Uncover Tainan's Hidden Gem: Hotel Initial & Craft Beer Paradise!
Uncover Tainan's Hidden Gem: Hotel Initial & Craft Beer Paradise! - My Unfiltered Take (Plus, a Crazy Good Offer!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Tainan, and let me tell you, Hotel Initial wasn't just a place to crash – it was an experience. And yeah, I'm gonna be real with you, sometimes experiences are kinda… messy. But that's life, right? And this hotel, with its craft beer paradise thrown in for good measure, was definitely life.
First things first: The Beer. Oh. My. God. The Beer. Forget about checking in, all I wanted to do was grab a cold one. The bar? Legit. Poolside bar? Even better. I'm getting ahead of myself, but picture this: a scorching Tainan afternoon, a ridiculously refreshing craft beer in hand, and the pool shimmering beside you. Seriously, if you're even considering this hotel, and you like beer, book it. Now. (Okay, maybe read the whole review first, but seriously, the beer.)
Accessibility? They've Got You (Mostly).
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Accessibility is HUGE, and while Hotel Initial isn't perfect, they’re doing a solid job. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator", which immediately gets a thumbs up. The website doesn’t go into tons of detail, so call ahead if you have specific needs. They have a "Car park [free of charge]", but honestly, finding parking in Tainan can be a bit of a circus sometimes, so that's always a win. They also have "Airport transfer" and "Taxi service," which is convenient.
Cleanliness & Safety – Because, You Know, We Care.
Post-pandemic (or at least, in the pandemic, because let's face it, it's still lurking), cleanliness is paramount. Hotel Initial seems to get it. They’ve got "Professional-grade sanitizing services" and "Daily disinfection in common areas." I didn't see any staff members slacking on the sanitizing protocols, so I felt pretty comfortable, even with my, uh, slight germaphobe tendencies. "Hand sanitizer" was readily available, and they had "Staff trained in safety protocol." Rooms were supposedly sanitized between stays ("Rooms sanitized between stays"), but I didn't see them personally sanitizing, so I guess I'll take their word on it.
The Rooms: More Than a Basic Hotel Room.
Let's be real, hotel rooms can be… a bit generic. But this place? The rooms are good! They offer all the expected stuff like "Air conditioning," "Coffee/tea maker," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," and Wi-Fi [free]" (YES!). I especially appreciated the "Blackout curtains" for those much-needed afternoon naps after a few too many pints. They also have a "Desk" and "Laptop workspace," which is great for catching up on emails (or, you know, writing a review!). "Extra long bed" too is a plus if you're on the taller side. They've got a "Refrigerator," which is key for storing your beer stash (because, beer!) and snacks.
The Important Stuff: Dining, Drinking & Snacking (and How It All Ties Together!)
This is Hotel Initial's strongest suit. I'm going to repeat myself. (Beer) Beer Beer! Aside from the bar, there's a "Coffee shop" and "Restaurants," a "Poolside bar" (again, beer!), and "Room service" (24-hour!). The website mentions "Asian cuisine in restaurant" and "International cuisine in restaurant". Breakfast? They do "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Breakfast takeaway service," which is a lifesaver when you've had a, ahem, spirited night.
The "Happy hour" (insert angel choir here) is where it's at. Imagine: the sun setting, the air cooling, and a flight of local craft beers in front of you. Pure. Bliss. Okay, maybe I got a little carried away there. But seriously, the entire vibe of enjoying a beer and the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel is a fantastic experience.
Things to Do (Besides Drink Beer, Obviously)
Okay, I know, I know, it's hard to pull yourself away from the bar. But Tainan is seriously cool! Hotel Initial has "Bicycle parking" if you want to explore on two wheels. There's a "Fitness center" if you feel the need to work off all the beer (no judgement!). They also advertise a "Spa" "Sauna" and "Steamroom", but honestly, I was so caught up in the beer that I didn't get round to trying those. Maybe next time! There’s a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and a "Pool with view," which I did get to enjoy, and it's as relaxing as it sounds, although the view is, well, the building next door.
Services and Conveniences: Because Everyone Needs a Little Help!
The hotel offers all the usual suspects: "Air conditioning in public area", "Concierge", "Doorman", "Daily housekeeping", "Laundry service", "Luggage storage", "Elevator","Cash withdrawal", but the real win is the "Cashless payment service" – makes life so easy. Bonus points for "Food delivery" which is perfect for those late-night snack cravings.
For the Kids (A Little Something for Everyone!)
