Kaohsiung Ocean Views: Luxurious Sanduo MRT Rental - 85 Sky Tower!
Okay, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the shimmering, sky-scraping world of Kaohsiung Ocean Views: Luxurious Sanduo MRT Rental – 85 Sky Tower! Prepare for a review that's less "sterile, factual robot" and more "caffeinated travel buddy." And I mean caffeinated. I’m ready to spill the beans, or rather, the bubble tea, on everything from the soaring views to the questionable breakfast buffet.
First Impressions (and the MRT – Oh My!)
Right off the bat, this place oozes…well, potential. It looks amazing. The 85 Sky Tower is iconic, a Kaohsiung legend. My first thought? "Woah, this is really tall." And the access? Super easy to get to by the MRT! Sanduo Shopping District station is practically on your doorstep. Forget fighting scooters, you're in the city, instantly! This is a HUGE win for accessibility.
Accessibility? Check! (Mostly)
Okay, let's get real. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm good at spotting stuff! The elevator access is good (essential when you have that kind of view!). They have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't check them out super specifically. I'll leave that call to the people who reallly know about this stuff! If you have very specific needs, contact the hotel directly, and ask about the size of the rooms and the availability of elevators.
The Rooms: A (Slightly) Flawed Paradise
My room? Oh, the room! Sigh. It was a high floor, which, let's be honest, that's the whole point, right? The view? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, the kind of view that makes you stop and say "Wow" out loud, even when you're alone, which happens to me, often.
They have all the usual suspects: air conditioning (essential in Kaohsiung!), coffee/tea maker, a fridge (hello, late-night snacks!), in-room safe (always a plus for peace of mind) a desk, and…wait for it… blackout curtains. Bless them, those blackout curtains. They’re a lifesaver after a long day of exploring.
However, there were a couple of minor hiccups. Like, the carpet could have been a little cleaner. But hey, I wasn’t there to inspect the carpet, was I? The bathroom was a little…compact. A slightly awkward setup, and the "complimentary tea" was a single sad little packet of something that tasted vaguely of nothing. But listen, these are minor quibbles. Plus, there's the little extras like bathrobes and slippers, which always make me feel fancy.
Internet: Connected (Mostly) – Essential Condiments, Too
Wi-Fi? Yeah, it's free and available in all rooms, hurrah! No need to hunt for hot spots. And the speed? Pretty reliable. Didn't actually need the wired LAN, which is a good thing. Seriously, a working, free connection is a necessity.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying Their Best
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or rather, the virus in the world). They do seem to make an effort. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff in masks and following hygiene protocols? Check. Room sanitization opt-out? I didn’t use it, but it’s there! They are doing a decent job to make you feel safer. I mean, you can't fully eliminate risk, but they're trying.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag
Alright, food, the most exciting part. The breakfast buffet… Okay, let's just say it's fine. There was an "Asian breakfast" section with some dishes that were… interesting. I think it was a buffet? Honestly I vaguely remember it. There were lots of tables! The coffee was… well, it existed. But there's also Western options if you're not feeling adventurous.
However, there are loads of other options. Restaurants abound. A restaurant with Western cuisine. A restaurant with Asian cuisine. A coffee shop. A snack bar! I did notice a poolside bar, which is a must in this kind of heat! Room service is 24-hour. Bonus points!
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Altitude and Attitude
Well, you're at the 85 Sky Tower! The view is the thing to do! It gives you the kind of perspective that can make you think real life problems are pretty small.
And the facilities? The fitness center is not bad. I actually used it one day! There's an outdoor swimming pool with a view, which is fantastic. They have a spa, sauna and steamroom. Massages, Body scrub and body wraps? Yes, please!
Services and Conveniences: The Unexpected Perks
They have all the usual suspects: concierge, daily housekeeping (thank heavens!), laundry service, luggage storage. And the elevator, of course! And a convenience store – always useful!
