Smile 73 Hotel: Your Taichung Paradise Awaits!
Smile 73 Hotel: My Taichung Paradise… (Almost!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Smile 73 Hotel. "Your Taichung Paradise Awaits!" they chirp. Well, let's see about that, shall we? This isn't just some cookie-cutter hotel review; it's a deep dive into the soul of Smile 73, warts and all. And trust me, there are some warts, but also some seriously sparkling gems.
First Impressions and the Accessibility Angle:
Right off the bat, let's talk about the accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a hotel that thinks about everyone. And Smile 73? They TRY. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long day of exploring Taichung. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't personally test them out. More info on that would be welcome, Smile 73! Getting around is generally pretty easy, with car parking [free of charge] a HUGE bonus (especially in a city like Taichung!). They also offer airport transfer and taxi service, which is super convenient.
The All-Important Internet (Because, Let's Be Real):
Okay, internet. This is crucial. And Smile 73? They’ve got you covered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They even boast about it. And you know what? It mostly works. I mean, sometimes it’s a little… temperamental. Like, streaming that crucial Netflix documentary on fermented tofu? Might buffer. But generally, it's solid. Plus, they have Internet [LAN] too, if you're old-school.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious (Mostly) Clean Rooms:
Let’s get real, the rooms are the make-or-break deal. Mine? Pretty darn good! The air conditioning blasted out glorious, icy relief from the Taichung heat. Blackout curtains? YES. Sleep is precious, people! My room had a desk, which was perfect for pretending to work (mostly I just browsed travel blogs, but hey, it counts). The bed was comfy, maybe even an extra long bed because I am a tall dude! They had a mini bar with the usual suspects. Coffee/tea maker? Absolutely. And the free bottled water? Bless them.
Now, cleanliness and safety? They’re taking it seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, and individually-wrapped food options (more on that later). They also have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a safety deposit box. The bathroom was clean, and the shower had good water pressure. I’m a sucker for a good shower.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (The "Paradise" Part):
This is where Smile 73 really shines, or at least tries to. The swimming pool [outdoor]? Amazing! The pool with view is exactly what it sounds like. I sat there, sipping a cocktail (more on that later too), and just watched the world go by. Pure bliss.
They have a fitness center (I skipped it, let's be honest), a spa/sauna, and even a steamroom. I did try the sauna – it was hot, it was steamy, and it was everything a weary traveler needed. Massage? Yep, they've got that too. I booked one. It was…decent. Not the best massage I’ve ever had, but it certainly helped me feel less like a crumpled piece of paper.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for Adventure!):
Okay, the food. This is where things get a little… interesting. They have a restaurant with Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, and even a vegetarian restaurant. The breakfast [buffet]? It's… a buffet. Nothing groundbreaking, but it does the job. They have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, so you have options. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent. They also have a snack bar and a poolside bar, which is essential for those poolside lounging sessions.
And, oh boy, the bar. They boast a happy hour. I took full advantage. Let’s just say I sampled their cocktails extensively. The bartender was friendly, and the vibe was relaxed. The cocktails? Some were amazing, some… less so. But hey, that's part of the fun, right?
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest-to-Goodness Truth:
Now, here’s the messy, honest part. Smile 73 isn't perfect. There were a few… hiccups. The service was a bit inconsistent. Sometimes, the staff were super helpful, going above and beyond. Other times, they seemed a little… overwhelmed. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a late night, but the wait could be a bit long.
And the location? It's not right in the heart of the action. You'll need to take a taxi or use public transport to get to some of the main attractions. But honestly, the peace and quiet are worth it.
The "For the Kids" Stuff (If You're Traveling With Tiny Humans):
They have a babysitting service and kids facilities, which is great for families. They’re definitely family/child friendly, which is a big plus.
The Covid-19 Considerations (Because, Sigh, We Still Have to Talk About It):
They’re trying. They’ve got anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and they’re taking physical distancing of at least 1 meter seriously. They offer contactless check-in/out and cashless payment service. They're even offering room sanitization opt-out available. I felt relatively safe, but I still wiped down everything with my own sanitizing wipes just in case.
The Extras (The Stuff You Didn't Know You Needed):
They have a convenience store (essential for late-night snacks!), a gift/souvenir shop, and even a shrine! They offer laundry service and dry cleaning, which is a lifesaver when you're living out of a suitcase. They also have meeting/banquet facilities and business facilities if you need them.
The Verdict: Is Smile 73 Hotel a Taichung Paradise?
Look, it's not perfect. But it's pretty darn good. It’s comfortable, clean, and has some fantastic amenities. The pool is a huge draw, and the location, while not central, offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The staff are generally friendly, and the food is… well, it’s there.
My recommendation? Absolutely! Especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a touch of luxury. Just don’t expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections, the quirky moments, and the occasional hiccup. That's part of the charm.
Here's My Honest-to-Goodness Offer for You:
Book your stay at Smile 73 Hotel today and experience the best of Taichung!
- Get 15% off your stay when you book directly through their website using the code "TAICHUNGDREAM."
- Enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail at the poolside bar upon arrival (because you deserve it!).
