Hualien's Purrfect Hostel: Pawsitively the Best Stay!
Purrfect Hostel: Pawsitively the Best Stay! - A Messy, Honest, and Somewhat Rambling Review
(Because let's be real, perfection is overrated)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from Hualien and, let me tell you, my stay at Purrfect Hostel… well, it was an experience. "Pawsitively the Best Stay"? Hmm, well, the marketing department clearly had fun with that. But is it really? Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, this is going to be a bit all over the place, just like my suitcase after I unpacked.
First Impressions (or, the Glorious Confusion of Arrival)
Finding the place in the first place was… an adventure. Okay, maybe "adventure" is a generous word. Let's go with "mildly stressful scavenger hunt." The directions were a little vague, and my phone battery, of course, decided to take a permanent vacation. But eventually, after a lot of squinting and a pleading look at a bewildered local, I found it! And right off the bat, I was impressed!
Accessibility & Safety: A Mixed Bag (Like My Packing Strategy)
Now, I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I do appreciate a place that tries to be accessible. The elevator (bless you, elevator!) was a godsend because my luggage always seems to weigh more than me. Thankfully, the elevator was a lifesaver! They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is great, but I didn’t get a full tour from the hostel just yet.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where Purrfect Hostel shines. They're clearly taking the whole pandemic thing seriously. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff were constantly wiping things down. Lots of them! They also had anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms were sanitized between stays. I didn't use the room sanitization opt-out, but it's nice to know it's an option. Big plus: Daily disinfection in common areas, which is HUGE in my book. They also had first aid kits (thank goodness, I needed one for a paper cut… don't judge) and a doctor/nurse on call. Plus, the staff are trained in safety protocols, which is reassuring. They’ve got CCTV in common areas and outside property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and security (24-hour), so that takes a lot off. So, on this front, it really was a safe place to be.
Rooms: Cozy, Quirky, and (Mostly) Clean
My room was… well, let’s just say it was charming. It had air conditioning, a desk, air conditioning, a closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, a desk, extra long bed (thank goodness, because I'm a sprawler), and free bottled water (always a win!). Also, towels, slippers and a hair dryer were provided and, best of all? Wi-Fi [free]. The Wi-Fi in all rooms was a godsend, but sometimes it took a while for the internet to load. The desk was great! The blackout curtains meant I could actually sleep in – a HUGE win. I mean, they weren't perfect, the curtains were a bit too short, but nothing a strategically placed pillow couldn't fix. I also didn’t use the bathrobes, but they did have them there. I wake-up service was also available! The overall vibe was clean and comfortable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Eyes (and Stomach, Sometimes!)
Okay, the food situation. This is where things got… interesting. They offer Asian breakfast, and a Western breakfast, a breakfast [buffet] and breakfast in room. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was available, but I wasn't always able to sit down for a full meal. Also, there were many other restaurants nearby to choose from. The coffee/tea in restaurant was available, which I always appreciate. The snack bar was perfect for a quick bite! And the bottle of water in the room was a lifesaver.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: A Sensory Overload (in the Best Way)
Purrfect Hostel isn't just a place to crash. They had a swimming pool [outdoor]! It had a pool with view! There was also a sauna and a spa/sauna (I didn’t get to experience them, but they seem fabulous). Then, for those like me that would rather laze around, they had a big terrace.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Comforts That Matter
This is where Purrfect Hostel really shines. The concierge was incredibly helpful, pointing me in the right direction for everything from the best hiking trails to the yummiest dumplings. They also had a convenience store, which was vital for late-night snacks (a girl's gotta eat!). They have daily housekeeping, so you don’t have to! The cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and luggage storage services were also super convenient (especially when I was racing to catch my train).
For the Kids:
I didn’t have kids, but I saw other families there and, yes, they had kids facilities, a babysitting service, and were child friendly!.