For the Kids:
They claim to be family-friendly. But I did not see a lot of kids.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
The MRT is right beside you, so you don't even need a taxi. They also offer airport transfers.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Look, Kaohsiung Ocean Views: Luxurious Sanduo MRT Rental – 85 Sky Tower! is not perfect. It has its quirks. The breakfast might not blow your mind. But the view? The location? The convenience? Those are massive wins.
My Recommendation: Book it! Yes, the rooms could be a little cleaner. But the experience? Well, it's hard to put a price on waking up to that view. It makes the minor imperfections fade away, like a bad memory after a couple of bubble teas.
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- A complimentary voucher for a delicious Taiwanese snack! (Because, priorities.)
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Sun City Center Getaway: Comfort Inn's Unbeatable Tampa Bay Deal!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is less "polished travel brochure" and more "unfiltered brain dump of a slightly overwhelmed tourist who's maybe had too much bubble tea." We're talking Kaohsiung, people. Near the MRT Sanduo sea view double-85 building, and the ever-so-alluring "海角月租套房" (which, let me tell you, is already whispering promises of questionable air conditioning and questionable life choices). Let's do this.
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and the Allure of 85 Sky Tower (or, the Day I Questioned My Life Choices at a 7-Eleven)
Morning (ish - because jet lag is a beast): Arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH). Okay, so, I was expecting a smooth, streamlined airport experience. Silly me. Turns out, navigating a new airport with four suitcases, a rogue shopping bag from a duty-free I definitely didn't need, and the burning question of, "Do I know how to use the MRT?" is… challenging. Especially when you realize everyone speaks Mandarin and you're fluent in "awkward tourist hand gestures" and a smattering of survival-level Mandarin learned three days ago on Duolingo. Found the MRT, finally. Felt like a minor victory.
Afternoon: Check into the "海角月租套房." Okay, the view from the window is pretty incredible. Like, legit breath-taking. The 85 Sky Tower looms, magnificent, and the sea stretches out forever. Immediately took approximately 300 photos. The room itself? Cozy. Let's call it that. The air conditioning is… well, it's working. (Or is it? I can't tell.) The bed? A mystery. (Will I ever truly know if it's comfortable until I've slept in it?)
Evening: The 85 Sky Tower looms… and I think I'm gonna go. I'm feeling brave. After a small nap. A very small nap, because the siren song of the 7-Eleven down the street is calling my name. Specifically, I need to find the perfect Taiwanese snack. This is crucial, people. I'm talking about hours spent staring at brightly colored packaged snacks, trying to decipher the ingredients (spoiler: I failed). The cashier, bless her heart, looked at me like I was an alien. Finally settled on… something. And a bottle of… wait for it… sparkling water. Because, ya know, hydration. Then, up the 85 tower… the views were incredible. But the souvenir shop? Absolutely dangerous. I bought a t-shirt. And a keychain. And a tiny plastic model of the tower. Don't judge me.
- Quirky observation: I swear I saw a grandma wearing a Hello Kitty backpack on the MRT. Fashion goals.
- Internal monologue: This is the life. This is what I've been waiting for. (Followed immediately by: Did I bring enough underwear?)
Day 2: The Lotus Pond, Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, and the Existential Dread of Eating Stinky Tofu (or, When My Stomach Decided to Stage a Revolt)
Morning: Okay, attempted to wake up at a reasonable hour. Failed. Jet lag. Blame it. Headed to Lotus Pond. The temples there are… well, they're intense. Bright colors, dragons, tigers, and a general sense of "wow, this is overwhelming in the best possible way." The Dragon & Tiger Pagodas were amazing, as expected! But… here's the thing. I, your humble narrator, am a fairly adventurous eater. Prepared for street food galore, and I was.
Afternoon: Street food time! Okay, let's be honest, it started off great, the pineapple cakes were heavenly. Found a tiny stall selling what I thought was deep-fried something-or-other. Turns out… it was. Stinky tofu. You guys, the smell is… a force of nature. My initial reaction was, "I can do this." Then, the first bite. And… let's just say, my stomach decided to stage a full-blown revolution. I almost lost it right there on the side of the road. I survived. Barely. Spent the next hour wandering around, clutching my stomach and muttering about the taste of fermented bean curds. Didn't eat for the rest of the afternoon. Pretty sure I developed a phobia.
