[Kaohsiung 高雄 ⌂ Stay宿] Hotel dùa 住饭店－Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Stayed in Aug 2018 & Jul 2017 >

dùa is 'stay 住' in Minnanese. In Taiwan's fiercely competitive hospitality industry (and hotels sprouting way too fast for me to catch up), the since-2013 Hotel dùa 住饭店 is hardly a new name, but one that is top of (my) mind recall for Kaohsiung travels.

The hotel is conveniently located just a corner's turn from exit 6 of Formosa Boulevard MRT Station 美丽岛站 - an icon by itself at the intersection of Red and Orange lines, and boasting a beautiful public art installation Dome of Light 光之穹顶.

The chic hotel facade is hard to miss, and stands out prominently on this stretch of small neighbourhood shops and eateries.

By default, I am less inclined to choose large "business-y" hotels, preferring the boutique range, and small B&Bs or 民宿 converted from old houses. Hotel dùa 住饭店 may not look like my typical choice, but for this location (proximity to a central MRT station and in the heart of a food zone) and profile, the price range is pretty attractive.

At the end of the spacious and welcoming hotel lobby, is a cosy guest lounge. Thoughtfully designed and furnished, this is a good resting spot for some complimentary coffee or tea (refreshingly chilled in the almost-whole-year-round southern heat) if you are waiting for your room to be ready or before leaving for the airport.

⇩ Executive Twin Room in Jul 2017

Spacious (aka ample packing space) even for two ladies who had lots of shopping to pack and like to spread everything out to organise. The long writing desk is a welcomed sight, my personal zone-out space to organise my travel notes - what's more, serving as a dining table to lay out our supper of street or night market food.

The luxury of space is not wasted in the bathroom, with separated bath and toilet (a common design in modern hotels). While the glass dividers are not conducive for concurrent users, the sheer size of the room and distanced bathroom does allow more than ample space and privacy between two occupants.

⇩ Superior Double Room in Aug 2018

⇩ Breakfast is served at rooftop restaurant étage 15, from 6.30am to 10am, a rather generous timeslot and perhaps good news for early risers.

While not a fan of hotel breakfast, the spread here is rather varied whether you prefer chinese or western fare. Taiwanese porridge with its many appetizers and side dishes is also a classic and palatable belly warmer. (I believe this is a spread that will please my elders who perceive hotel breakfast as a necessity.)

On the fringe, another perk of staying here is the free shuttle to fro MLD 台铝生活商场, right outside the hotel.

The precinct surrounding the hotel consists of bridal boutiques, many small shops and eateries, not forgetting Nanhua Tourist Shopping Street 南华观光购物街 within 5 minutes walk - another reason for favouring this hotel.