- Receive a free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – but hey, it's worth a shot!).
- Book now and get a free massage at the spa (because, again, you deserve it!).
Don't wait! Your Taichung adventure awaits!
Taj Mahal Views! ✨ Cozy Agra Room - 5 Mins Away!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is real life, Taichung style, at the Smile 73 Hotel. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride.
The "Maybe I Should've Stayed Home" Edition: Smile 73 Hotel Taichung, Taiwan
(Disclaimer: I'm a human. Expect typos, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis. Also, this is my experience. Your mileage may vary. Actually, it probably will.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Debacle
- Morning (ish): Landed at Taichung Airport. Smug me, thinking I’d mastered the art of packing light. Wrong. Luggage situation: a disaster. Seriously, how did I manage to bring that many socks?
- Getting to Smile 73: Taxi ride. Driver didn't speak English. I don't speak Mandarin. We communicated via frantic hand gestures and the universal language of bewildered staring. Made it! Success! (Pretty sure I overpaid, but hey, survival.)
- Check-in at Smile 73: Lobby's cute, minimalist. Room's… compact. But hey, it's clean, and the air con is blasting! Thank the heavens!
- Afternoon: The Great Noodle Hunt. Okay, so I'd read about amazing street food. My mission: find the perfect bowl of noodles. Walked for what felt like an eternity in the Taichung heat, sweating profusely. The first place? Closed. The second? Closed. The third? Looked promising! Crowded, locals chattering, steam billowing…YES! Ordered something I think was beef noodle soup.
- The Noodle Saga: First bite… too spicy. Tears streamed down my face. Not from sadness, mind you, but from the sheer, fiery assault on my taste buds. I persevered. I had to. (Pride is a dangerous thing.) Eventually, I managed to choke down half. My stomach is now a raging inferno. But hey, I conquered the noodles. Sort of.
- Post-Noodle Trauma: Hydration is key. Found a 7-Eleven. Guzzled water like a camel. Bought a pineapple. The sweetness was a godsend.
- Evening: Collapse in hotel room. Watched Taiwanese TV, understood approximately zero. Found a weird channel with a guy selling… something. Couldn't figure it out, but he was wearing a very shiny suit. Fascinating.
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and Tea (and a near-miss with a scooter)
- Morning: Determined to be cultured. Visited the Rainbow Village. So vibrant, so cheerful. Instagram paradise. (Yes, I succumbed.) Then, the Wenhua Road Night Market. Sensory overload! So many smells, so many people, so much…stuff.
- Mid-Morning: The Confucius Temple. So peaceful. And beautiful. (Maybe I’m actually learning something about Taiwan.)
- Lunch: Back to the night market. Tried more street food. Less fiery this time! Yay!
- Afternoon: Tea Ceremony – Finally! (Or so I thought.) The tea master was lovely, but the experience was… intense. So much focus on the perfect pour, the correct angle of the cup…I felt like I was constantly messing up. Ended up spilling tea on myself twice. Mortified. But the tea was delicious, even with the accidental bath.
- Late Afternoon: Near-Death Experience #1. Decided to walk back to the hotel. Traffic in Taichung is… intense. Almost got wiped out by a scooter. My life flashed before my eyes. Swore off walking after that.
- Evening: Ordered takeout. The menu was in Mandarin. I pointed at pictures. Got… something. It was surprisingly delicious! Feeling slightly less terrified of this city.
Day 3: The Sun Moon Lake Gamble
- Morning: Decided to be a proper tourist! Sun Moon Lake here I come! Took a bus. It was… bumpy. And hot. And long. (Note to self: invest in motion sickness meds.)
- Sun Moon Lake: Stunning. Truly. The lake is beautiful, the mountains are majestic. Took a boat ride. Felt a bit seasick. But the views were worth it.
- Mid-Day: The Thao Village. Cute. Touristy. Bought a souvenir that I'll probably regret later. (A tiny, ceramic frog. Don't ask.)
- Afternoon: The worst part. The bus ride back. It was even bumpier than before, and I felt even worse. (Again, motion sickness meds. Why didn't I listen to myself?) I had a existential crisis on the bus. (Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Is that a good time to leave?)
- Evening: Back at the Smile 73. Ate a package noodle and watched more TV. Exhausted.
Day 4: Last Day in Taichung
- Morning: Last chance to explore. Walked around the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. I actually enjoyed it.
- Afternoon: Packed. Said goodbye to my tiny hotel room. (I’ll miss the air conditioning.)
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport.
- Flight: Made it.
Final Thoughts:
Taichung: A city of contrasts. Chaotic, beautiful, delicious (and sometimes, fiery). I still don't speak Mandarin. I'm still a terrible packer. I still nearly got run over by a scooter. But I survived! And, honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything. I even started to appreciate the noodles. (Sort of.)
Rating: Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a translator, a scooter, and a lifetime supply of motion sickness medication. And maybe… a fire extinguisher, just in case of another noodle incident.
Port Aransas Paradise: Pet-Friendly Sandbar Getaway with Pool Views!
Smile 73 Hotel: Your Taichung Paradise... or Maybe Not? Let's Dive In!
