Escape to Lyon: Taiwan's Most Charming B&B Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into "Escape to Lyon: Taiwan's Most Charming B&B Awaits!" - and frankly, after the last year, charming is exactly what I need. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a therapy session, a travelogue, and maybe a tiny bit of a confession.
Oh. My. God. Lyon. And Taiwan. Together?! (SEO Keywords in the Mix!)
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, so they say they have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator (praise be!). But it's Taiwan; you'll want to email and demand specifics. Don't be shy. Accessibility is paramount. I'll bet the views are spectacular, it's worth checking. They also have a car park [on-site] and free car park, and seem to be okay with the airport transfer but I will be taking a taxi service, and sometimes valet parking is a hit or miss and could be worth it. This thing is an adventure.
Now, the big question: Is it Wheelchair Accessible? I don't need it now, but it's a sign of a place that cares. Fingers crossed!
Internet is Crucial! Thank God, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (caps for emphasis because I literally can't function without it). They also have Internet access – wireless, and I bet they have some slower options too, like Internet [LAN]. And they have Internet services. Great.
Relaxation Station: Spa Days and… Well-Being?
Alright, deep breath. Ways to relax are key, and "Escape to Lyon" sounds like it knows what's up. They have a Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, and a Steamroom. (Cue: me, picturing myself melting into a puddle of Zen. I freaking need this). And a Pool with view?! Sold! I would be glad to dive into the Swimming pool, although probably not the outdoor ones because it's Taiwan and I'm pale.
They also seem to have Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, and Pool with view. It sounds like a full-blown, pamper-yourself-till-you-pass-out kind of place!
Cleanliness, Safety, and… Does It Smell of Sanitizer?
Now, this is a BIG one, post-pandemic. Cleanliness and safety are no joke. Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, and Daily disinfection in common areas are encouraging. Room sanitization opt-out available? Smart. I hate that sterile, hospital smell. They have Rooms sanitized between stays. I'm glad – and I’d probably pay more to really ensure things are done right. Professional-grade sanitizing services, eh? More reassuring.
They also have Hygiene certification. And, they seem really on top of it with Cashless payment service, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They're covering all the bases! and have a Doctor/nurse on call which is nice. And a First aid kit. Yes.
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Cocktail or Three)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where a B&B needs to shine. They offer Breakfast in room (yes, please!), and Breakfast takeaway service. And the Asian breakfast is so appealing and they have Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant! They have a Buffet in restaurant, or A la carte in restaurant.
The details: They have a Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. My head is spinning! Decisions, decisions…
Cool Extras: Because Sometimes, It's the Little Things
They’re talking about Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. All the good stuff.
For the Kiddos and the Young at Heart
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So, if you're traveling with a tiny human, they've got you covered.
Safety and Security: Gotta Feel Safe!
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room. Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Smoke detectors? YES. I can relax knowing someone's watching out.
Rooms: My Sanctuary… or Disaster Zone? (Depending on My Packing Skills)
Okay, the rooms! Here's where we get personal. They have Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Room: The Make-or-Break Factor
I need this. They offer a Daily housekeeping. Amen. I crave, nay, demand a Blackout curtains. Okay, my own personal preferences? I NEED a bathtub, and I really, really want a sofa. And a reading light! Please, God, let there be a window that opens.
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxis Everywhere!
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Options abound! I'm a sucker for the Taxi service so that's what I will be choosing.
The Verdict: Is "Escape to Lyon" Worth the Escape?
Look, based on the listing, "Escape to Lyon" sounds promising. It has potential for a relaxing, luxurious, and hopefully clean getaway - but do your homework, and maybe contact the company directly with all your questions!
My Unsolicited Opinion & Call to Action:
This place feels like it gets it. It's the perfect mix of pampering, which is what I want, and practicality. Book it. Seriously. Do it now. You deserve it. They have a Shrine! I need to go meditate…
Offer: Book a stay at "Escape to Lyon" for a minimum of 3 nights and receive a complimentary spa treatment of your choice! Use promo code LYONESCAPE at checkout. Valid for stays booked before [Date]. Plus, you will get some extra vouchers to spend on the bar, the pool, and a free lunch with a soup or salad!
Jeju Dream Getaway: Shinshin Hotel Airport Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your Instagram travel itinerary; this is a messy, glorious, soul-searching stumble through Taiwan, with Lyon Bed and Breakfast in Lyon, of all places, as our base. Prepare for some serious emotional whiplash.
LYON BED AND BREAKFAST TAIWAN: A Gloriously Imperfect Diary
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Luggage (and Jet Lag)
- 06:00 (Taipei Time, but my brain is currently operating on Eastern Standard, so…): Woke up! Or, more accurately, got violently ejected from a shallow sleep by the sheer AUDACITY of the sun. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Feeling like a zombie wrapped in a cashmere sweater.