While I didn't personally have any kids in tow (thank goodness!), I did see families. There’s a "Family/child friendly," and "Babysitting service” which is a huge plus. They also mention "Kids facilities" and "Kids meal". So you can bring the whole gang with you!
The Little Irritations (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, the reality of life is that nothing on this planet is actually perfect. And for Hotel Initial, I'd say that the biggest thing is that the hotel doesn't fully deliver on what it sells. The photos online make the buildings in the area around the hotel look far nicer than they actually were. There's a lot of construction going on, and the street outside is a little bit noisy, although the soundproofing in the room does help a lot. The "Mirror" in the bathroom could have been a little bit better and… well, that's about it, because the things I didn't like were so minor!
My Verdict: Book It! (Especially if You Like Beer!)
Seriously, despite a couple of minor imperfections, Hotel Initial is a winner. The location is great, the staff is friendly, and the beer is legendary. It’s clean, safe, and offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It is a fantastic spot for your travels.
My CRAZY GOOD Hotel Initial Offer (Just for You!)
Okay, I've been raving about this place, and now I want you to enjoy it as much as I did. Here’s the deal:
Book your stay at Hotel Initial using the code "TAINAILOVESBEER" before [Insert Date - e.g. October 31st, 2024], and you'll get:
- A complimentary flight of local craft beers at the bar on arrival.
- Early check-in (subject to availability).
- Free late check-out (also subject to availability, because, life).
- A signed, personalized postcard from yours truly, bragging about how awesome your trip was.
Why You Should Do This RIGHT NOW:
You want an unforgettable Tainan experience, and you want to be enjoying the best craft beer in the city. Well, here's your chance. This offer won't last forever, so don't delay. Book Hotel Initial and get ready to fall in love with Tainan, and its craft beer scene.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW AND USE CODE "TAINAILOVESBEER"
And hey, if you see me at the bar, buy me a beer, alright?
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Hotel Initial-Beer Tainan Tango: A Messy, Monumental Adventure (Probably)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is real life. Or, at least, my attempt to wrangle some semblance of order from the glorious, chaotic beast that is Tainan, Taiwan, and the siren song of Hotel Initial-Beer. Prepare for tangents, questionable food choices, and the inevitable realization that I packed way too many shoes.
Phase 1: The Arrival of the Slightly Unhinged (and jet-lagged)
Day 1: Land of the Sweet Potato Fries and Sleep Deprivation
6:00 AM (ish) - Taipei Airport: The Crucible. Okay, technically this starts in Taipei. Because, hello, the only reason I’m even going to Tainan is because of a connecting flight. And Taipei Airport – it's a beautiful, bustling, sensory overload. Finding my connecting flight was a feat of endurance. Seriously, the signs are adorable, but…I swear, it felt like I was trapped in a complicated board game. I'm pretty sure I bumped into at least three people, and probably offended a small child in the process. Jet lag is a beast.
8:30 AM - Tainan Airport (TSN): "Almost There!" Actually in Tainan! It's hot. Humid. And smells vaguely of delicious things I haven't identified yet. The taxi ride to Hotel Initial-Beer was smooth, except for my internal monologue screaming "ARE WE THERE YET?!?!" The driver, bless him, just smiled and pointed out the vibrant rice paddies. (I think he secretly judged my lack of culture. He was probably right.)
9:30 AM - (Attempted) Hotel Check-in and Immediate Collapse. Found the hotel! The lobby is impossibly chic. Like, minimalist chic meets… brewery chic? They're selling Initial-Beer branded things! Before I even looked at my room, I demanded coffee. Needed! Then, the room. Oh, my god. It's cool! It’s beautifully designed. But all I wanted to do was dive into the crisp, white sheets and sleep. This is where all the plans started to crumble.
11:00 AM - (Failed) Walking Tour and the Allure of the Noodle Cart: Okay, so I meant to embark on an ambitious walking tour of the Anping District. Did that happen? Nope. Instead, I stumbled about, looking vaguely confused, before the siren song of a noodle cart lured me in. (I am weak. But the noodles… the noodles…)
- The Noodle Incident (or, My First Tainan Meal): This. This is what I’m talking about. The owner, a woman who looked like she’d seen a thousand sunrises and a million bowls of noodles made the most delicious dry noodles I've ever had. Seriously, I almost wept. I ate them hunched over a tiny plastic stool, sweating like a pig, happily. The broth was… oh, man. I'm talking umami heaven. I remember thinking, "This taste is so good".
1:00 PM - The Nap That Ate Tainan: Back at the hotel. The bed. The sweet, sweet bed. I set an alarm. I swear. It didn't matter. Woke up at 5 PM, feeling like a zombie. Jet lag is a beast.
