Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse: Your Taiwan Dream Getaway Awaits!
Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse: Taiwan Dream? More Like, Dream Recovered! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill some serious tea on the Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse. And let me tell you, the name? Definitely a bit of a high-wire act there. Is it truly unbelievable? Well, let's break it down, shall we? Because after a week in the Taipei sprawl, a place like this is either paradise or a… well, let's just say I'm not shy about sharing.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack): Accessibility & Getting There
Right off the bat, I need to address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Now, I'm walking and relatively able-bodied, but I do get a bit lost in translation sometimes. They mention things like "facilities for disabled guests," the elevator is a godsend after hauling luggage. This is Taiwan, after all. So, it wasn't a huge problem for me, but if you're relying on wheelchair access, double-check everything. Call ahead, read reviews specifically focused on that, okay? Don't repeat my slightly panicked initial thought. (More on elevators later…)
And getting there? Okay, airport transfer? Check. Bliss. After a 14-hour flight, I was thrilled to see a friendly face and a sign with my name. Smooth, easy. Valet parking? Also there, but honestly, I didn't drive, so that's more of a “huh, that’s nice” situation for me.
Cleanliness & Safety: Surviving a Pandemic (and My Own Germaphobia)
Alright, this is where Reui Heng really shines. I'm a bit of a hygiene freak, you see. This is my pandemic-induced paranoia talking, but I'm obsessed with hand sanitizer. Everywhere. And do they offer it here? Oh, absolutely. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere! Anti-viral cleaning products? Yup. Daily disinfection in common areas? You bet your bottom dollar.
The staff? Trained in safety protocol, of course. Which, frankly, is a comfort right now. I'm not saying I spent every waking moment scrutinizing for dust bunnies, but knowing the place was (and is) taking it seriously meant I could actually relax a little.
The Room: Safe Haven or Tiny Prison Cell? (Spoiler: Mostly Safe Haven!)
Okay, let’s talk room. I sprung for a room that was advertised as non-smoking. And let me tell you, the blackout curtains were a GODSEND. Seriously, after days of battling jet lag, the ability to turn my room into a pitch-black cave was life-saving. You can also opt out of room sanitization, so you have the option to not have all that disinfectant smell if you want.
My room offered a free Wi-Fi signal. And I didn't have to wrestle with a router or hunt for the password! I could finally upload all those ridiculously over-filtered Instagram photos of my breakfast. And the extra long bed? Oh, the joy. I almost didn’t want to leave. The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were comfy, and the complimentary tea was much appreciated. The in-room safe box, a necessity for keeping your passport and your sanity safe.
And the best part? The window that opens! Fresh air! After a week of air-con only, that was a revelation.
The imperfection: I had a hard time finding a place to charge my phone and the soundproofing was a bit iffy. I could hear the elevator whrring which, admittedly, reminded me of the good old days of my childhood, but it could be a problem if you are a light sleeper. But still, for the price, it gets the job done.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Oh, the food. This is where Reui Heng really made me reconsider my life choices. The Asian breakfast? Incredible. Noodles, dumplings, the works. It was a buffet (a delicious buffet!), and, blessedly, they offered vegetarian options. And lots of them. And there's a coffee shop!
I loved the restaurants. A poolside bar and options for international cuisine and western cuisine? Yes, please and thank you. I mean, who doesn't love an a la carte menu? Not me, that’s for sure.
The downside? The room service menu kinda went through some rough patches. The pizza looked and tasted like my college dorm room attempt at creating a frozen meal. So, avoid the pizza. Trust me on this one. Stick to the local fare. It's always a win.
Relaxation Station: Where Dreams Go To Die (…or Maybe Just Take a Nap)
Okay, so "Unbelievable" might be a slight exaggeration in this department. They have a swimming pool… outdoors! (And it’s really nice, even if it wasn't gigantic.) It's a good size to chill in with a drink. You can get a massage, they have the spa/sauna, and you can go to the gym/fitness center. Oh, and, a foot bath!
Honestly? I went swimming, and then I slept. This is a city getaway, not a full-blown, luxurious resort. Lower your expectations a little bit, and you will be fine.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where Reui Heng shines in the details. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. A concierge who actually knew things? Double check. They have a convenience store on site and a gift/souvenir shop.
And the Wi-Fi? Works, everywhere. That might seem minor, but trust me, when you rely on the internet to plan your next adventure, it’s a lifesaver.
For the Kids (And the Big Kids Too!)
While I don't have any children, I noticed they had a babysitting service and kids facilities. Family-friendly is a big win in my book, although I didn't personally experience it.
Getting Around
Airport transfer? They had it, and it made things so easy. Otherwise, there’s taxi service.
