Escape to Paradise: The Riverside Hotel, Hengchun Kenting's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: More Than Just a Hotel, It's… Well, Let's Spill the Tea on The Riverside Hotel, Hengchun! (Messy Review Edition)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I’m about to unleash a full-blown, unfiltered, and probably borderline-obsessive review of The Riverside Hotel in Hengchun, Kenting. They call it an "escape to paradise," and, well, they're not entirely wrong. But, like any passionate relationship, it's complicated. And trust me, I’ve got feelings… a LOT of feelings.
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Getting There & Around (Mostly Painless – Thank Goodness!)
The airport transfer? Smooth. Like, butter-on-a-hot-pancake smooth. They whisked me away, and the journey, complete with a helpful driver, started things off right. The car park is free, a colossal win. But if you're like me and prone to forgetting things, there is a car power charging station! I thought they were a gimmick until I actually needed one.
Accessibility: A Touch of Grace (and a Few Hiccups)
Accessibility is a tricky beast. The hotel says they have facilities for disabled guests. Honestly, the elevators work, and there's ramps. But I didn't see a huge amount of specific design. Could be better. I’d definitely call ahead and grill them about the specific room, like if you need widened doorways. This is Taiwan, too – they try to be inclusive, but things aren't always perfect. It’s a work in progress, yeah?
Rooms: Oasis of Comfort (Mostly)
My room? Oh, the room. Spacious, with all the usual suspects: air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a comfy bed, and a bathtub - the ultimate luxury! They also have complimentary tea, which is always appreciated as a tea lover. The blackout curtains meant I could sleep through whatever shenanigans were happening outside (which, in Hengchun, is usually pretty chill). I appreciated the free Wi-Fi – worked like a charm. The bathroom, well, it was functional, maybe a bit dated, but clean. Oh, and the slippers! Don't underestimate the comfort of slippers after a long day of exploring.
Ranting Moment: I also enjoyed the extra long bed since I am a tall person, but where's the socket near the bed? One day I'll have one!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Mostly Safe (But Always Be Vigilant!)
Okay, big thumbs up for cleanliness. The rooms were spotless, and the staff made a real effort to maintain cleanliness, not just in the rooms, but around the common areas. Plenty of hand sanitizer stations (thank you, COVID!). They even had the stuff about anti-viral cleaning products. They claim they use professional-grade sanitizing services – a vital thing in these times. It felt… safe. But, c'mon, I'm always a little paranoid - even after daily disinfection in common areas. And yes they do have a doctor/nurse on call! Still, good to see the effort.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly Delicious, Sometimes Confusing)
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Let's be honest, this is where The Riverside really shines. The breakfast buffet? A masterpiece. Western breakfast AND Asian breakfast? Yes, please! Plus, the coffee shop? The desserts in the restaurant? Honestly, I might have gained five pounds just looking at it! The Asian cuisine was legit. The international cuisine was excellent too! And the poolside bar? Absolutely essential. I spent a glorious afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool, the sun warming my skin, the world melting away.
Rambling Food Thoughts: I loved that they had a Vegetarian restaurant! So easy to come by in this part of the world. And the a la carte in restaurant always kept me happy too. The snack bar on the other hand was a little bit "meh".
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and Found Again, and Again)
This is where The Riverside really delivers. The outdoor pool with a view? Breathtaking. I spent hours just floating, staring at the sky. Bliss. They have a spa too, which will make anyone feel renewed. I didn't get to try the body wrap, but the massage more than made up for it. They also have a sauna, steamroom, and fitness center. The gym/fitness was pretty good too!
Stream of Consciousness Relaxation: One day, I just decided to ditch the sightseeing and spend the entire day by the pool. No regrets. Just sunshine, cocktails, and pure relaxation. It's what vacations are for, right? Maybe some foot bath too.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras (Mostly)
The hotel offers a standard array of services: daily housekeeping (excellent!), laundry service, dry cleaning, a helpful concierge, and even currency exchange. I appreciated the convenience store for snacks and essentials. But, let's be honest, some things could be improved. The business facilities were ok. They have a meeting/banquet facilities so that's cool if you're on business.
Family-Friendly? (Probably)
I saw some kids there. They have Kids facilities, and they're family/child friendly. I didn’t see a kids meal but the babysitting service is there if you need it.
For the Record: The Annoying Little Hiccups (Because No Place is Perfect!)
Okay, the elevator situation could be better with more space.
The Verdict: Worth the Escape? (Yes, But… Read the Fine Print!)
The Riverside Hotel? It's good. It’s more than good, actually. It's a delightful escape, a haven of relaxation, and a foodie paradise. The downsides are minor. I'd definitely go back. So, go. Just go! But maybe double-check those accessibility needs if you need specifics. And pack your appetite!
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (Taking off half a star for the minor hiccups, and the lack of a personal masseuse following me around!)
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Okay, strap in, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-organized itinerary. This is me, grappling with the Riverside Hotel in Hengchun, Kenting, Taiwan. Be warned, it's going to get a little… intense. Buckle up.
