Looking for the best hotels in Sun Moon Lake? Then this post is 100% for you!
Sun Moon Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located right in the middle of Taiwan in Nantou County. Best known for its incredible scenery, great biking and hiking trails, rich indigenous culture, and fun water sports activities, Sun Moon Lake is a popular weekend getaway for those looking to spend some time in nature.
Whether you want to go boating, hike the scenic trails, visit the sights, feast on aboriginal cuisine, or bike all around the lake, a trip to Taiwan would simply not be complete without visiting this National Scenic Area.
If you’re planning your first trip to Sun Moon Lake, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed with the wealth of accommodation options. Because Sun Moon Lake is absolutely littered with places to stay catering to all kinds of traveling folk – from dreamy luxury resorts to chic boutique hotels to colorful hostels. As a result, figuring out where to stay in Sun Moon Lake is not as easy as you might think.
So today, I’m going to share the very best places to stay at Sun Moon Lake, along with my top hotel recommendations so that you can take all the guesswork out of your next trip. Regardless of your budget or preferences, this post should help you find the perfect hotel in Sun Moon Lake!
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Table of Contents
Best Places to Stay in Sun Moon Lake: Quick Overview
Before we dive any deeper, be sure also to read my detailed guide on what to do in SML and this guide on exactly how to get to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung (the main gateway to the area). Both are jam-packed with all my insider tips from years of living in Taiwan and multiple trips to Sun Moon Lake.
Now let’s get to the good stuff.
There are two main areas to stay in Sun Moon Lake, namely Shuishe Village and Ita Thao. While both sites are popular, it’s important to know that they sit at opposite sides of the lake. Another thing to know is that most hotels in Sun Moon Lake are quite expensive, and rooms tend to fill up quickly over weekends and special holidays. Therefore, if you can, come during the week and book accommodation at least a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
Here’s a quick overview of each of Sun Moon Lake’s best areas to stay.
- Shuishe Village: Best for first-time visitors, families, and luxe travelers.
- Ita Thao: Best place to stay for couples, foodies, solo travelers, and adventure lovers.
If you want to be in the main tourist area with lots of shops and restaurants around you, stay in Shuishe. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe with a bustling food market right on your doorstep, then Ita Thao is the place for you. However, you should know that shops and eateries close slightly earlier in Ita Thao than in Shuishe. So if you do stay in Ita Thao, expect most places to only be open till around 8 pm.
However, there’s no right or wrong place to stay at Sun Moon Lake. Each area offers a unique experience, so no matter where you decide to stay, the other side is just a short bus or boat ride away!
Without further ado, here’s my curated list of the best places to stay in Sun Moon Lake!
Best Sun Moon Lake Hotels in Shuishe Village
Closest Landmarks: Shuishe Wharf | Shuishe Visitors Center | Hanbi Trail | Xiangshan Section Bikeway | Xiangshan Visitors Center | Wenwu Temple
Luxury
The Lalu Hotel
Book yourself into the gorgeous 5-star The Lalu for the ultimate luxury stay. The Lalu is located mere steps from the Shuishe Pier and offers unbeatable views over the lake. If you can tear yourself away from your luxurious room, hit the spa, take a dip in the heated infinity pool or enjoy high tea on-site!
Fuli Hot Spring Resort
If soaking in a hot spring after a long day out exploring all of Sun Moon Lake’s top attractions appeals to you, then the Fuli Hot Spring Resort is for you. Located a short walk from the main Sun Moon Lake bus stop, Fuli Hot Spring is a beautiful 5-star resort perfect for families. The hotel features clean rooms and a whole host of top-quality facilities like an on-site spa, restaurant, kids pool, and more!
Mid-range
Hotel Del Lago
Hotel Del Lago is perfect for travelers looking for an upscale stay without the hefty price tag. The hotel features beautiful clean rooms and all the modern amenities you’ll expect from a 4-star establishment. What’s more, the hotel sits right in front of the Shuishe Wharf, with loads of shops and restaurants nearby.
Timing House
If you’re looking for an affordable stay without sacrificing style and comfort, check-in at Timing House. This modern guesthouse features beautiful interiors and top-notch amenities to compliment your visit. Moreover, the staff are helpful and incredibly friendly.
