Escape to Paradise: Bayman Hotel Taiwan Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bayman Hotel Taiwan Awaits! - My Wild Ride (and Maybe Yours Too?)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent the last three days swimming through the reviews and photos of the Bayman Hotel in Taiwan, and I'm about to dump all my findings on you like a plate of delicious, slightly-too-much-chili-oil noodles. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is real. This is what I, a slightly-stressed-out travel enthusiast, actually gleaned from poring over what seems like a thousand virtual hotel brochures. So, let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility & Security: A Sigh of Relief (and a Little Bit of Anxiety)
First things first: Accessibility is a big deal for me. I'm not necessarily disabled disabled, but a good elevator (and ideally, one that’s not terrifying) goes a long way. The Bayman apparently has an elevator. Huge plus! They also seem to have facilities for disabled guests. Gotta give them points for that, because let's be honest, it's 2024. The exterior corridor and security [24-hour], like CCTV in common areas & outside property give a modicum of safety, which is nice because I always worry about stuff. Hotel chain is also a win, since the bigger chains have some standard operating procedures and safety measures. It actually makes me feel better.
Of course, the perfectionist in me is already thinking about the details. Are the rooms truly wheelchair accessible? Are the bathrooms properly equipped? Are the ramps gentle enough? I didn't see super detailed answers on the reviews, but I see "Available in all rooms" so that may be helpful. Someone do a deep dive on this and let me know in the comments, please!
Cleanliness & Safety: Let’s Not Catch the Plague, Okay?
Okay, let's be real. COVID (and everything else) has changed the game. The Bayman seems to get this. They boast Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Good! My germaphobic tendencies are already relaxing a bit. They also seem to have Hand sanitizer and Staff trained in safety protocol. Bonus points for the Hygiene certification – always a good sign.
The Safe dining setup is also crucial. Individually-wrapped food options? Yes, please! I hate communal tongs. But hey, the occasional Doctor/nurse on call is a reassuring touch, just in case. And, of course, Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher are present, which is necessary, but not as exciting.
The Food… Oh, the Food! (And My Midnight Noodles Craving)
Alright, let's talk about the really important stuff: FOOD. Because let's face it, a vacation without delicious food is basically just a slightly-more-expensive version of being at home.
The Bayman goes big on options – a Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant (bless!), Western cuisine in restaurant. They promise you can even get Breakfast in room (YES!), Breakfast takeaway service, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and a Coffee shop to give you a caffeine rush for navigating Asia. And of course, the holy grail : Room service [24-hour]. Praise the noodle gods!
I'm particularly intrigued by the Asian breakfast and the promise of potentially amazing Desserts in restaurant. And the Poolside bar? That's a must-have. Imagine sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set… (Okay, maybe I'm getting carried away…) Someone please tell me there's good coffee available or I need to pack my own.
Oh, and a Bottle of water? A small detail, but it shows they understand jet-lagged, dehydrated travelers. Plus, they have Essential condiments, meaning the hotel, not me.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Sweat Session? Decisions, Decisions…
The Bayman clearly wants you to chill. They have a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom, a Gym/fitness, a Pool with view (oooooh!), and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Okay, I'm already picturing myself in a fluffy robe. The fact that there is a Poolside bar is a massive win.
The Spa is promising, with options for Body scrub and Body wrap. Are they good? Are they amazing? I need reviews on this. Someone please tell me there's a killer massage therapist. The fact that there are options for a Foot bath gets a big, enthusiastic nod. And the Fitness center? Gotta work off all those delicious noodles somehow!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where the Bayman Hotel seems to truly shine (or… well, attempts to shine). They offer: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Safety deposit boxes. Which are all great and make your business/personal travel life easier.
There's also a Convenience store – perfect for those 3 AM snack attacks. And the Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station are a bonus, as well as Airport transfer and car rental via the taxi service, since I'm assuming Taiwan is far enough to be worth the long flight.
The Rooms: My Happy Place (Hopefully)
Okay, here’s what the rooms have to offer, which is the most important part of a hotel, right? (Other than the food, duh).
- Wi-Fi [free] (YES! No more agonizing over exorbitant Wi-Fi fees!)
