Where to Stay in Chiayi Taiwan: The Best Areas & Hotels 2025

Chiayi was actually one of the last places I visited during my Taiwan adventure, and I’m so glad I didn’t skip it. For many travelers (including me), Chiayi is the main gateway to Alishan Forest which is why most people end up spending a night or two here.

Alishan is easily one of the most beautiful areas in Taiwan, with its misty mountains, giant cedar trees, hiking paths, and those cute little trains running through the forest.

Since I recommend staying in Chiayi to make the most of your time exploring Alishan National Forest, today in this guide on where to stay in Chiayi, we’ll talk about the best areas, the best hotels in Chiayi, and everything else you should know before you book.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Alishan Taiwan

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Alishan Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Dafong Hotel Alishan – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Chinshan Villa – Click here for rates & availability

Where to Stay in Chiayi Taiwan: The Best Areas & Hotels 2025

Where to Stay in Chiayi – My Experience

Alright, I’ll be bluntly honest with you guys (I mean, this is a travel blog after all, so I should highlight the good and the bad, right?). In my experience, Chiayi itself didn’t really have anything super interesting going on.

I stayed here for two nights so I could get a full day in Alishan Forest, and I would 100% recommend staying the night before and after your Alishan trip, even if you also stay a night up in Alishan. This way, you can really make the most of your time in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

But Chiayi as a city? I’d say it’s not really worth visiting on its own. And honestly, that’s totally fine. I went to a few cute restaurants and had some good food, but not every city needs to be a highlight. Some cities are just… cities. And that’s okay.

For me, Chiayi is basically a gateway, a base to explore Alishan. That’s why it’s even more important to know where to stay. I personally recommend staying somewhere close to the Chiayi train station. That made things way easier for me when going to Alishan, getting back, and arriving or leaving Chiayi in general.

Best Areas to Stay in Chiayi

Chiayi City Center

The Chiayi city center is where I stayed during my time in Chiayi (just two nights). It’s pretty hectic and busy, with your typical night markets, small streets, restaurants, shopping malls, and lots of cars. There are quite a few decent and affordable hotels and hostels around, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding either a nice mid-range place or a budget option.

I didn’t mind staying here at all, there was enough going on to grab dinner, wander around a bit in the evening, and it wasn’t too far from the train station either.

Chiayi West District

The West District is basically on the opposite side of Chiayi train station from the city center. So while the city center is in front of the station, the West District is behind it.

This area is actually pretty nice and a good choice if you want to stay in a newer, more upscale hotel. There are quite a few new-build, modern hotels here, plus lots of good food options. Just keep in mind that accommodation in this area tends to be a bit more expensive.

Close to Chiayi Train Station

Honestly, this is where I’d recommend most people stay. Even though my place in the City Center wasn’t too far from the train station, it was still about a 20-minute walk, which isn’t ideal with a big backpack.

I’d go for something as close to the station as possible. There are loads of food options and good hotels right around there anyway. And since, in my opinion, there isn’t that much to actually do in Chiayi, you might as well stay in the most convenient spot. The Chiayi Train Station is where you’ll catch the train to Alishan as well as from Chiayi to Taipei or from Chiayi to Kaohsiung from.

Best Hotels in Chiayi

1. Best Hotels in Chiayi City Center

Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel

Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel is probably one of the best hotels in Chiayi you can pick. The location is great, only about 600 meters from the train station and right next to the night market.

The lobby is really nice, with a good restaurant and a great breakfast buffet to start your day. The rooms are spacious, with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and plenty of space to spread out. And honestly, it’s not even that expensive (at least compared to Taipei), so I think it’s definitely a great option for your stay in Chiayi.

Book Here: Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel

Orange Hotel Chiayi

Orange Hotel Chiayi is a fantastic mid-range option I found. The place is brand new and modern, and it feels like a mix between a hotel and a hostel. It looks more like a hotel overall (with your typical lobby and reception area), but they also offer dorm rooms if you want to save some cash.

They have both shared and private bathrooms, so you’ve got options. I think this is a great pick if you want to stay somewhere nice without paying too much, but also avoid the full-on backpacker hostel, which I totally understand. Really good value for money here.

Book Here: Orange Hotel Chiayi

Hotel Leisure Chiayi

Hotel Leisure Chiayi is where I stayed my first night. It’s your typical backpacker hostel setup, which honestly, was totally fine. The beds were comfortable and had plenty of space underneath for your bags.

