We took a taxi from Hualien Station to Angel Wings Inn, which was only a 6-7 minute drive away. The trip cost NT$130. We booked this inn through booking.com after reading glowing reviews about it.
Angel Wings Inn is located in the heart of Hualien, and the best part is that it is within walking distance of attractions such as Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park (which also serves as a pick-up point for our day tours) and Dongdamen Night Market.
Check out 11.00am
Location
Aside from being close to some notable attractions, Angel Wings Inn is also directly across the street from FE21 Shopping Mall (遠東百貨). A Starbucks is just across the road, and a 7-Eleven is only a 1-minute walk away.
FE21 shopping mall is open from 11.00am to 10.00pm on Sunday through Thursday, and from 11.00am to 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday. There is also an A.mart supermarket within the mall that is open daily from 9.00am to 10.00pm, making it very easy and convenient to get food and non-food supplies.
Checking in
When we arrived at the inn, we were stuck outside the main door because we couldn’t get in. We only found out later that the inn owner had emailed us via the hotel booking site and left her phone number so we could contact her via the LINE app. If you’re not aware, LINE is the most popular messaging app in Taiwan, so download it if you don’t already have it.
I texted her to let her know we had arrived. She came down quickly (she and her family live on the top floor) to open the door for us and tell us the passcode so we could enter on our own since there wouldn’t be anyone there all the time.
The moment we walked in, we felt right at home. Well, technically, this was indeed someone’s home! The ground floor was a communal area with a kitchen/pantry. There was a refrigerator, hot and cold water dispenser, coffee machine, microwave, and everything you needed to make a cup of coffee or tea.
The ‘reception desk’ was at a corner, but it wasn’t always staffed because the Mr. or Mrs. (the owners are a couple) would only be present when someone needed to check in or out. You can message them on LINE ahead of time to let them know when you’ll be arriving or departing.
When you finish checking in, grab one of the thermal jugs on the shelf, fill it with drinking water, and bring it to your room so you don’t have to keep coming down to refill your cup.
Angel Wings Inn is full of personality
The DIY decor is an eclectic mix of styles with European and vintage influences. It’s clear that the owners put in a lot of effort to make the place look nice. Because this inn is also a homestay, the furnishings, fixtures, and amenities provided are based on what people prefer or require in their own homes. The atmosphere is very welcoming and cosy.
There is lift access
The inn may be a low building with only the first three floors open for guestrooms, but it still has a lift. Ideal for those who have large suitcases or are too lazy to walk up the stairs. Just like me, lol!
They even decorated the stairway. Nice!
The guestroom
Our room was on the third floor. When we walked in, it felt like we had been transported to Europe. French moulding on the walls. Art from the past. Wall lamps made of copper. Black leather armchair and ottoman of the mid-century style. The room was spacious!
Loved this wall mural of an English pub.
Just outside the bathroom was a vanity area with a vintage gold mirror. Bottled water, toiletries, tissue paper, and a hairdryer were all provided.
The balcony
Though the view wasn’t spectacular, having a balcony like this meant you could get some fresh air whenever you wanted.
They also provided a hanging rack with plenty of hangers.
The bathroom
Bathroom in Parisian style, with black and white tiles.
Wall tiles with vintage photos. I spotted the Arc de Triomphe!
Electronic bidet toilet seat. A treat for your bottom, haha!
Final thoughts
We had a fantastic time at Angel Wings Inn. There was nothing we didn’t enjoy about our stay here. When I requested for extra pillows as I like to prop up my head while sleeping, Mrs. swiftly delivered them to our room. There was one afternoon when we met with both Mr. and Mrs. at the ground floor communal area, we had a long chat, just talking about everything under the sun, particularly food. They are such a lovable and friendly couple. The couple only communicates in Chinese/Mandarin, so my hubby couldn’t fully participate in the conversation unless I translated for him.
Overall, I would strongly recommend Angel Wings Inn to anyone visiting Hualien. There’s so much to love! 🙂