Okay, so... why "Smile 73"? Is there a story? Because I'm already picturing something weird.
Honestly? I have NO idea. I mean, I *could* make up some elaborate story about smiles and lucky numbers and feng shui... but I didn't ask. And you know what? That's kinda refreshing! Like, maybe the owner just liked the way it sounded. Maybe it's a secret code. Maybe it means absolutely nothing. The mystery is part of the charm, right? Or maybe I'm just being lazy and didn't bother to investigate. Probably the latter. Anyway, moving on...
Is it actually a "paradise"? That's a bold claim. Does it have a pool? Because that's paradise-y.
Paradise is subjective, my friend. Think of a super comfortable bed, a killer view, and maybe, just maybe, a decent breakfast. That's my kind of paradise. Does Smile 73 have all that? Well... the bed *was* pretty darn comfy, I'll give it that. The view? Depends on your room. Mine looked out onto... well, a neighboring building. Not exactly postcard material. And the breakfast... okay, I'm going to be brutally honest here: the breakfast was a bit of a mixed bag. Think "buffet of beige." Cereal, toast, some questionable-looking sausages. I stuck to the fruit. (Smart, right?) No pool. So, no, not *technically* paradise. Unless you consider a well-stocked convenience store downstairs paradise. Which, on some days, I do.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around? I don't want to spend all day navigating the city.
Location is KEY, and Smile 73 scores pretty well on that front. It's in a pretty central area, close to public transport (like, *really* close – you can practically roll out of bed and onto a bus). Getting to the night markets? Easy peasy. Shopping? You're golden. Taxis are plentiful. Honestly, it's a great basecamp for exploring Taichung. You're not stuck in some far-flung suburb. That being said... the street noise *can* be a bit much if you're a light sleeper. Bring earplugs! Seriously. I learned that the hard way. Woke up at 3 AM to the sound of scooters revving. Never again.
The rooms... what are they like? Are they clean? Because I have standards.
Okay, let's talk rooms. Cleanliness? Yeah, they're clean. I mean, I didn't find any suspicious stains or rogue dust bunnies plotting world domination. The cleaning staff does a solid job. The decor? Well, it's a little... *utilitarian*. Think functional, not fancy. It wasn't exactly "Instagrammable," but it had everything you needed. The bed was comfy (I mentioned that, right?). The bathroom was clean and the water pressure was decent. And the air conditioning worked, which is a HUGE win in Taiwan's humidity. So, yeah, the rooms are perfectly acceptable. Not luxurious, but perfectly fine. Think of it as a blank canvas for your Taichung adventures. You're not there to hang out in the room all day, are you?
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful? Because I'm a bit of a disaster when it comes to travel.
The staff? Generally, yes, they're friendly. They're certainly *polite*. They speak enough English to get you by, which is a huge relief if your Mandarin skills are, shall we say, "developing." They're helpful with basic questions, like directions and recommendations. However... and this is a *very* minor quibble... they weren't exactly *overly* enthusiastic. Like, I asked for a restaurant recommendation, and the response was a little... flat. "There are many restaurants nearby." Okay, thanks. But they did their job, and they were always respectful. So, no complaints, really. Just maybe don't expect them to be your new best friends.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *one thing* you'll *never* forget about staying there? The good, the bad, the ugly.
Alright, alright, you want the juicy stuff? Fine. This is it. One evening, I was *starving*. Like, "hangry" levels of starving. I'd been wandering around all day, soaking up the Taichung vibes, and my stomach was rumbling like a freight train. I decided to order room service. They had a menu! Score! I ordered a burger and fries. Sounded simple enough, right?
An hour. ONE HOUR. I waited. And waited. And paced. And started to question my life choices. Finally, I called down to the front desk. "My burger?" I asked, in my most polite-but-desperate tone. "Coming soon!" they said. Another half hour. Finally, it arrived. And... it was the saddest burger I'd ever seen. The bun was dry, the patty was overcooked, and the fries were limp. I ate it anyway, because, well, I was starving.
The real kicker? The next morning at breakfast, I saw the *exact same burger* on the buffet. Like, they'd just... repurposed it? Okay, maybe not, but the experience was so jarring! It wasn't the worst burger in the world, but the sheer *wait* and the underwhelming quality... it's etched in my memory. So, yeah, the burger. That's the one thing. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a story I'll be telling for years. Don't order the room service. Stick to the fruit.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah, probably. Despite the burger incident and the less-than-thrilling view, it was a perfectly decent hotel. The location is fantastic, the rooms are clean, and the staff is helpful (mostly). It's not the *most* memorable hotel I've ever stayed in, but it's a solid choice for exploring Taichung. Just... maybe pack some snacks. And definitely bring earplugs. And for the love of all that is holy, avoid the burger. You've been warned.
Any other tips or tricks? Hidden gems nearby?
Okay, listen up! Firstly, download a good map app. Google Maps works, but exploring the side streets is where the *real* Taichung magic happens. Secondly, don't be afraid to try the street food! It's incredible (and cheap!). Just be prepared for some... interesting smellsFind Hotel Now