- 07:00: The Lyon B&B. Finding it was a minor victory. Taiwanese addresses are like riddles wrapped in an enigma, sprinkled with a healthy dose of "Good luck, you lost tourist." I swear, the taxi driver looked at my crumpled map and sighed the sigh of a thousand defeated navigators.
- 07:30: My luggage. Oh, the luggage. You'd think after all my travels, I'd have the packing thing down. Nope. My suitcase is an overflowing testament to my indecisiveness (and a questionable choice of sequined evening wear). Successfully wrestled it into the tiny, but spotless, B&B room. Victory is bittersweet.
- 08:00: Breakfast. The B&B owner, a woman who radiates warmth and the faint scent of home-cooked magic (seriously, is that garlic in the air?). She’s beaming. "Welcome! Breakfast ready!" It's a spread of Taiwanese delights! Savory porridge, pickled vegetables with a kick, and a suspicious item that looks like a cross between a Chinese donut and a deep-fried…thing. I hesitantly eat it. It's AMAZING. Possibly the best thing I've ever tasted. (Maybe the jet lag is talking, but who cares?!)
- 09:00 - 12:00: A blurry wander around the neighborhood. Got temporarily disoriented, a common occurrence. Found a tiny park with old men playing mahjong (which apparently is the equivalent of a really intense, low-stakes poker tournament here). Watched them for way too long, mesmerized. Lost in translation, but strangely comforted by the click-clack of tiles.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch. Hit up a street food stall. Had beef noodle soup (classic!) and a bubble tea. The bubble tea was LIFE-ALTERINGLY good. Like, I'm seriously considering just living off of it from now on. The beef noodle soup, however, was a little spicy, and I am now sweating profusely. But it's delicious sweating.
- 14:00 - 18:00: The National Palace Museum. A sensory overload. Jade cabbages. Carvings so intricate my brain did a little backflip. It was overwhelming, beautiful, and I got totally lost. Found myself just staring at one tiny teacup for an hour, completely lost in its history.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Back to the B&B. Collapsed on the bed. Contemplated if, and how I should take notes. Decided it wasn't necessary.
- 19:00-20:00: Dinner: Night market. The sights, the smells, the sheer volume of humanity! A frenzy of deliciousness. Tried everything from stinky tofu (surprisingly edible!) to some kind of grilled seafood I couldn't quite identify. My stomach is a happy, slightly overwhelmed camper.
- 20:00-onward: Struggling with English news on the BBC, I'm still not sure what's happening in the world. Thinking of eating more bubble tea. Bed. Sleep. (Hopefully).
Day 2: The Mountain, The Tea, The Existential Dread Returns (Slightly More Refreshed)
- 07:00: Wake up. The sun. Again. The same ritual as the other day.
- 08:00: Breakfast again: porridge, this time with pickled bamboo shoots and a fried egg. Oh, the joy.
- 09:00 - 16:00: Yangmingshan National Park. Climbing a mountain. (Why do I do this to myself?) The views were breathtaking. Literally. The air is thin. Halfway up I wanted to turn back, but a small, determined Taiwanese couple (who looked about 90 years old) were practically skipping alongside me, and I felt a surge of competitive shame. Made it to the top! Felt a pang of immense freedom and joy. And intense exhaustion.
- 16:00 - 18:00: The Tea Ceremony. This is where things got real. Visited a tea plantation near Yangmingshan. It wasn't just about drinking tea, it was a deep dive into a history I didn't know. I sat, speechless, as the tea master prepared the tea. It was a ceremony. A ritual. Every movement precise, graceful, deliberate. I was forced to slow down, to savor, to truly be present. The tea, a rich, earthy oolong, was transcendent. I swear I could feel the stress melting away with every sip. For a moment, I felt… at peace. Then I started thinking about all the things I needed to do back home, and the peace shattered. But the tea was still good. Really, really good.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Debrief. Felt incredibly vulnerable. Went back to the B&B.
- 19:00 - 20:00: Dinner. Found a hidden gem of a restaurant. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was amazing. Spicy, fragrant, and I have no idea what I ate.
- 20:00 onward: Writing. Thinking. Trying to hold onto that tea-induced serenity, even as the day's anxieties creep back in. Maybe…just maybe…I'll have another cup of tea. And then sleep. Please, let me actually sleep tonight.
Day 3: Taipei, Temples, and the Lingering Aroma of Adventure
- 06:00: Nope. Still no. Sun.
- 07:00: It is the only life.
- 07:30: Breakfast. Same but different. Today, some dumplings.
- 08:00- 17:00: Taipei City.
- 17:00 - 18:30: Back to the B&B.
- 18:30 - 20:00: Trying to plan the next day.
- 20:00 - onward: Feeling completely exhausted.
Day 4, 5, and onward… (This is where things get interesting, chaotic, and possibly involves me getting hopelessly lost in a bustling night market again. Follow along to find out)
Penang Paradise Found: Unforgettable Luxury at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton
Wait, Escape to Lyon? Is that, like, *actually* in Lyon, France? Because if so, my expectations are already skyrocketing...