6:00 PM - Beer and Regret: Wandered downstairs to the hotel bar, which, brilliantly, has their own house-brewed beer. Drank far too much. Didn’t regret it at the time. May regret it later. Ordered some spicy snacks; my memory gets a little fuzzy here. Probably ate something questionable.
8:00 PM - (Attempted) Night Market Reconnaissance: The night markets beckoned. But mostly I just stood around in a daze, bewildered by the crowds and overwhelmed by the smells. Settled for a bag of something fried and potentially terrifying. (It tasted good, though!) Went back to the hotel. Collapse.
Phase 2: Finding My Feet (Or, More Likely, Losing Them Again)
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and a Near-Death Experience with a Pineapple Pastry
- 9:00 AM - "Morning?!" Woke up. Head throbbing. But the morning light was amazing. The room felt fresh, alive. Took a moment to appreciate the design again. Finally, got my act together.
- 10:00 AM - Chihkan Tower: History and Heat. So many stairs! But the view was worth it. And learned some history, finally, which was good. Tainan is old. Old and beautiful.
- 12:00 PM - Tea Time and Temple Tranquility: Found a charming little tea house tucked away on a side street. Drank tea. Tried to meditate. Actually managed to, for the first time. Felt a tiny sliver of peace. Then, a near-death experience…
- 1:00 PM - The Pineapple Pastry of Doom (and Delight): Okay, so I thought I'd be adventurous. Saw a bakery selling these gorgeous pineapple pastries. Bought one. Took a bite. And nearly choked. It was… incredibly rich. But also… divine. It's a love-hate relationship, I tell you. I ate the whole thing. (No regrets. Mostly.)
- 2:00 PM - Back to the Hotel because I was still full from that pastry.
- 3:00 PM - The Eternal Wander
- 6:00 PM - More Food Oh my god. I went to a restaurant and tried the famous Tainan beef soup. It was so good.
- 8:00 PM - Rooftop Bar: Hotel Initial-Beer has a glorious rooftop bar. Watched the sunset, sipped cocktails, and pretended to be sophisticated. (I failed miserably.)
Day 3: (Still Failing) Exploration and Existential Noodle Questions
- 9:00 AM - Another Late Start: I tried. I really did.
- 10:00 AM - The Confucius Temple: Beautiful. Serene. Made me feel vaguely inadequate. (I really should have revised my Chinese)
- 12:00 PM - Noodle Quest, Part 2: I HAD to go back to that noodle cart. I had to. Met an elderly man who spoke perfect English. He told me about his life. I ate more noodles. We became friends. (Okay, maybe not, but talking a bit.)
- 1:00 PM - A Moment
- 2:00 PM - Getting More Lost
- 5:00 PM - The Hotel Bar. Again. You know, it's been a tough trip.
- 8:00 PM - Packing (the dread sets in): Packing is never fun. But I did it, and now I am ready to go home.
Phase 3: Departure and the Aftermath (or, What Did I Learn?)
Day 4: Goodbye, Tainan… for Now.
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast and Existential Dread: Breakfast at the hotel. Over-ordered. Ate most of it. Tried to contemplate the meaning of life while staring at a perfectly poached egg. Failed.
- 10:00 AM - Taxi to Airport: The bittersweet goodbyes.
- 12:00 PM - Taipei: Arrived.
- Departure: The End.
Reflections (or, What I Should Have Done Differently):
- Pace Yourself, You Fool: I tried cramming too much in. Less is more (and nap time is essential).
- Learn Some Mandarin (Even a Little): Made things much easier, ahem.
- Embrace the Mess: The imperfections are what made it memorable.
- Eat Everything: Seriously, everything. Even the things that look a little… questionable.
- Go Back: Actually, I need to go back. I have so much more to eat.
Hotel Initial-Beer: The Verdict?
Amazing. Super stylish but still comfortable. Great beer. Wonderful staff. The perfect home base for my messy, glorious adventure. Would 100% recommend. Just pack some comfortable shoes, a sense of humor, and a healthy appetite.
And now, back to real life. Until next time, Tainan. Until next time.
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Uncover Tainan's Hidden Gem: Hotel Initial & Craft Beer Paradise! (A Really Honest FAQ)
Okay, so, Hotel Initial... is it *really* a hidden gem? Or just another hotel trying too hard?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around like confetti these days. But yeah, *mostly* yes. Okay, maybe not *hidden* hidden – it's on a street, you know? But it felt... different. I went in with pretty standard hotel expectations, you know? Clean sheets, hopefully no questionable smells. Hotel Initial had that, *plus*.
