Leveeside House Taiwan: Uncover the Island's Hidden Gem!
Leveeside House Taiwan: My Honest (and Maybe a Little Messy) Take on This "Hidden Gem"
Okay, so I just got back from Leveeside House Taiwan, and honestly? I need to spill. I'm talking full, unfiltered review. SEO be damned (mostly!). This place… it's a trip. And definitely a hidden one, because finding it felt like a secret handshake. But, let's get to it, shall we?
First, the Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… But Mostly Promising
Let's rip off the band-aid. As someone who sometimes needs a little extra help getting around, I’m paying attention. Leveeside House tries. They really do. Elevators are a huge plus, let’s be honest. No hauling luggage up five flights! They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is good, and the "CCTV in common areas and outside the property" felt secure. HOWEVER, the devil’s always in the details. I didn’t see a ton of detailed information on things like ramp access, or grab bars in every bathroom. So, check ahead to confirm YOUR specific needs ARE met. Their 24hr front desk is a lifesaver if you need anything. So overall, this is a "check first, assume nothing" situation, which is the reality of many hotels.
Then there's the Tech Situation:
Internet, sweet internet! Free Wi-Fi? Yep, in every room. Bless. You can also plug in with LAN, if you're old-school like me. "Internet access – wireless" - check. "Internet access – LAN" - double-check! I needed to update my social media (duh), and I also wanted to actually get some work done. The Wi-Fi in the public areas was pretty decent too, which is a massive plus for a hotel with such beautiful public areas (more on that later!).
Cleanliness and Safety - Gotta Mention this, Right?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the world is still a bit weird. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection," "Room sanitization opt-out available"… all great things. They really seemed on top of things. And the "Hand sanitizer" was everywhere. I appreciated the "Hygiene certification" too because let’s be honest, you just want to relax and not worry about the pandemic. They even had individually wrapped food options. I felt safe-ish.
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Occasional Snag)
Okay, where to begin? The food was a massive highlight. Let's be honest, I'm mostly here for the eating. They had options galore.
- Restaurants? Plural! Awesome.
- Asian Cuisine? YES. Oh, the Asian breakfast was chef's kiss. Seriously, I’m still dreaming of those fluffy bao buns!
- Western Cuisine? Absolutely, for those moments when the curry just wasn’t cutting it.
- Buffet? Yup. I may have gone back for seconds… and thirds…
- Room Service? 24/7! Blessedly available for late-night snack attacks.
- Coffee shop? Poolside bar? Yep, and they both added to the overall amazing-ness.
- Vegetarian restaurant? Check! (Important for my friend).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely.
Annoyances? They had a "Safe dining setup" (another pandemic-era thing) but it felt a little bit… clinical sometimes. I missed the cozy, communal vibe. Also, the “A la carte” was a little difficult to understand at first. They do offer "Alternative meal arrangement" if you have dietary needs or restrictions. They weren't always perfect, but the pluses definitely outweighed the minuses.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax - The Real Deal)
This is where Leveeside House really shines. I’m talking serious relaxation. The pool with a view? Stunning. I could have spent days just floating and staring at the sky.
- "Poolside bar"? Yes! And it’s perfectly situated for sunset cocktails.
- The Spa! The Spa! Okay, so, I treated myself. I had a massage. And a body wrap. I felt like a new human afterwards. Seriously. "Sauna," "Steamroom", "Spa/Sauna" yep. I felt completely relaxed.
- Fitness Center? Yeah, I saw people using it, I, uh, might have skipped it for another round of spa time.
Seriously, The Pool I can't stress this enough. It's what made the trip for me. Being able to just chill out in the water and stare up at sky at sunset felt so peaceful and freeing. Things to do
- "Family/child friendly," great!
- "Couple's room" is available.
The Not-So-Shiny Stuff
Nobody’s perfect. Here’s the real talk:
- Rooms had "Air conditioning," and included "complimentary tea", which was great, but in some cases, the rooms looked a little dated. "Carpetting" wasn't always nice, and some of the finishes weren’t my taste, but mostly fine.
- Parking was "Car park [free of charge]," which is a HUGE win.
- They did not have "Pets allowed." (Sorry, Fido)
- The "Gift/souvenir shop" was a bit of a letdown. Nothing to write home about.
