Landmark Inn Hotel Hsin-Chuang

Landmark Inn is in the centre of Xinzhuang city, near to market, eateries, Church and stadium park. We requested for airport transfer. It was ever so convenient. Would strongly recommend this superb service to all. When we arrived, it was near midnight. Reception staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast was included (at the ‘Murano Italian Restaurant’ just 2 shops away, across a small lane). Food was quite a good variety. We’d like to commend the lady serving us. She was always smiling and warm. This made eating there very pleasant. We could really relax and enjoy ourselves. Bedding smelled fresh and clean. However, both my husband and I were disappointed with the pillows. They’re not bouncing or firm. They flatten once you lay your head on them. This spoilt our sleeping. Well, this is the only downside. It was raining one day/night. Umbrellas were provided at both Murano Restaurant and hotel. We could go about our arranged programme without the slightest disturbance. Actually, our relative was coming to bring us to visit the market nearby. It was towards the left hand side direction, upon exiting the hotel. Walk about 10 minutes and we were there; in the midst of all types of fruits, food and clothing stalls. Our aim was to buy some meat, chicken and fish floss. We found two shops selling these. Apart from this, either turning left or right from the exit will bring you to lots of places to whet your appetite. We especially favoured the 'Small Shanghai mini-soup-bun' stall. Its beef noodle (NT$90) and seafood noodle (NT$80), mini-soup-bun (NT$65) were so delicious! Once you exit the hotel, if you look left, you’ll see its big nameplate. Just walk towards it, about 20m or so, cross a traffic lights and you’ve arrived. It’s a small place with a few tables only. We were lucky to find a small table for two inside the crammed corner shop. However, we also tried the shop nextdoor, boasting of ‘boiling hot soup’ served in a small kuali. Its taste is fresh and appetizing too. We ordered a simple seafood dish which was NT$130 served with a small bowl of rice. Overall, we’d come and stay again because it’s indeed such a convenient place. The bus stop at the Stadium nearby was only 5 mins’ walk away. The metro station was slightly farther away, about 15 mins’ walk. (Hopefully by that time, the pillows have been improved….)

This hotel is pretty far from everything but the staff will really try to make your stay comfortable. This part of Taipei is not as glamorous as Daan but this place has some amazing religious displays and fireworks festivals. Rooms are bit small and dated. Bed is too soft, but shampoos and soaps are apparently Italian made. They come in pretty cool pen shaped tubes which you should definitely not insert anywhere. They give you a welcome package with fruit, congee and such, but it's a once per stay package, not a once per day thing. You can get your own stuff downstairs at 7-11. Watch out, they might nickle-and-dime you, if you want to borrow a phone or a USB cable, they have a shoe box full of stuff that people left behind, but will still charge you for a charger. Staff service is pretty great otherwise and they speak English well. Ask them to show you how buses work, since you'll be stuck there otherwise.

I stayed at this hotel for 4 weeks. The hotel is a ten minute walk from the subway. Hotel is far from all attractions. I really struggled to find restaurants and services that spoke English. I checked out early and stayed in Taipei and was glad i did so. Also, my room often smelled like sewage. I actually went out and bought Mr. Muscle (mr clean equivalence) to clean the toilet myself.