Things to Do (Outside the Guesthouse): Adventures Await! or Just a Really Good Night's Sleep.
- I’m not going to lie, I spent most of my time in the guest house, recovering from jet lag. The area is well connected with nice things to do.
My Verdict: Is It Unbelievable? Not Quite. But…
Okay, so, is the Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse truly unbelievable? No. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Do the elevators sometimes sound like they’re about to fall apart? Maybe.
But here's the thing: despite its little imperfections, this place works. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and the staff were wonderful. It has the basics covered, and then some.
My Recommendation and a Compelling Offer to Book:
Why You Should Book:
- Strategic Location: Escape the noise of the city.
- Value for Money: For the price, you get a lot.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of mind.
- The Breakfast (Seriously, Go For the Breakfast!)
My Offer to You (Because You Deserve a Treat!):
Book your stay at the Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse today through this link [insert a fake affiliate link for fun] and get a free bottle of local wine upon arrival! (Just because you read this ridiculously honest review!) That's right, deliciousness, comfort, and potential elevator-induced anxiety all in one package! What are you waiting for? Book your Taiwan dream getaway - or, at the very least, one heck of a nap.
[Link to a real booking site for Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse]
P.S. Don’t forget to try the dumplings! And if you see the elevator guy, tell him I said hi. He's a legend.
Unbelievable Glamping in Vietnam: Vu Glamping Will Blow You Away!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's pristine itinerary. This is Reui Heng Guesthouse, Taiwan, raw and unfiltered, baby. This is my experience, and trust me, it's gonna be a rollercoaster.
Subject: Reui Heng - Expect the Unexpected (and Probably a Lost Sock or Two)
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lag & Ramen Redemption
- Time: 3:00 PM (Give or take. Let's be real, I'm perpetually late.)
- Activity: ARRIVAL. Yep. Finally, after 15 hours of flying (and surviving a screaming toddler two rows behind), I'm in Taipei. Landed. Alive. Feeling vaguely like a dehydrated prune.
- Transportation: Airplane…duh. Then, the Taipei Metro (which, by the way, is cleaner than my bathroom at home – seriously, how do they DO it?!). Grabbed a taxi from the station - I don't trust myself with bus directions after that red-faced meltdown trying to find the hotel in Tokyo.
- Location: Reui Heng Guesthouse, obviously. Found it! After about 30 minutes of confused wandering (blame the jet lag). The sign, bless its neon heart, wasn't exactly obvious.
- Mood: Disoriented. Slightly delirious. My brain is basically scrambled eggs. But… also, optimistic! This is Taiwan! Adventure awaits! (Probably involving bubble tea. Definitely involving bubble tea.)
- The Good: The guesthouse is cute! Tiny, but cute. My room is… compact. Like, "can touch all four walls simultaneously" compact. But clean and has a little balcony!
- The Bad: Jet lag is a beast. And I swear, I saw a cockroach scurry under the welcome mat. (Maybe it was a trick of the light? Please, let it be a trick of the light.)
- Dinner: Found myself a little ramen shop around the corner from the guesthouse. Oh. My. God. The broth. The noodles. THE. CHASHU. PURE. HEAVEN. Ate two bowls, shamelessly. Don't judge.
- Evening: Crash. Sleep. Pray I don’t drool all over the pillow. (Spoiler alert: I probably will.)
Day 2: Temples, Tea & Existential Dread (and More Ramen)
- Time: 9:00 AM (ish)
- Activity: Exploring! Hit up Longshan Temple. It was… intense. Incense smoke everywhere, people praying, the air thick with history. I felt utterly dwarfed. Felt like I stumbled onto an ancient ceremony, not just a tourist attraction. Got a bit overwhelmed. Lost my train of thought and nearly got run over by a guy frantically praying. My own fault for getting lost staring at the intricate carvings.
- Transportation: Metro again. Still amazed by its efficiency. And cleanliness! Seriously, Taiwan, what's your secret?
- Location: Longshan Temple, then a tea house recommended by a fellow traveler (shout out to Steve from Seattle!).
- Mood: Humbled. Inspired. Slightly anxious. Am I doing this right? Being a tourist, experiencing another culture… it's kind of… A lot.
- The Good: The tea ceremony! OMG. Proper tea is a revelation. The flavors! The ritual! Steve gave me some pointers on how to actually taste the tea, and I almost teared up. Turns out, the tea wasn't just hot water and flavour stuff, it was a story.
- The Bad: The crowds at the temple. I’m not sure if I enjoyed seeing it, but it was definitely a sensory overload. Also, I managed to lose my favorite pen. Dammit.
- Dinner: Back to the ramen shop. Because, comfort food. And seriously, that chashu is LIFE. Had a chat with the owner, who told me about his grandfather's tea shop upstate. Made me dream of my own little business someday… maybe a cat cafe/tea house?