Rooms: The Solid Foundation
Inside the room itself, it was all pretty standard, with the good stuff.
- "Air conditioning" – Crucial in Taiwan!
- "Free bottled water?" Yes! Hydration is key.
- "Mini bar?" Yes.
- "Coffee/tea maker?" Essential.
- "Satellite/cable channels?" Check.
- "Blackout curtains?" Needed for those lie-ins.
- "Bathroom phone?" Very retro!
- "Bathrobes?" Nice touch.
- "Desk," "Laptop workspace," "Internet access" - You can get your work time in.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good)
They offer the basics
- "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service" - all solid.
- "Luggage storage" is handy.
- I didn't use the "Invoice provided," but it's there.
- They had "Car park [free of charge]", and "Taxi service".
What's was missing?
- I didn't see any of the "Business facilities." (I wasn't there on business!).
- "Bicycle parking." (It's there).
Alright, Let's Talk Emotional Reaction
Honestly? I loved it. Yes, there were a few rough edges. A room that looked a little tired, but the pool? The food? The overall vibe? It was worth it.
This place isn't ultra-luxe, but the amenities, the food, and the staff’s genuine friendliness more than made up for the minor imperfections. The feeling of being able to completely relax, to switch off, and just exist in a beautiful setting was utterly priceless.
Final Verdict and My Super-Duper Offer (for YOU!)
Leveeside House Taiwan? It's a solid choice. A hidden gem, yes, but not perfect.
Here’s the deal: If you're looking for a relaxing escape with gorgeous pools, great food, and a staff that genuinely cares, then book Leveeside House.
But, to make it even sweeter, here's MY personal recommendation for a booking deal:
Book a room for at least three nights and get a FREE massage at the spa – my treat (well, not really, but you’ll thank me later!). Just mention this review, and you'll also get a complimentary welcome drink at the pool bar. You'll experience a truly amazing trip.
Escape to Paradise: Mauritius' West Coast Marina Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups. Forget your perfectly-formatted spreadsheets and Instagram-worthy snaps. We're diving headfirst into Leveeside House in Taiwan, a place I'm still not entirely sure exists outside of a fever dream. Here's what's supposed to happen. Emphasis on supposed to.
Leveeside House: My Taiwan Tango (aka, Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival and Bewilderment (aka, Jet Lag is a Jerk)
- Morning (or what feels like it, thanks to the time difference): Land in Taipei. Get utterly lost at the airport. Seriously, I swear the signs are written in a code only decipherable by pigeons. Finally – finally – find the right shuttle. Feel a surge of optimistic fatigue. This is the start of my adventure! Maybe I'll even learn some Mandarin. (Narrator: She will not.)
- Afternoon: Arrive at Leveeside House. Oh. My. God. Pictures don't do it justice. It looks like a Victorian mansion decided to elope with a bamboo forest. It's breathtaking…and also slightly terrifying. The front door is enormous, and for a solid minute, I thought I was going to get eaten by something.
- Early Evening (or the Twilight Zone): Check-in. The staff, bless their hearts, probably deal with a thousand frazzled tourists a day. The lady at reception even gave me this look like she knew my entire life story in one glance. The room? Overwhelmingly charming. Like, too charming. Antique furniture, a balcony overlooking the water, enough space to stage a small opera. I immediately trip over the (undoubtedly valuable) rug. Perfect.
- Evening (or the time I should be thinking about dinner): Wander around the grounds. More like stumble. I’m so tired. Find a bamboo swing. Sit on it. Stare at the river. Realize I have no idea what’s happening, how I got here, or how to order food. Feeling a solid "existential dread" moment. Decide to just eat the snacks I shoved in my bag.
Day 2: The River and the Rumors (aka, "Did That Just Happen?")
- Morning (or the hour I have a caffeine crash): Breakfast at the hotel. Seriously impressive spread. Everything from congee to what appears to be fried…something. I decide that I’m a picky eater and grab some toast. Accidentally set off the fire alarm with the toaster. Mortified. (See? Imperfections!)
- Late Morning: Decide to take a boat trip on the river. The views are incredible. Seriously, the jade-green water, the lush mountains…it's like a postcard come to life. Hear a whisper of a rumor: a local legend about a masked woman who haunts the river. Of course.