Like most hostels in Taiwan, the bunk beds come with full curtains, a phone charger, and a big, comfy mattress, so it almost feels more like a pod hotel. The bathrooms were clean, and overall it did the job. Not the most social place I have ever been,, but definitely good enough for a cheap stay in Chiayi before heading to Alishan Forest.

Book Here: Hotel Leisure Chiayi

2. My Favorite Chiayi Hotels in West District

Voco Chiayi IHG

The Voco Chiayi is probably one of the best hotels in Chiayi you can book. This brand-new 5-star hotel has a super modern design, a bit quirky in parts, which is pretty normal for Taiwan and honestly adds the typical Taiwan vibe to it.

The rooms are spacious, and some of them have awesome views over the city and mountains. I personally think having a swimming pool is a huge plus, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Taiwan gets hot, and being able to jump into a pool to cool off after a day out is just the best.

Book Here: Voco Chiayi IHG

Royal Chiayi Hotel

Honestly, the Royal Chiayi Hotel is probably one of the best value-for-money options you’ll find. This 4-star hotel in Chiayi has big, comfortable rooms, super cozy beds, and a great location.

The hotel is a bit older, but it still feels upscale and definitely not outdated. Rooms here start at around $60 USD a night, which I think is a steal for what you get.

Book Here: Royal Chiayi Hotel

Guanko Hotel

Guanko Hotel in Chiayi is a newly renovated 4-star hotel in the West District, but still fairly close to the train station. I think this is a great choice if you want something a bit more upscale but still want to be near the railway station for easy access.

They have a beautiful rooftop terrace with views over the mountains, and even a kids’ playroom, so if you’re traveling as a family, this is a spot I’d definitely recommend.

Book Here: Guanko Hotel

3 .Best Accommodation near Chiayi Train Station

Holiday Inn Chiayi

The Holiday Inn in Chiayi is probably the best luxury hotel in Chiayi, in my opinion. If you’re looking for a proper “nice hotel” experience with all the comforts and amenities you might be used to from home, this is where I’d stay.

The whole place is new and super modern, with that typical business hotel look, clean, upscale, no surprises. It’s a 4-star hotel, offers a big breakfast buffet in the morning, and has that very Western-style vibe (if that makes sense).

Book Here: Holiday Inn Chiayi

Yoyo Hotel Chiayi

Yoyo Hotel is literally right across from the railway station and you really can’t beat the location. The hotel is definitely a bit on the older side, but everything is still well maintained. The rooms are spacious, you’ve got private bathrooms, and of course, air conditioning (a must in Taiwan).

If you’re planning to catch the train or bus to Alishan, or arriving from Taipei on the regular train, staying here just makes your life so much easier.

Book Here: Yoyo Hotel Chiayi

Walk Home Hostel

Walk Home Hostel is also right next to the train station, so the location is perfect. It’s definitely very basic, but it’s also super affordable.

If you’re backpacking or traveling to Taiwan on a budget, this is a great option. They have dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, simple, no fuss, but it does the job if you just need a place to crash before or after Alishan.

Book Here: Walk Home Hostel

FAQs About the Best Hotels in Chiayi

What to do in Chiayi?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s that much to do in Chiayi itself. For me, the main reason to come here is to use it as a base for exploring Alishan Forest. But if you do have extra time, you can check out the Chiayi night markets, grab some good local food, or stop by the Chiayi Art Museum.

How to get from Chiayi to Alishan?

The easiest way is to take the Alishan Forest Railway train, it’s super scenic (though it can take up to 5 hours). Another option is the bus from Chiayi Station, which is a bit faster and also convenient.

Is Chiayi worth visiting?

I’ll be real with you: I don’t think Chiayi is worth visiting just for Chiayi. It’s not exactly a highlight on its own. But as a gateway to Alishan, it’s definitely worth a stop.

What is the best hotel in Chiayi?

If you’re going all out and want the most comfortable, “fancy” option, I think the Holiday Inn Chiayi is probably the best hotel in Chiayi. It’s new, modern, and has all the Western comforts.

Final Thoughts on The Best Places to Stay in Chiayi

For me, Chiayi was really just a practical stop to get to Alishan and that’s totally fine. Not every city has to be a highlight, right?

I still think it’s 100% worth spending a night here before or after your Alishan adventure to make the whole trip way easier and more relaxed. Whether you want something cheap and simple near the train station, or a nice hotel with a pool, Chiayi has enough options to make your stay comfy.

So I guess I have to say that Chiayi is worth visiting but again just as a base to explore Alishan. I hope this guide on Where to Stay in Chiayi will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Alishan.