narrow time frames for meals and very limited menu options. Missing the breakfast window means waiting until noon to eat. We were glad that we did not take the meal plan. In summary, the experience doesn’t live up to the price. Significant improvements are necessary to justify the cost.

Really peaceful . Great onsen

Hoshinoya Guguan is "heaven on earth". The rooms are exceptionally designed; 2 levels with the private onsen at the lower level. Our room had a mountain view, and the entire environment is so relaxing with the views of the mountain and the peace and quiet of the property. The food and meals are exquisite; their Executive Chef Hitoshi Kagawa is truly talented. Every meal - even the breakfasts, are both delicious and visually beautiful! All the staff are amazingly friendly and helpful, and spoke English well. We participated in the guided tour of Guguan, which was highly informative, as well as the garden tour, which was equally impressive with the thoughtful design of the streams and flora. Would highly recommend Hoshinoya Guguan - this was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Taiwan!

Exceptional services, clean facilities all around, accommodating requests for transportation arrangements. Great experience. Jimmy

What a surprise and delight to arrive at this exclusive and secluded spa- retreat outside the beaten track. Wonderful and attentive service, comfortable rooms with hot-tub, a separate spa with treatments and hot water pool - and not to forget the exquisite japanese inspired cuisine! Thank you, Chef Hitoshi Kagawa.

I spent two nights at Hoshinoya Guguan in a Feng room. The hotel was accommodating, converting the beds from three singles to a king and a single for us. Regrettably, despite its stunning location in the mountains, the resort doesn’t justify its high rates. I’ve visited other hot springs resorts, and, unfortunately, Hoshinoya Guguan doesn’t measure up. Additionally, there’s ongoing construction nearby, which is incredibly loud. The noise from the banging and machines disrupted the peaceful setting, forcing us to stay indoors rather than enjoying the outdoors. For those interested in the onsen, it’s worth noting that the public hot spring is open only from 6-10 a.m. and 4-10 p.m. It closes for cleaning daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which seems impractical. Ideally, cleaning would occur overnight to not disrupt daytime use. The dining options are quite limited. Dinner at the restaurant was underwhelming with bland food, and the courses arrived too quickly, making us feel rushed. Breakfast is available from 7-9:30 a.m. and lunch from 12-2 p.m., offering narrow time frames for meals and very limited menu options. Missing the breakfast window means waiting until noon to eat. We were glad that we opted out of the meal plan. Our room spanned two floors, with the convenience of having the toilet on the same level as the bed. This is helpful for nighttime visits, though I was surprised that a room at this price point didn’t have a toilet on both floors. An automatic light and toilet seat are thoughtful touches, but the brightness of the light at 3 a.m. can be jarring. Adjustable lighting would be an improvement. The beds were comfortable, but the room lacked effective blackout blinds, letting in early morning sunlight. Additionally, an illuminated exit sign and a bright red ceiling light contributed to a less-than-dark sleeping environment. The resort provides pajamas and lounge wear, but the quality is disappointing. Our set had missing buttons and ties, and replacements were similarly damaged. A ‘mini-bar’ with complimentary beer, Coca-Cola, Sprite, coffee, and tea is included. However, given the cost of the stay, these offerings seem basic. Complimentary snacks or fruit would enhance the value. The staff at Hoshinoya Guguan is exceptional—friendly and helpful. Yet, the facilities, dining, and overall value fall short. In summary, the experience doesn’t live up to the price. Significant improvements are necessary to justify the cost.