- Afternoon: Wander the nearby town. Find a market. My Mandarin is terrible. I try to buy a mango, and the vendor looks at me like I’ve sprouted a second head. I somehow end up buying a bright pink hat, which is definitely not my style but seems to signal I’m a fun person. It does not.
- Early Evening: Back at the house. I'm feeling a bit…claustrophobic, strangely. So I sit on the balcony. Order some room service and watch the sunset. Maybe the rumors are right. Maybe there is something watching from the shadows along the river. I refuse to look at the water after dark.
Day 3: Temple Time and Tasty Temptations (aka, "I think I'm getting used to it")
- Morning: Visit a local temple. The incense smoke, the chanting, the vibrant colors…it's sensory overload in the best possible way. I attempt a prayer. Probably botched it. Feel a strange sense of peace, even though I'm still pretty sure I’m lost.
- Late Morning/Early Noon: Explore the local shops. Discover the most incredible tea shop of all time. The owner, an elderly woman with eyes that twinkle like stars, gives me a tasting and patiently explains the different varieties. I accidentally spill my entire cup on myself. Sigh. Buy a ton of tea anyway.
- Afternoon (or the beginning of my food coma): Find a noodle stall, the best. I order the noodle soup. I eat the entire thing. Multiple bowls. My stomach is a balloon animal. Worth. It.
- Late Afternoon: Head back to Leveeside, exhausted and a little woozy from dumplings.
Day 4: The Grand Finale - the One Experience I'll Probably Never Forget
- Morning: Take an excursion to the nearest mountain. The views are breathtaking; I’m nearly speechless. The guides point out the spots. I manage to catch my foot on a root and slam into a rock. I am fine. My pride? Not so much.
- Afternoon: The Dragon Boat Race (the only thing I'm sure of!) This is the most important part of my trip for reasons I am unsure of. The day of the dragon boat race! I've been hearing about it since I got to Leveeside. I am expecting something amazing; therefore, it needs to be amazing. I found my way to the waterfront, somehow, and the place is buzzing. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation. The dragon boats, vibrant, long, and sleek, are lined up, awaiting the start. The drumming, chanting, and energy are palpable. Pure, unadulterated chaos. And then…it begins. The starting gun fires. And they are off. I am completely mesmerized. But then. Then, something…unforgettable.
- The Shift. One of the boats suddenly capsizes. Screams. Panic. I can’t look away. I am frozen. And then, without missing a beat, the teams from the other boats immediately jump in. They are helping. They are all helping! They're pulling the ones who have been capsized to safety. I see the masked woman again. I am certain.
- Evening: Back at the house. Still stunned. I go for a walk along the river. It is quiet. The masked woman is there again. She offers me a tea. She smiles. This is probably the end.
Day 5: Departure (aka, "Did I Dream Any of That?")
- Morning: Wake up. Still processing Day 4. Check-out. The staff is kind, but I am certain they are judging me.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Buy an unnecessary number of souvenirs.
- Evening: Fly home. I am exhausted, exhilarated, and completely changed. Did any of it happen? I don't know. But I do know I need another adventure. Maybe no one will ever understand what happened in Leveeside. I doubt I do. But I made the best of it.
- In Conclusion: Postscript: I will never order mangoes again. I am certain.
- Bonus: The Diary Entries:
- "Day 1: Everything smells vaguely like damp wood and mystery."
- "Day 2: That noodle soup will change my life. Or at least my waistline."
- "Day 3: Why is every single person here so much more stylish than me?"
- "Day 4: I think I've seen the ghost lady. (Or am I the ghost lady?)"
- "Day 5: I will come back."
Leveeside House Taiwan: The Unfiltered Truth (and Why You Should Maybe Go)
Okay, spill the tea. What *is* Leveeside House, and why should I care? Sounds kinda...generic.
Alright, alright, buckle up. Leveeside House is basically a guesthouse/boutique hotel situation in Taiwan. Think cozy, not the Ritz. It's tucked away somewhere scenic (I'll get to the *exactly where* later, trust me). Why should you care? Honestly? Because it feels...real. It's not some Instagram-perfect void; it's got character. Maybe a little too much character sometimes, if I’m being honest. You’re not going to the mega-resort, you’re going to a place that *feels* like someone actually lives there, and that’s kind of cool.
