The good thing with hopping on the shared ride (van) is that they will bring you to your hotel's doorstep as long as its in Alishan's Hotel Area, saving you some time in finding where you will be staying.  The area is a bit downhill from the bus station, at the back of the supposedly Visitor Center (it's under construction at the time of my trip).

Most of the hotels are clustered in the area, except for 2 (or is it 3?) hotels that's within the forest recreation area.

Hotel Area

I stayed at Gaushanching Hotel.  I booked this through booking.com for TWD1700 (inclusive of taxes and service charge) per night.  It has complimentary breakfast (which is on another building near 7-11) and free wi-fi.  Since check-in time is at 15:00, I just left my bags there and did some exploring.

Gaushanching Hotel

Hotel Area

Path going up the town center

Going up the steps, I passed by this picnic area
at the back of the hotel;this also
leads to a 2nd floor door of Gaushanching

Top of the steps

Hotel Area Map I found at the top of the steps

It was already around 4:00PM when I got back to the hotel.  I checked-in, freshen up a bit, relax my tired legs and went out again to get some dinner.

Gaushanching Hotel Interior

Hotel Room at Gaushanching

View from my room (look at that fog!)

When I got back, I felt that it's cold in my room and didn't know how to turn on the heater (for room temp).  So I went downstairs and asked the staff.  However, there are no English-speaking staff at night so it was very hard to communicate.  They called one who I could speak to and, if I heard it correctly, I've been informed that they hadn't (or won't) turned it on because there's just a few guests for the night. Brrrr! I survived the night using my jacket and comforters.

Alishan Weather

Buffet breakfast the next morning was at a building near 7-11 and it's mostly Chinese dishes.  A coupon was given to me when I checked in, which needs to be presented upon entry to this dining area.

Breakfast

FYI: When taking the bus to the city, you could ask them if they have available service to get you to the bus station.  They would most likely give you a ride since it's uphill.

For those who love purple/violet, this hotel is for you.  The main color in the hotel is purple with bits of apple green.


They have cable tv, free wi-fi and buffet breakfast.  They also have a gym and laundry room (although I haven't been able to take a look at this since I'm out of the hotel most of the time).

It is located between Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial and Guting MRT stations.

Click here to go to the hotel's website


Getting There

From Taipei Main Station, I rode the MRT to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station and took Exit 2 (Nanmen Market).

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

 

The 4th alley after the traffic light leads to Saual Keh hotel

Saual Keh Hotel location

The Hotel

The Lobby

If one wants to take the stairs to the room, he can do so.

Buffet Breakfast

The Room
 
The room is quite small but the size is ok. Not much space to move around for two persons but big enough for one.  I got the room (from booking.com) at TWD6,160 instead of the TWD4,400 per night.