Pre-Trip Freak-Out (or, The Joy of Over-Planning):
- Me, frantically googling "Kenting weather - can I even pack for this?!" at 3 AM. Concluding: Sunscreen, rain jacket (because, Taiwan), and EVERYTHING.
- Packing: Let's just say it involved a near-meltdown over "what are the correct shoes for beach + hiking?" Answer: Probably not those new white sneakers. Oops.
Day 1: Arrival, Discombobulation, and the Promise of Paradise (Maybe?)
- Morning: Flight delay. Instant grump. Landed in Kaohsiung hours late. Airport chaos. Trying to navigate the MRT with a giant suitcase while sweating through my (now incorrect) layers.
- Afternoon: Finally, a taxi! Towards Hengchun! Oohs and aahs as we drive through the mountains. Picturesque. Reminds me of… wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, the taxi driver was listening to REALLY loud Taiwanese pop. Is that a good sign? Can I, I think I can! Arrive Riverside Hotel.
- Initial Hotel Impression: Okay, not quite the minimalist chic I'd envisioned from the website, but… spacious? Check. Balcony? Check. That view… the ocean is calling my name.
- Minor Catastrophe: Tried to order a coffee from room service. "Sorry, no English speaker available." My attempt at Mandarin ended with me apparently asking for a pigeon. Facepalm.
- Evening: Found a local restaurant. Ordered way too much delicious food (dumplings, noodles, something mysterious and pork-y - no regrets!). The food was so good it erased the travel fatigue. Stumbling back to the hotel, full and happy, feeling vaguely like I'd finally Arrived.
Day 2: The Great Beach Day (and the Crushing Heat)
- Morning: Woke up to sunshine! Beach time! Pack sunscreen, water, and… checks notes… a hat. (Rookie mistake, forgetting the hat on day 1)
- Beach Location: South Bay. Picturesque! Turquoise water. Beautiful. (Okay, I might be biased. I love the ocean.) Swam! Fell in love with the sea!
- Emotional Crisis: Sunburn setting in. Should have put more lotion. Reminded me of my ex-boyfriend. He was like a bad sunburn. Ouch, but you had a great time, and then it sucked.
- Afternoon: Tried to walk along the beach. Heat. Heat. Can't explain how hot it was. Melted. Realized I was basically a walking, slightly-burnt puddle of regret. Needed hydration. Went to a small restaurant.
- Unexpected Joy: A local offered me a plate of fresh mango. The sweetness, the juiciness… It was heaven. Recharged, physically and emotionally.
- Evening: Watched the sunset from a beach bar. The colors! The vibe! Sipping a fruity cocktail, thinking, "This is the life."
Day 3: Kenting National Park and The Cliff-Top View (with a Side of Mild Panic)
- Morning: Rented a scooter (terrifying but exhilarating). This is a good idea, right? I mean, I've watched some videos…
- Morning (cont.): Navigating Kenting National Park. Scenic! So much green! But… the scooter. Uphill climb. Heart pounding. "Almost there" mantra.
- The Cliff-Top Viewpoint: Unbelievable! The panorama! The blue ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. Worth every moment of scooter-induced terror. Felt like a small victory, finally.
- Afternoon: Checked out Eluanbi Lighthouse near the Southern Tip of Taiwan. History! Pretty! The fact that Taiwan really is an island hit me hard.
- Afternoon (cont.): Suddenly, realized I was hungry. And lost. Scootering around looking for food. This is where my sense of adventure became a sense of mild panic. The map was no help. Finally found a little food stall with awesome noodles. Rescued!
- Evening: Back at the hotel, reflecting on the day. My scooter experience could have gone better. But, the view… the food… overall, pretty awesome.
Day 4: Diving Deep (Into My Feelings and the Ocean) and Packing (The Bittersweet Part)
- Morning: Dive adventure! I booked scuba diving! This is exciting! I am pretty sure I've never done this before.
- Dive adventure (cont.): Gear! Explanations! Cold water! Initially panic, felt like I was going to sink. Then. The underwater world! Fish! Color! Breathtaking. A spiritual experience. Okay, maybe I'm getting carried away, but it was truly wonderful. This is what traveling is all about, doing something I never thought I'd do.
- Afternoon: Post-dive bliss and slight seasickness (worth it!).
- The packing: Preparing for departure. Ugh. Why does vacation always have to end? I have to say goodbye to Taiwan.
- Emotional Breakdown (mini): Realization: I'll be back. Next time, I'll bring a hat.
Final Thoughts:
- The Riverside Hotel: It's not perfect, but it's home. The views, the staff, the location… it makes it special.
- Hengchun & Kenting: A world. The memories… priceless.
This itinerary is a mess. It's honest. It's real. And, hopefully, it gives you a sense of what it's really like to travel. Because let's be honest, the best trips are the ones that don't go exactly as planned. And, well, there is not such a thing as 'exactly'. Now, I'm off to plan my next adventure. Wish me luck! (and maybe send sunscreen).
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Escape to Paradise: The Riverside Hotel - Hengchun Kenting: You NEED to Know This (Seriously)
Okay, okay, spill. Is this place *actually* paradise? Or just another Instagram trap?