- Rant: I'm not saying stinky tofu is bad… I'm just saying it's an experience. An unforgettable, stomach-churning experience I’d… probably… do again.
- Emotional breakdown (mini): I miss my mom's cooking.
Evening: Back to the room, where I found my tiny bottle of Tums (thank god). I watched the sunset over the sea from my questionable air-conditioned room. The view was incredible, yeah, but I'm pretty sure my soul left my body to look for a non-stinky-tofu-related snack.
Day 3: Pier-2 Art Center, Love River, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Bubble Tea (or, The Day I Became a Bubble Tea Connoisseur… or at least, a persistent customer).
Morning: Pier-2 Art Center. Awesome. Really awesome. Graffiti, installations, cool cafes, and just generally a good vibe. Spent a couple of hours wandering, taking pictures, and pretending I understood modern art. (I don't think I do understand modern art, but I appreciated it.) The sheer variety of art and photography was very enjoyable for a visual person such as myself.
Afternoon: Love River. Gorgeous! Especially at sunset. Decided it was the perfect time for a boat ride. Romantic, right? Well… the boat had a loud engine, and I mostly just smelled exhaust fumes. But the river, the city lights, they were magical.
Evening: The real mission of the day: finding the perfect bubble tea. This is serious business. I knew. I needed to. So, I started my quest. Tried three different shops. The first one: too sweet. The second: not enough pearls. The third: perfection. The tea was the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, the pearls had the perfect chew, and the whole experience… it was life-affirming. I celebrated my triumph and grabbed a second cup because, you know, research. This is my destiny. Bubble tea. And… 85 Sky Tower-shaped keychains.
- Opinionated rant: The worst thing you can do is get bubble tea from a place that doesn't have a smile. Or the right pearls size with the right amount of sweetness.
- Messy Structure and occasional rambles: Okay, I know this is supposed to be an itinerary, but I'm a little bit obsessed with bubble tea now. I think I'll make this my life mission. Find the best in Kaohsiung, then the world… then space! Who knows!?
Day 4: Beach Day (and the inevitable sunburn), and the realization that I might actually like Taiwan (Even with the Stinky Tofu! Sorta…)
Morning: Beach Day! Thought I'd go to some beach, but the sea view from the hotel was enough for me. Lazy day and relaxed.
Afternoon: This is where I almost died from over-exposure to sun. Ouch. The pain was intense.
Evening: Started getting ready to fly home. So sad.
Final Thoughts:
Kaohsiung, you sneaky city, you. So many experiences. The delicious (bubble tea!), the questionable (stinky tofu!), the beautiful, the slightly chaotic… and the fact that I somehow still manage to find 7-Eleven even if I close my eyes. This trip has been a rollercoaster of emotions, a culinary adventure, and a testament to the fact that travel is messy, imperfect, and utterly, wonderfully human. I'm leaving with a slightly burnt nose, a slightly dented wallet, and a whole bunch of memories I wouldn't trade for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy one more keychain. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try that stinky tofu again. Wish me luck!
Escape to Japan's Hidden Gem: Suisui Garden Ryokan Awaits!Kaohsiung Ocean Views: Luxurious Sanduo MRT Rental - 85 Sky Tower! OMG, Questions & Real Answers (Probably)
Okay, So... Is This Place Actually *Worth* the Hype? The 85 Sky Tower, Seriously?
Alright, buckle up buttercup. The hype? Oh, it's there. You see those pictures? Instagram heaven, right? Seriously though, I'm not going to lie, the first time I saw those sweeping city views, the ocean stretching out… my jaw actually *dropped*. I'm a sucker for a good view, and this? This is a great view. Like, you could convince me the Earth is flat from up there, it's that impressive.