- Air conditioning (essential in Taiwan)
- Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
That’s a lot of stuff! The blackout curtains are a lifesaver. The coffee/tea maker means I can avoid that slightly-awkward scramble for caffeine at 6 AM. And the free Wi-Fi is a massive win. The soundproofing is also music to my ears, because I'm a light sleeper and I've had hotels next to very loud partying guests. Yes, please! The laptop workspace is a godsend.
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal. This is good for families, or for those of us who want some peace and quiet.
Internet & Tech: Gotta Stay Connected!
They are promising the world in this category! The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, and Wi-Fi for special events. They're going all in. Excellent.
What About the Quirks? (The Bits That Make a Place Memorable)
Okay, I didn't see a ton of "quirks" in the listings. There's a Shrine. Okay, that's awesome. There's a Proposal spot (awww!). There's the usual "business facilities" – Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Xerox/fax in business center. You know, the corporate stuff.
My Verdict (and the Big Recommendation)
Okay, so here’s the deal. The Bayman Hotel Taiwan looks promising. It checks a lot of boxes for me: clean, safe, good food options, and the potential for some serious relaxation. I'm already dreaming of that poolside cocktail and the delicious Asian breakfast.
However, I'm not a robot. I am also not a paid reviewer and there are always some imperfections. I haven't been there, so I reserve the right to change my mind.
**But here's the deal: If you're looking for a
Indonesian Paradise Found: Mahalaksmi Boutique Hotel Awaits!
Bayman Hotel, Taiwan: My Brain Dump of a Itinerary (aka, How NOT to Plan a Trip)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real. This is me, in Taiwan, probably slightly jet-lagged and definitely fueled by too much Taiwanese pineapple cake, trying to make sense of it all. Prepare for tangents, existential dread, and the ever-present question: did I pack enough underwear?
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei & The Great Luggage Tango
- Morning (ish): Landed at Taoyuan International Airport. Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Thought I was prepared, all "I'm a seasoned traveler, I can handle this!" Famous last words. Customs? A blur of smiling faces and incomprehensible forms. Managed to fill everything out… I think. Wait, did I declare that souvenir pineapple cake from the duty-free?… Oh, who cares!
- Afternoon: The Bayman Hotel, Taipei. Okay, pretty swanky in the lobby. Smells faintly of orchids and something suspiciously like freshly laundered money. Check-in should have been smooth sailing, right? Wrong. Turns out my luggage decided to play hide-and-seek with the airline. Cue the internal panic: "All my clothes? My lucky travel socks? Gone?!" The hotel staff were super polite, bless their hearts, as I rambled about “essential oils” and "the existential dread of not having fresh underwear.” They promised to track it down. (Fingers crossed, those socks were winners)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandered around the neighborhood like a zombie, fueled by instant noodles from the nearby 7-Eleven. Seriously, that 7-Eleven is a lifesaver. Bought a local SIM card – another linguistic adventure. Somehow managed to navigate the purchase without accidentally adopting a pet hamster. (It was a very tempting display). Finally decided to go out and find dinner.
- Evening: Found a small, local restaurant. Awful, or marvelous? The language barrier played its beautiful game. The waiter kept repeating "Good?" with a big grin even though I hadn't tasted the food yet. I ended up ordering something with a face on it. I think. Either way, it was hot. And the air's thick. Definitely a learning experience.
Day 2: Taipei 101 & The Night Market Debacle
- Morning: Taipei 101. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. The crowds? Let's just say I learned the art of the subtle elbow nudge. Took approximately 200 pictures, trying (and largely failing) to capture the sheer scale of the city. The observation deck was a beautiful chaos of selfies sticks and excited chatter.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Din Tai Fung. XLB. Need I say more? My mouth is watering just thinking about it. A full stop for a long delicious moment, those dumplings were the highlight of my day. The wait was a bit ridiculous, and the way they keep that kitchen to a meticulous temperature? Pure brilliance!
- Late Afternoon: My luggage arrived! Rejoice! The relief was overwhelming. Quickly changed into a (hopefully) clean shirt and vowed to never take fresh underwear for granted again. Proceeded into exploring the city.