Alright, real talk, because I'm *all* about keeping it real with you, folks. It's not *literally* paradise, like floating on a cloud with bottomless margaritas. But... it's damn close. I'm talking more like "paradise-adjacent," y'know? Like, you're on a tropical island, but the sand is actually clean (thank god), the staff actually *smiles* (huge win), and the rooms... oh, the rooms.
Let me back up. I’ve been to Kenting a gazillion times, and let me tell you, the "hidden gem" title is bandied around like it's candy at a parade. But this place? This place *actually* feels hidden. It’s tucked away, not fighting for space with a billion other hotels on the main drag. You walk in, and BAM! Instant chill. Forget the influencer hype; this is the real deal. But the thing is, it’s not perfect. More on that later…
The Rooms – Are they Insta-Worthy or just… underwhelming?
Here's the thing. I’m a sucker for a good room. A *gorgeous* room. And the rooms at the Riverside? They're definitely Insta-worthy, but in a *genuine* way. Not the aggressively staged, everything-is-white-and-sterile-and-uncomfortable kind of way. Think breezy, light-filled spaces, with balconies overlooking the river.
We got a room on the second floor. Initially, I was a little bummed we weren’t on the top floor, but hey, I'm impatient sometimes and I don't want to wait for the elevator. The huge balcony totally made up for it. And the bathroom? The shower was amazing, the water was hot (thank god!), but I did have to chase a tiny, innocent, harmless little ant out of my shampoo bottle. Okay, so *minor* imperfections, but hey, you're in the tropics, right? Embrace the little critters. Mostly.
One thing to know though? Pack a power adapter if you're not local. I forgot mine, and spent a solid hour wandering around the hotel in this frantic panic, knowing my phone, aka my lifeline, was about to die. Let that be a lesson, people! Learn from my mistakes!
Let's talk food. Because honestly, that's half the vacation, right? What's the grub like?
Okay, food. Yes. SO important. And the Riverside? They do not disappoint. The breakfast buffet is a legit spread. Think fresh fruit (mangoes! Papayas! All the good stuff!), delicious coffee, and a selection of Taiwanese and Western options.
I'm a huge waffle person, my partner is a bacon person, and we were both very, very happy. Seriously, that bacon was *crispy*. It’s the little things, right? I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. They also have a restaurant with a full menu for lunch and dinner.
One tiny issue? I’m not sure if it was the jet lag or the sheer volume of food I ate every day, but I think I may have put on a pound or two. Completely worth it. Absolutely. No regrets. Never. (Maybe I'll start that diet…tomorrow?)
Location, location, location! How's the positioning of the hotel? Is it close to... well, *everything*?
Okay, this is where the "hidden gem" thing really shines. The Riverside Hotel isn't right in the thick of the crazy Kenting Night Market action. Which is *fantastic*, honestly. The noise! The crowds! It's within easy reach of the beach, like a 10-minute scooter ride, or a leisurely taxi trip.
You've got the best of both worlds! You can spend the day at the beach, then come back to this serene oasis at the end of the day! Peace and quiet is a game changer. Seriously. It’s also super easy to hire a scooter right near the hotel, and zipping around Kenting on a scooter is one of the best parts of the experience. Just remember to get an international driver’s permit before you go! I saw *so* many people getting pulled over. Learn from those mistakes. Don't be those people.
Okay, let’s get *real*. What's the catch? What did you *not* love?
Alright, nothing is perfect (as my grandma would tell me). So, what's the catch? Honestly, it's minor stuff, really. The pool, while lovely, could be a *tad* bigger. You're not going to be swimming laps there. It’s more for a quick dip to cool off. I was slightly disappointed there weren't more shaded areas around the pool. Sunscreen is a must!
And, okay, I mentioned the ant in the shampoo earlier. It’s not a deal breaker, and I’m sure it happens in all tropical hotels. But I still had my moment of, “EW!” when discovered it. And, hey, maybe the decor is a *little* dated in the public areas, like the lobby. But honestly, I hardly spent any time there. None of that minor stuff took away from a wonderful experience.
The Staff: Are they helpful? Or are they just… there?
This is where the Riverside *really* shines. The staff? They are genuinely lovely. Seriously. Everyone from the front desk to the cleaning staff, were all so friendly and helpful. I had a minor issue with the safe in my room, and they were there in a flash to fix it. Always smiling, always happy to help.
There was this one woman at the front desk who was an absolute *star*. She helped us plan our entire day and gave us some amazing local recommendations that we would have never found otherwise. Her English was excellent – which is helpful since my Chinese is…well, let's just say I can order noodles and that's about it. Their friendly attitude made the whole trip so much more enjoyable. Seriously, the staff is a huge reason why I'd go back.
Okay, so, final verdict. Would you recommend it? Is it worth the hype (and the money)?
Absolutely, 100%, yes! This place is a winner. Especially on a budget! Is it the most luxurious hotel in the world? No. But it’s a fantastic hotel that offers incredible value for money. It's got the perfect mix of relaxation, beautiful surroundings, great food, and amazing staff. It's a perfect base from which to explore Kenting.