Where exactly *is* this hidden gem? Don't leave me hanging!
Okay, fine! It's in the Sun Moon Lake area. Sun Moon Lake! Picture this: the air is thick with humidity, the lake shimmers with a weird mythical quality (seriously, the light plays tricks!), and you're surrounded by hills covered in tea plantations. Getting there? A tiny bit of a pain, honestly. Think winding roads and possibly a questionable bus journey. But hey, the *journey* is supposed to be part of the fun, right? (Secret: Pack some motion sickness pills. Just trust me.)
So, the rooms...what's the vibe? Modern? Rustic? Be honest!
Okay, so the rooms…are…charming. "Charming" is code for "not perfectly polished, but with a lot of character." Our room, for instance (I can't recall which specific one it was, but the experience transcends mere names), had wooden floors that *slightly* creaked. I swear, I spent the first ten minutes just testing them, walking around. There were moments where I thought I'd fall through the floor. But it added to the whole experience, right? There was a balcony with a view of…well, something green and growing. (I’m terrible with geography, as I said.) The bathroom? Functional. Maybe a little small. But clean! Crucially, clean. I'm a cleanliness freak, so that was huge for me. No bugs. (Okay, maybe *one* tiny ant, but it was basically a house pet by the end).
What's the food like? Because good food can make or break a trip. (And I'm picky!)
Oh, the food! Okay, it's not Michelin-star, but it's *good*. Really good. They serve breakfast. Now, I'm a breakfast person, a huge breakfast-ophile. They had this congee, which is like rice porridge, but unbelievably delicious. Seriously, I almost licked the bowl. And then there was this little fried egg…perfectly cooked, with a runny yolk that exploded in my mouth. It was the highlight of my entire visit, if I'm honest. (It was a *long* trip.) The coffee? Not the best. But hey, you're in Taiwan, not Italy. The point is, It was simple, comforting, and tasted honest.
Are there any downsides? Be brutally honest! I can handle it.
Okay, okay, let's get real. There were *minor* downsides. Like I said, the coffee wasn't amazing. And…the internet? Sometimes patchy. (I blame the mountains, I really do). One day, I tried to upload a photo and...nothing. Pure. Frustration. I almost threw my laptop out the window. But then I took a deep breath, and I realized, maybe it's okay to disconnect for a bit. Also, the staff were *super* lovely, but language was a bit of a barrier at times. My Mandarin is… non-existent. So, lots of smiling and pointing. And then, during the night..well, the neighbors (if you can call them that, it sounded like they were in the room with us) - they had a party. It was a bit loud. I didn't say anything, being the polite person I am.
What's there to *do* besides eat congee and creak on wooden floors?
Sun Moon Lake! You can hike around the lake (very scenic!), cycle (rent a bike!), visit temples (absolutely stunning!), or just chill out and *be*. There are boat tours (tourist-y, but still worth it), and you can even learn about tea production (surprisingly fascinating!). I mostly just… sat on the balcony with a book and a cup of tea (a different tea, I tried five of them). But hey, it's your trip, you can explore more if you want to.
So, would you go back? Be honest, no holds barred.
You know what? Yes. Absolutely yes. Despite the patchy internet, the creaky floors, the occasional noise, and the questionable coffee situation. I'd go back. Because it wasn't just a place to stay; it was an experience. It was a little slice of Taiwanese life, a chance to unplug (whether you wanted to or not), and to eat that damn congee again. And that, my friends, is worth a lot.
Are there any specific tips you'd give someone thinking of going?
Oh yes! Firstly, pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing some walking. Secondly, brush up on a few basic Mandarin phrases. (The staff are brilliant but it might help). Thirdly, bring a book. Or two. Or three! Fourthly, try the congee! And finally, and this is the most important: go with an open mind. Because sometimes the best places are a little messy, a little imperfect, and a whole lot unforgettable. And that's the kind of experience that makes a trip truly worth it.
Do they have things for kids? or are they not allowed.
Honestly, I don't recall specifically seeing a kids-club or a playground, so it's probably more geared towards adults looking for a peaceful escape. But I'm not sure. Contact them directly to be sure. Either way, It's not the type of place with tons of kid-centric activities. Maybe bring some board games to unwind!