- Evening: Journaling (and trying not to spill tea on it). Thinking about life. Wondering if I'll ever truly understand this weird, wonderful, chaotic world. And then sleep. Probably. Jet lag has a way of deciding.
Day 3: Sun, Sand & a Misadventure in Scuba
- Time: 7:00 AM (Who am I?!)
- Activity: Heading to Kenting. Beach time! Sun! And, oh yeah… SCUBA DIVING.
- Transportation: High-speed rail to Kaohsiung, then a bus down to Kenting. (Note: learn some Mandarin. Or at least, learn how to say "Where is the bus stop?" in Mandarin. I'm working on it…)
- Location: Kenting National Park. Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
- Mood: Eager. Nervous. Slightly terrified. (Scuba diving is, shall we say, a new experience for me.)
- The Good: The beach itself. Turquoise water, white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze. Picture perfect. Then I took a scuba lesson. At first, I was terrified, but I ended up seeing an entire ecosystem of fish just under the surface. Absolutely breath-taking.
- The Bad: Had a total panic attack underwater. Couldn't equalize. Felt like I was going to explode. Nearly drowned myself. (Dramatic, I know, but true). Thankfully, the instructor was awesome, pulled me through it. Lesson: Listen to your body. Also, learn how to equalize before you get in the water.
- Dinner: Fresh seafood. The best damn grilled squid I've ever tasted. Needed the carbs. Had a beer. Needed that too.
- Evening: Spent the night looking up how to deal with a panic attack. I feel the weight of water in the depths of the ocean, and the weight of my own lungs in the air. Realized I'd underestimated the emotional toll of travel.
Day 4: Back to Taipei - Night Markets & Self-Reflection (and Bubble Tea Overload)
- Time: 2:00 PM (Finally back at Reui Heng)
- Activity: Exploring Taipei's night markets, trying to reclaim the enjoyment in the trip I'd taken for granted. More food. Less introspection.
- Transportation: That long trip from Kenting… buses and high-speed rail.
- Location: Shilin Night Market & Ximending.
- Mood: Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Slightly less terrified. A strange mix of grief, satisfaction and contentment.
- The Good: The food! The sights! The energy! That, and the bubble tea. OMG, the bubble tea. I think I’ve developed a caffeine addiction.
- The Bad: The crowds. Again. I think I need a vacation… from my vacation. The constant stimulation is starting to wear me down. I'm gonna hide in my room and watch bad TV.
- Dinner: Night market food. EVERYTHING. Stinky tofu (surprisingly good!), oyster omelets, and more bubble tea. Ate so much, I could barely move. The owner of a stall told me that I would need to take a walk to digest.
- Evening: Sat in my room for hours, gazing out at the Taipei skyline. I thought about what I'd learned about myself. Was that the goal? Did I even want to learn anything? I don't know. Also, wrote a letter to myself. No, I’ll never look at the world the same way again. Probably a good thing.
Day 5: Departure - So Long, Taiwan (and Please Pack My Underwear!)
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Activity: Packing. Last minute snack. Trying to remember where I put my passport (because, panic).
- Transportation: Taxi to the airport. Airplane. Home.
- Location: Reui Heng Guesthouse (for now!). Then, the airport.
- Mood: Bittersweet. Sad to leave. But also, ready to go home. Tired. But full. Full of amazing food, weird encounters, and memories that I’ll probably still be processing in a few weeks.
- The Good: Taiwan. Seriously, everything. The people. The food. The culture. The beauty. (Okay, mostly the food.) And the fact that I survived (mostly).
- The Bad: The fact that I'm leaving. The fact that I think I left a pair of socks in the laundry room? And I think I left my favorite socks in the room.
- Final Thoughts: Reui Heng Guesthouse was… well, it was an experience. Quirky, charming, sometimes a little rough around the edges, but perfect in its own way. Taiwan… you've stolen a piece of my heart (and filled my stomach). I'll be back, I promise. And next time, I'm bringing a bigger suitcase… and maybe a hazmat suit for the stinky tofu.
Unbelievable Reui Heng Guesthouse: Seriously, Is This Real Life? (FAQs - Because You KNOW You Have Questions)
Okay, Spill the Tea: What *Actually* Makes This Place "Unbelievable"? Is it Hype?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't just some cookie-cutter hostel. "Unbelievable" might be a slight exaggeration (I mean, the toilet *did* clog once – more on that later!), but it's seriously special. It's less about fancy marble and more about… soul. Think: the kind of place where you arrive a stressed traveler and leave feeling like you've genuinely *met* someone, you know?