- Evening: Shilin Night Market. Oh boy. Sensory overload. Glorious, chaotic sensory overload. So much food! So many smells! So many people! Tried stinky tofu. Let's just say, it lived up to its name. Ended up wandering around for an hour, aimlessly, mesmerized by the food stalls and the sheer energy of the place. Thought of buying a bubble tea and the bubble tea gods heard my plea, and I got one of the most amazing drinks of my life.
Day 3: Culture Shock & Tea Ceremony Triumph
- Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Beautiful. Grand. Thoughtful. The sheer scale of the place put everything in perspective. The changing of the guard ceremony was impressive but I'm sure the guard was bored.
- Afternoon: Longshan Temple. Absolutely incredible. Incense smoke, chanting, vibrant colors, and the feeling of history radiating from every corner. Spent way too long people-watching and feeling a strange sense of peace.
- Late Afternoon: The tea ceremony! This was a highlight. Found a tiny, hidden tea house (thank you, Google Maps!). The tea master was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. The tea itself was amazing. The whole experience was calm and meditative.
- Evening: Dinner this evening was a disaster… in the best way. Found a local place and tried to order. The waitress didn't speak English, I don't speak Mandarin. Ended up with something completely unexpected, but delicious. My attempts at sign language were hilarious. (To me, at least). Met a very funny man and had the best laugh of my life!
Day 4: Day Trip to Jiufen & The Pineapple Cake Addiction
- Morning: Train to Jiufen. Woke up early and forgot my wallet. Luckily I was able to go back and get it. The scenery on the train journey was gorgeous. (When I wasn’t staring into the abyss of my own sleep-deprived thoughts).
- Afternoon: Jiufen. Stepping into that old village felt like a movie set. The narrow streets. The teahouses with red lanterns. The views! Totally Instagrammable (I wouldn't admit it, but the pictures really turned out!). Got completely lost. Found a place selling the best pineapple cakes in the world. Bought a dozen. (Probably should have bought more).
- Late Afternoon: Hike to a waterfall. (Forgive me, I forgot the name right now). The humidity nearly killed me, but it was worth it. The falls were stunning, and the air was refreshingly cool. Also, a random dog followed me from a snack stand along the trail. I had to leave it behind. Sad face.
- Evening: Taxi back to Taipei. Exhausted, but happy. Ate the rest of my pineapple cakes in bed. (No regrets). Started plotting my return trip.
Day 5: Departure (and pineapple cake withdrawals)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a shop selling adorable cat-shaped teacups. Couldn't resist. Also managed to buy a small bag of pineapple cake. (The withdrawals are starting, I'm not gonna lie).
- Afternoon: Taxi to Taoyuan International. The airport was a blur. Customs. Security. The usual frantic pre-flight rituals. The lingering fear that I'd left something vitally important behind.
- Evening: On the plane, finally. Looking out the window. Contemplating everything I'd seen, tasted, and experienced. Already planning my return. Taiwan, you've stolen a piece of my heart. And my appetite. Now, if only they made pineapple cake in airplane-safe sizes…
This is it, my friends. A messy, imperfect, and totally genuine account of my trip to Taiwan. It wasn't all smooth sailing. But it was unforgettable. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Until next time…
Anna's Belgrade Paradise: Stunning Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bayman Hotel Taiwan Awaits! - Oh, the Drama (and the Noodles!)
So, Bayman Hotel... Taiwan? Is it actually paradise, or just *pretending*? (Because I need a vacation, like, yesterday.)
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a *strong* word, and after battling a toddler on a transatlantic flight, I'm seeing paradise in, well, relative terms. The Bayman Hotel? Look, it's *good*. Like, *really* good. Think clean, comfy beds (a godsend!), balconies with actual views (not just of the parking lot!), and a breakfast buffet that actually *makes* me want to get up before noon (miracle!). But paradise? Well, that depends. Did you find your inner peace standing in a line for pineapple cakes and then getting yelled at in Mandarin? I did, eventually, so... maybe?
The Rooms: Are they actually livable, or just Instagram-worthy torture chambers? (Seriously, I need space to breathe.)