The lobby? Not your usual sterile, corporate feel. It's got this... *vibe*. Like, a really cool, slightly eccentric aunt's living room. Quirky art, interesting furniture. I remember thinking, "Huh, I could *live* here." (And that's saying something, considering my apartment's current state of chaos.) The staff... they genuinely seemed happy to be there, which is a huge win in my book. No fake smiles, just genuinely helpful folk. Made the check-in a breeze, even after a 14-hour travel day and a serious case of 'hangry'.
About those craft beers… What's the deal? Is it just a tap or a full-blown beer lover's paradise?
Listen. I LOVE beer. Like, a completely unhealthy, borderline-obsession kind of love. So, when I heard "craft beer paradise," my eyes glazed over. And OH. MY. GOODNESS. It lived up to the hype. They had a *mind-boggling* selection. Locally brewed stuff I’d never even heard of, international imports, stouts, IPAs that’d knock your socks off, lagers that were impossibly refreshing in the Tainan heat. It was glorious.
I recall one particular hazy IPA... I think the label had a picture of a grumpy cat riding a unicorn? Don't quote me on that. But the beer itself? Pure, hoppy bliss. I may or may not have ordered three in a row. My memory gets a little hazy after that (pun intended, sorry). The bartender? Super knowledgeable. He actually listened to my rambling preferences (that 'I like something that tastes like sunshine and regret' statement definitely took some explaining), and nailed every recommendation. He made recommendations and I trusted him, no regrets there.
What about the rooms? Are they as cool as the lobby? And were they actually clean? (The real questions, people!)
Okay, let's get to the important stuff: the rooms. I'm a bit of a germaphobe. Let's put it that way. *Were they clean?* Yes. Very. Crisis averted. The decor followed through on the cool vibe. Modern, minimalist, but not cold. They actually felt *comfortable*. Not a cookie-cutter hotel room experience. I remember thinking, "I could definitely survive in here for a week, maybe even longer." And the bed? Like sleeping on a cloud, a very clean, well-sprung cloud. The shower pressure was phenomenal, which is a huge deal for me. Seriously, a good shower can turn a whole day around.
I had the room with the little balcony. Wonderful place to just sit and people-watch. And drink beer, obviously. (Don't judge me.)
Food! Did they feed you? Or were you left to fend for yourself?
Breakfast was included. Standard continental, but with some local touches which was a pleasant surprise. And I was there for the *beer*, not the omelets, you know? There are plenty of amazing restaurants nearby, you're in Tainan, the food capital of the world! I will admit, I did spend a night ordering from a local noodle place to the Hotel, after my beer tasting 'session,' which... was memorable.
Location, location, location! How easy is it to get around? Are you stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Not in the middle of nowhere at all! The location was excellent. Tainan’s a very walkable city. Everything I wanted to see was within walking distance, or a short taxi/bike ride away. It was near the main attractions, but far enough away to be peaceful. You know, where you can actually sleep at night without the constant honking of scooters. Bonus points for being close to some seriously delicious street food. (Those beef noodle soup stalls were the bomb.)
Okay, okay… but what’s the *worst* thing about Hotel Initial? (Be honest!)
Alright. The brutally honest answer? Leaving. Seriously, I didn't want to go! I had such a good time, but I did it to myself, I decided to leave.
Okay, maybe there was one tiny, completely nitpicky thing. The elevator was a *wee* bit slow. But honestly, that's it. I would gladly overlook that minor inconvenience for the overall experience. And who needs an elevator when you need to go down to the bar to get a new beer?
Would you go back? And would you recommend it? (The ultimate question!)
Absolutely. Without a doubt. In a heartbeat. I'm already looking at dates to go back. And yes, YES, I would recommend it. If you like good beer, a cool vibe, friendly service and a comfortable experience, you NEED to go. Seriously, book it now. Before I book it again and they're all booked up!
This isn't a sponsored post, by the way. I’m just genuinely still buzzing from the experience. Hotel Initial? You win. You absolutely win. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to search for 'Tainan craft beer' flights...
Any insider tips? Like, REALLY insider?
Okay, here's the inside track: ask the bartender for recommendations. Seriously, trust them. And tip them well. They deserve it. Also, explore the area. Wander around aimlessly. That's where you'll find the *real* hidden gems. And pace yourself with the beer... unless you don't want to. I won't judge... okay, maybe a little, if you don't pace yourself. But who am I to judge?
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