Now, for the Hard Truths (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The Internet: While Wi-Fi was free in the rooms (hurrah!), It was a little patchy in spots. Prepare to embrace the digital detox.
- The Noise: While Purrfect Hostel offers soundproof rooms, sometimes, late-night revelers (ahem, me) can be a tad noisy.
- Getting Around: The location, while lovely, requires a bit of walking.
So, "Pawsitively the Best Stay?" Maybe not, BUT…
My Verdict: Purrfect Hostel is a fantastic option for a memorable, comfortable, and safe stay in Hualien. The location is great, the staff are friendly, and the amenities are excellent. Despite a few minor hiccups, the overall experience was wonderful.
My Offer (Because Everyone Loves a Bargain!)
Book your stay at Purrfect Hostel today and receive a special offer!
- Get a free upgrade to a room with a balcony!
- Enjoy a complimentary drink at the poolside bar!
- Receive a discount on any spa treatment!
So, yes, I would definitely recommend Purrfect Hostel. It's a place that feels genuine. Go, enjoy, and be prepared to have a purr-fectly wonderful time! (I'm so sorry, I had to.)
Escape to Paradise: ArunSakhon Luxury Condo Awaits in Samut Sakhon!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-gonna-get-me-lost-in-a-night-market-at-3-AM-because-I-can't-say-no-to-fried-doughnuts version, all centered around the Paw-some Hostel in Hualien, Taiwan. Let's DO this.
Paw-some Hostel Hualien: A Messy, Amazing Adventure (with a high probability of snack-related disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I'm Actually Here" Moment
- Morning (Like, REALLY Morning, Thanks Jetlag): Arrived at Hualien airport. Okay, first impression? Hot. Humid. And the taxi driver was blasting Mandarin pop music at a volume that could shatter glass. (I secretly loved it, though. It felt…real.) Check-in at Paw-some Hostel. Seriously, the place is adorable. Colorful murals of cartoon dogs? Sold. Plus, the staff (bless their patient souls) spoke surprisingly good English and didn't judge my frantic attempts to figure out the Wi-Fi.
- First Impression: "Doggo Paradise"
- Afternoon: Orientation and the Hunt for Lunch (and Sanity)
- Quick hostel tour and a desperate hunt for food. I'd been traveling for 24 hours. My brain was mush. Found a tiny place off the beaten path (like, literally, down a random alley). The menu was entirely in Chinese. Pointed randomly at a picture that looked vaguely like noodles. Verdict: surprisingly delicious! (And I think there was a whole fried egg on top? Victory.)
- Side Note: Nearly got run over by a scooter. Learn to look BOTH ways. (Twice.) Seriously.
- Evening: Night Market Mayhem (and Regret? Maybe Not.)
- Facedown With Doughnuts. Hualien night market. Oh. My. God. The smells! The lights! The sheer chaos of it all! Ate too many pot stickers (worth it). Got completely entranced by a guy making some kind of crazy crepe thing and ate two (also worth it, even if my stomach is now a tiny, angry beast). Then came the doughnuts. Fried, sugary, perfect doughnuts. Ate them. Then ate ANOTHER. Did I regret it? Definitely not. Will I regret it later? Maybe. But right now, I'm in a sugar-induced haze of pure happiness.
- Emotion: Pure, unadulterated, night-market bliss.
Day 2: Taroko Gorge - Majestic Scenery and a Near-Death Experience?
- Morning: Up and at 'Em (After a Necessary Caffeine Injection)
- This is where things get real. Taroko Gorge. The photos, the hype… it's all justified, people. Seriously. Booked a tour from the hostel, met a ragtag group of fellow travellers. We were all tired. Some of us, like me, were hungover from doughnuts.
- Anomalous Note: Bring water. Seriously. And sunscreen. And maybe a spare pair of socks.