Okay, so this is where things get a little… geographically misleading. Nope! Despite the name, and the fancy Euro-vibe they're selling, Escape to Lyon is proudly, wonderfully, and utterly *Taiwanese*. You're not strolling along the Saône. You're probably going to be eating some seriously delicious Taiwanese street food beforehand. My immediate reaction? A tiny, fleeting moment of disappointment, quickly followed by, "Oh, *hell* yeah, Taiwan!" Because let's be honest, Taiwan is amazing. This whole "Lyon" thing is a slightly dramatic, ambitious title. But is it *charming*? We'll get there.
So, what's the vibe? Is it all perfectly-coiffed Instagram mornings and twee decor? Because, honestly, I'd run a mile.
Alright, here's the raw truth: it *tries* to be Instagram-perfect. But thankfully, it dodges the bullet of feeling truly, utterly, *fake*. There’s a definite effort at European elegance – think floral wallpaper, antique-looking furniture, and a general air of "refined relaxation." But it doesn’t feel sterile. It feels... well, *lived in*. There are little quirks, maybe a slightly crooked picture frame, a smudge on a window, that give it character. It's not the flawless facade you might expect. And thank GOD for that. It makes you relax; you can spill your coffee on a table and no one will hold a gun to your head for it.
The Rooms! Spill the tea! Are we talking cramped box rooms or actual havens? And what about the *air conditioning*? Tell me about the sweet, sweet AC!
Rooms? Okay, buckle up. This is where the imperfections start to, shall we say, *shine*. They varied. Some rooms, I heard from fellow guests, were a bit snug. Others? Pretty darn spacious! My room? It was a good size! Now, air con? *Crucial*. Taiwan's a humid beast. Thankfully, yes. The air conditioning was a godsend, a frosty, glorious hug on particularly hot days. I’m a lightweight when it comes to heat, so this was a major win in my book. Seriously, I had some of my best sleep of my life, which is saying a lot, because my life is sleep-deprived.
Breakfast. The most important meal of any vacation. What's the scoop? Croissants? Crepes? Or something... more Taiwanese?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. This is where the "French inspiration" really kicks in. Think fresh, flaky croissants, little pastries, jam, maybe some eggs… it’s *delicious* and gives you all the European vibes. There’s also a surprisingly excellent coffee situation. My weakness, you see. The whole experience is lovely, served in a charming dining area. Now, it's not a *full-blown* French breakfast; it has a touch of Asian influence, which is very welcome.
Let's Talk: The Host. This can make or break a B&B experience. Are they friendly? Hovering? Helpful? Annoying?
The host... okay, this is where it gets interesting. The host, let's call him Mr. Chen, was… lovely. He was friendly, eager to please he was a little... *over-eager* at times. Always popping up to check on things. I imagine it’s the cultural difference. He genuinely wanted you to enjoy your stay. He gave great recommendations for local restaurants, and offered help. He's not a flawless host; he probably thinks you're going to get lost, but that's because he cares! It’s endearing, and it definitely added to the charm.
Anything *really* stand out – the "Oh, wow!" moment? Or the "Ugh, I could do without that..." moment?
Okay, here's my "Oh, wow!" moment: I arrived at Escape to Lyon completely exhausted after a long flight. I just wanted to crash. Mr. Chen saw my face, ushered me to my room, and immediately offered me a cold glass of iced tea and a beautifully presented, slightly messy plate of fresh mangoes. I mean honestly, *mangoes*! I thought I’d died and gone to tropical heaven. It was the perfect gesture of kindness, and it erased all the travel fatigue.
The "Ugh, I could do without that..." moment? Hmm… The only real downer? Well, let's just say the wifi wasn't always the strongest. But hey, who needs internet when you can be eating mangoes and soaking up the Taiwanese charm, right? (Okay, maybe sometimes I needed it.)
Location, location, location! Is it well-placed for exploring, or am I going to be spending my life on buses?
The location (I'm trying to think back, I was a little jet-lagged)! It was pretty darn good. Not exactly in the middle of the action, but close enough to get anywhere easily. It felt like you could escape to a bit of peace and quiet but still get a taste of the action. Definitely walkable to some local shops and restaurants. Taxi's and buses were readily available. I'm not a big fan of commuting so that's very important. It was good, I liked it!
The overall verdict? Would you go back? Would you recommend it? Dish the dirt, please!
Okay, the verdict. Escape to Lyon is… *charming*. I'll own it. It has quirks, it's not perfect, and the name is a blatant lie. But it's also incredibly welcoming, with a lovely host, a good breakfast, and a real sense of place. It's not your typical cookie-cutter B&B. It's messy, it's real, and it's Taiwanese (which is a very big win!). Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd go back tomorrow! I'd recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat: go with an open mind. Embrace the imperfections. And for goodness sake, eat the mangoes! Seriously, the mangoes. And I would also warn you… book ahead.
Okay, last question: Anything else I need to know? Anything weird or wonderful that stuck with you?