Okay, let's talk rooms. My first thought when I opened the door was "Oh thank god, not a shoebox!" My room was definitely spacious enough, even with my suitcase, my husband's suitcase, and a small Chernobyl-esque explosion of kid toys strewn about. The bathroom? *Clean*. The water pressure? Amazing. The only tiny, *teeny* complaint? The air conditioning sounded like a disgruntled jet engine at takeoff. Tried to fix it at 2 am but, well, it was my first night, and I haven't mastered Taiwanese Hotel Air Conditioner Troubleshooting 101 yet. And after two days, I just learned to roll with it.
The Pool: Is it Olympic-sized gorgeous, or a glorified kiddie pool of doom? (My kids are tiny sharks.)
The pool? Okay, this is where things get... interesting. It's not Olympic-sized, let's get that straight. Think more like a large, rectangular... thing. But the water was gorgeous! Crystal clear, sparkling under the sun. And my little sharks? They had a BLAST. I'm not sure if other patrons appreciated my kids splashing and yelling, but hey, it's a family hotel. The real problem? Finding a spot! People were *very* territorial with their sun loungers. I'm pretty sure I saw a woman with a beach towel and a glare that could curdle milk. But yeah. The pool was a win, even if I had to do battle for prime real estate.
Food, Glorious Food: Breakfast Buffet Wars! Is it worth waking up for, or just a culinary free-for-all?
OH. MY. GOD. The breakfast buffet. Prepare yourself. It's basically a culinary adventure where you're both the hunter and the hunted. The variety is astounding: fresh fruit, noodles (more on that later), pastries, eggs cooked a million ways... I'm pretty sure they had a *whole roasted pig* one morning. The *disorganized* chaos? Magnificent! (In a slightly stressful way). You will spend a good hour trying to guess the thing, and then another hour trying to decipher what it is. But it was all delicious, even the stuff that looked a bit... *questionable*. I may or may not have gone back for seconds (and thirds). The noodles were *divine*. And, despite my best efforts, I felt better every day.
Noodle-Obsessed: The Noodles. Let's talk about the noodles. (Because I'm already dreaming of them.)
*THE NOODLES*. Okay, deep breaths. I'm still having dreams about those noodles. They were… *perfect*. Slurpy, flavorful, everything you want in a noodle. I swear, I went back for noodles almost every morning. And at dinner, I sought them out. The breakfast ones were, I think, maybe some kind of rice noodle with sauce, they were SO GOOD!. I have no idea what I ate, I remember it was late in the night. I *need* to find a recipe. They are the single thing I miss most about the Bayman Hotel, and I'm considering moving to Taiwan just to be close to them. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating. They were that good. I'd eat them every day for the rest of my life. No joke.
Service: Were the staff friendly, or did they just look at you blankly when you asked for directions? (Asking for a friend...aka, me.)
Honestly? The service was excellent. They were friendly, helpful, and even patient with my completely butchered attempts at Mandarin. They went above and beyond, despite the language barrier. I had a small issue with my room on the second day (the air conditioner, remember?) and the staff really went to the ends of the earth to get it fixed. Very happy. The entire hotel seemed to genuinely care about whether we were enjoying ourselves. A+ for service!.
Location, Location, Location: Is it actually near anything interesting, or am I going to be stuck in some tourist-trap wasteland?
Location...it was okay. Not *right* in the heart of the action, but a relatively easy taxi ride to where you wanna get to! There were some shops and restaurants nearby, if you didn't wanna go anywhere, you didn't have to. The location definitely allowed me to have both a low-key vacation. The Bayman Hotel is a great location in itself.
Overall, would you recommend the Bayman Hotel? (Be honest, I need the truth!)
Look, I'm a cynical, sleep-deprived parent, and even *I* loved the Bayman Hotel. Would I go back? In a heartbeat, and I would go back just for the noodles. Did it fully live up to the "Paradise" hype? Maybe not. Especially with the jet engine air conditioning. But it was clean, comfortable, the food was amazing (noodles!), and the staff were lovely. It's a solid choice, and a great base for exploring Taiwan... and eating copious amounts of noodles. Go. Just, for the love of all that is holy, go.