- Daytime: Waterfall Whispers and Cliffside Wonders
- The gorge itself is breathtaking. Towering marble cliffs, rushing turquoise water, lush greenery everywhere. Even my grumpy inner critic was silenced. Hiked to a waterfall – picture-perfect! (Tried to get a good selfie, nearly fell off the cliff. The aforementioned waterfall was also in the frame, but I was too busy trying not to die to appreciate it at the moment).
- Opinion: The hikes are not for the faint of heart, but honestly the most amazing view is well worth the energy expenditure.
- Afternoon: Temple Tranquility (and a Tiny Case of the Wobbles)
- Visited the Eternal Spring Shrine. Beautiful, serene. Felt strangely moved. And then I had to pee. Like, REALLY had to pee. Searched frantically for a bathroom, found one. Crisis averted. Peace restored.
- Anecdote: The air up there is thin! Was starting to feel a bit wobbly. Ate a convenience store onigiri to get me through.
Day 3: Coastal Cruising, Sunrise Shenanigans, and Seafood Sadness
- Morning: The Sunrise (and the Struggle)
- Woke up at 4:30 AM (voluntarily this time!) to catch the sunrise at Qixingtan Beach. Worth. Every. Second. The colors were unreal. Pink, orange, purple, all swirling together over the ocean. Took a million photos. Felt a pang of pure joy. Then, I stepped in some sand that felt like it had glass in it. (My life is a rollercoaster.)
- Reaction: Pure awe mixed with a tiny bit of "ouch."
- Daytime: Coastal Cycle and Ocean Views
- Rented a bike – a slightly wobbly, probably-seen-better-days bike – and cycled along the coast. Wind in my hair (that is, if I had any hair left after all that sun). The views were just stunning. Stopped at various viewpoints, took more photos. Briefly considered running away and becoming a beach bum.
- Observation: Taiwan is absolutely beautiful. Cycling is the best. Maybe I'm starting to feel at home!
- Afternoon: Seafood Set Back (It's All Downhill From Here)
- Went to a seafood restaurant. I thought I ordered something simple and delicious. Instead, I received a plate of… something. That moved. A LOT. (I'm not naming names, but it involved a sea creature that I wasn't emotionally prepared for). Took one bite, couldn't do it. The seafood tasted like sad, defeated ocean.
- Emotional Outburst: DEEP. REGRET. and a sudden craving for doughnuts.
Day 4: Farewell to Paw-some and a Promise to Return (and Maybe Learn Mandarin)
- Morning: Hostel Hangout and Hugs
- Said goodbye to the incredibly lovely staff at Paw-some. They're saints. Seriously. Gave each of them a hug (possibly a little too enthusiastically). Promised to send them postcards. Felt a little sad to leave.
- Final Thought: Best hostel ever.
- Afternoon: Departure and the Post-Trip Blues
- On the train to… well, the next adventure. Looking out the window as the scenery passes and finding myself staring at the lush green mountains surrounding the train tracks. Taiwan is a place of unexpected moments. It’s a place where a simple bowl of noodles can be the best meal you’ve ever had, where a scooter whizzing by can make you almost die, and where a seafood dish can turn your stomach. But it's also the most breathtaking place I've ever been.
- Lasting Conclusion: I will be back! And maybe, just maybe, I will start practicing my Chinese.
So, you’re saying you’re a real sourdough baker now? Is that true?
What even *is* sourdough, anyway? Everyone seems so obsessed. It's just bread, no?
That starter... What *is* a starter? And how do you get one? Please tell me it doesn’t involve wild, untamed yeast.
Feeding the starter? That’s where I trip up the most! How often? What kind of flour? Is it picky?
Okay, I’ve got a starter. Now what? The bulk fermentation? The stretch and folds? What is *what*?! I'm already dizzy.
Shaping the loaf! This is where things go to pot. I’m all thumbs. Any tips for a klutz like me?
Proofing. Where do I do that? What's best to use? Anything is good enough as long as I bake it, right?
Baking with a Dutch oven? Do I HAVE to? I don’t have one.