Budget
Yue Lake Backpackers
Yue Lake Backpackers is about a 10-minute walk from the Shuishe Visitors Center. But don’t let the distance hold you back. The hostel features colorful interiors, and comfy beds. Whether you’re staying in a bunk bed-style room or a deluxe room, Yue Lake Backpackers is an easy choice for travelers looking for budget-friendly place to stay in Sun Moon Lake. The super friendly hosts and lovely laid-back vibes are added bonuses!
Where to Stay in Ita Thao Village
Closest Landmarks: Ita Thao Pier & Visitors Center | Ita Thao Shopping Street & Food Market | Yidashao Lakeside Trail | Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village | Sun Moon Lake Ropeway | Ci’En Pagoda
Luxury
The Crystal Resort
The Crystal Resort is one of the most luxurious Sun Moon Lake hotels. This posh 5-star hotel overlooks the lake, so expect nothing but stellar views. Added to that, the hotel features beautiful interiors, and clean, spacious rooms. The on-site restaurant dishes up delicious fusion food, while the gorgeous spa is just the place to treat yourself with a pamper session!
The Richforest Hotel
The Richforest Hotel is another excellent option for luxe travelers visiting Sun Moon Lake. Located a short walk from the main touristy area, this hotel offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere. And since it sits right on the banks of the lake, you’ll be spoilt with views. What’s more, the hotel features beautiful wooden interiors, while the breakfast is filling and tasty. Book one of the lake view rooms, so that you can wake up to the most incredible sunrise imaginable!
Mid-range
Meet Sun Moon Lake
Meet Sun Moon Lake might be one of the view Sun Moon Lake hotels that doesn’t have a lake view. But don’t let that stop you from booking a stay here! This gorgeous property sports ultra-modern minimalistic interiors with lovely wooden finishes and industrial touches. The rooms are spacious, and the large windows offer fantastic views of lush jungle scenery.
Lealea Garden Hotel
Another Sun Moon Lake hotel with gorgeous lakeside views is the Lealea Garden Hotel. This 4-star hotel features comfy rooms with modern interiors. If you can, book a room with a balcony. That way, you can really sit back and soak up the scenery!
With the Ita Thao food street and pier practically on your doorstep, and the cable car a short stroll away, you can’t go wrong with Lealea Garden Hotel.
Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel
Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel is another great option for mid-range travelers looking for a place to stay in Sun Moon Lake. Located mere steps from the Ita Thao Visitors Center, Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel offers easy access to boat trips on the lake, the night market, the cable car, and so much more! But perhaps the best feature of this hotel is the dreamy views you can enjoy from its stylish on-site restaurant while sipping on your morning coffee or kicking back with a boozy cocktail!
Budget
See Moon B&B
See Moon B&B offers cozy rooms with warm interiors for travelers looking for a clean and modern homestay that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. You’ll also find many souvenir shops and eateries nearby, while the pier is just a short walk away. As a result, it is an exceptionally convenient and budget-friendly place to stay in Sun Moon Lake.
Kapamumu B&B
Kapamumu B&B is a gorgeously stylish guesthouse perfect for budget travelers seeking an affordable stay in Sun Moon Lake. The hotel features spacious rooms with colorful minimalistic interiors and the comfiest beds imaginable. Another added bonus is that Kapamumu sits right on Zhongzheng Road, so you can easily catch the round-the-lake bus from there. Although it’s not right in the heart of Ita Thao Village, it’s still close enough to walk to the pier and street food market.
Still need a few more options? Search the best hotel deals here on Agoda!
Best Hotels in Sun Moon Lake in Conclusion
As you can see, Sun Moon Lake has a whole host of excellent accommodation options. Whether you choose to stay in Shuishe or Ita Thao, you’ll be spoilt for choice. While there are loads of other places to stay in Sun Moon Lake, the options above are by far the very best hotels in Sun Moon Lake!
Well, that’s all I’ve got on where to stay in Sun Moon Lake for now. If you have any other suggestions for best hotels in Sun Moon Lake, let me know in the comments below so that I can check them out on my next trip!
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