For me, it was the free bikes. Seriously. The feeling of zipping through the rice paddies at sunset, the wind whipping through my hair… I almost cried. And the family running the place? They're not just friendly, they're borderline psychic. They somehow *knew* I was craving beef noodle soup after a day of hiking. It's the little things. And maybe the fact my travel buddy and I spent an entire afternoon geeking out over their record collection, spilling tea (both literally *and* figuratively) with the owner's mom. Okay, maybe "unbelievable" is apt. Just, you know, tempered with a healthy dose of reality (and, again, that clogged toilet...)
So, Location, Location, Location? Is It Actually Convenient? (And Please Don't Say "Off the Beaten Path" - I Hate That!)
Look, "off the beaten path" is a travel cliché. Let's just say it's... *perfect*. Reui Heng is nestled in the heart of... (checks notes) ...the scenic countryside near Taitung. Don't worry, it's not *hours* away from civilization. The train station is close (though Google Maps might lie - my friend and I got totally lost the first time!), and the free bikes mean you can explore at your own pace. And there's a local market nearby that's overflowing with deliciousness. Okay, fine, some people *might* consider it slightly outside the main city hustle, but trust me - that's the *point*. You're seeking a breather, right? Well, you'll absolutely find it here. Just be prepared for the odd rooster crow at 5 AM. (Earplugs are your friend).
Tell Me About the Rooms! Are They Like, Clean? (I'm a Germaphobe, Okay?)
Okay, okay, breathe. They're clean. Really clean. And that's coming from someone who carries hand sanitizer religiously. The rooms are simple, comfortable, and honestly, rather charming. Think: wooden floors, comfy beds, and a general vibe of homeyness. And, yes, the bathrooms are kept tidy (unless, as I mentioned, someone dramatically overuses the toilet paper. Sorry, Reui Heng!). Plus, big windows! So you wake up to the beautiful Taiwanese countryside right at your door. It's a far cry from those bleak, sterile hotel boxes.
Food, Glorious Food! What About Breakfast? And Will I Starve?
Oh. My. God. The breakfast. *Chef's kiss*. Seriously, I would've paid extra just for the breakfast. You won't starve. You might gain a few pounds (worth it!). They usually offer a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, and even the simplest things are absolute culinary masterpieces. Fresh fruit, fluffy bao (steamed buns), and – my personal weakness – the best coffee in the entire universe (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating...a little...). They even accommodated my friend's gluten allergy with delicious alternatives. They really do go the extra mile. And I am still dreaming about it!
Okay, Spill the Tea - What's the Worst Thing About Staying There? (Be Honest!)
Alright, here's where I get real. The absolute WORST thing? Having to leave. Seriously, I almost staged a dramatic sit-in. And okay, the air conditioning can take a while to kick in, especially if you are there in summer. But honestly, that's it. And, okay, the toilet *did* clog. But, you know, it happens! (And the owner apologized profusely - even though it was totally my fault!). Honestly, I can't think of any serious downsides. You might get attached. You probably *will* get attached. Be warned.
Are There Any Tours or Activities Offered? Or am I on My Own?
They don’t run organized tours, per se, but the owners are a goldmine of local knowledge! They are full of recommendations and happy to give you advice and help you plan your day! They will tell you where to go, what to do, and what to eat. The best part is that you get a local experience where you can discover lesser-known places. They practically force you to take their free bikes (they're great, like I said!), and can help you with other activities, like hiking trails or getting around if you need it. They’re genuinely invested in you having an amazing time, and that's the best "tour" you could ask for, really. They are also *very* good at offering suggestions about local food (seriously… listen to them!).
Sounds Great But, What About the Internet? Because, You Know, #TravelBloggerLife?
The Wi-Fi is… fine. Let's put it that way. It's not lightning-fast, but it's reliable enough to check emails, post a few Instagram photos, and, you know, keep in touch with the real world. But honestly? I found myself using it less and less. The beauty of this place (and Taiwan in general) is disconnecting. Don't get me wrong, I love a good scroll as much as the next person, but being forced to unplug, well, it's a good thing. Embrace the digital detox! Though, a word of warning: it might be difficult to stop when the wifi is running again.
I'm a Solo Traveler. Will I Feel Awkward? Or Is It a Good Vibe for Meeting People?
Okay, solo travelers, listen up! This place is *perfect* for you. The communal areas are designed to encourage mingling, but never pressure you. I met the best people there, some of whom I'm still in touch with! The owners create a really welcoming atmosphere, and you'll find yourself chatting with other guests over breakfast, or helping them with their Mandarin (or, you know, failing miserably like I did; the owner’s son was my savior!). Even if you're shy, you’ll find yourself making friends. It's just… the vibe, you know?Rooms And Vibes