But... worth it? Depends. Are you a travel blogger? Then YES. Do you have a crippling fear of heights? Then maybe, just *maybe* spend an extra hour with your therapist before you book. I'm talking about the actual rentals now, not just the tower itself. I rented once. Expensive. Fancy. Beautiful. And... well, I'll get to that later. Let's just say my bank account is still weeping. The whole "luxurious" thing? They aren't kidding. Prepare to feel utterly, completely, underdressed even if you’re wearing your best silk pajamas.
The Sanduo MRT - Is it *Actually* Convenient? Because "convenient" sometimes translates to a ten-minute hike in Google Maps speak.
The Sanduo MRT? Okay, this is the GOOD news! It's freakin' fantastic. Seriously. Forget that "ten-minute hike" nonsense - it's actually... well, it's close. Properly close. Like, stumble-out-of-your-fancy-rental-in-your-silk-pajamas-and-still-make-it-to-the-train close. I’m talking maybe a five-minute leisurely stroll, if you're deliberately dawdling to admire those meticulously manicured shrubberies (which, let's be honest, you probably will).
And the MRT itself? Clean. Efficient. Air-conditioned bliss! I used it CONSTANTLY. Especially to escape my... well, let's just say my overly enthusiastic (but admittedly delicious) attempt to master the art of Taiwanese street food in my apartment. Convenience? Oh yeah, buddy. This is the real deal.
What's the Deal with the "Ocean Views"? Are We Talking "Ocean" Ocean, or "Faint-Glimmer-If-You-Squint-Really-Hard" Ocean?
The VIEWS! Okay, now we're talking. Honestly, I've seen some "ocean views" in my life that were more accurately described as "distant-water-reflection-if-you-lean-out-the-window." This is not that. This is... well, it's the real deal. You get a proper, panoramic, "OMG, the Earth is round!" kind of view. The ocean stretches out, a shimmering expanse of blue, right there for your viewing pleasure.
Especially at sunset. Forget everything you thought you knew about sunsets. The colors... the light... It's truly breathtaking. I sat on the balcony of my rental (yes, the expensive one) with a glass of wine (probably too much wine), and just... stared. For, like, an hour. Totally worth it, even for the wine-induced post-sunset regret of not buying a nicer bottle.
Okay, Okay, Tell Me About the *Actual* Rental - Is It Actually “Luxurious”? And What Exactly Does That EVEN MEAN?
Alright, here's the messy part. The "luxurious" part. It's... complicated. Yes, the apartment was gorgeous. Floor-to-ceiling windows (hello, views!), plush furniture, a fully equipped kitchen that I, let's be honest, barely used. They probably had an espresso machine that could brew coffee directly into your very soul. I just stuck with the instant stuff I snuck over from the 7-Eleven.
The problem was… the *price*. My bank account still hasn't forgiven me. And the… the *pressure*. Everything was so… perfect. You’re trying not to drip water on the marble floors. You're terrified of somehow messing up the pristine white sofa. You're worried you'll breathe on something the wrong way. I felt more like I was a guest in a museum than enjoying a vacation.
Now, some people thrive in that environment. If you're the type who enjoys wearing white gloves while eating a muffin, this is your place. Me? I'm a bit more… chaotic. I like to leave a trail of crumbs and maybe accidentally spill a drink or two. Luxury is great, but I need permission to *live* in a space. So, yeah, luxurious… with a hefty dose of anxiety for this gal.
Is it Suitable for Families, or More of a Romantic Getaway Kind of Deal?
Ehhh... families? Potentially, yes. But again, depends on your family. If your kids are the type to leave toys strewn everywhere and treat furniture like a jungle gym, maybe think twice. The pristine decor is just BEGGING for a sticky handprint. Honestly, imagine the cleaning bill!
Romantic getaway? Oh. YES. Especially if you can handle the aforementioned price tag (cough, cough, bank account). Imagine: sunset cocktails on the balcony, the glittering city lights, the gentle lapping of the ocean (okay, maybe you can't *hear* the ocean, but you can *see* it!), and a significant other who isn't obsessed with leaving a trail of crumbs. Yeah, that's the dream. But if you're like me and require a lot of space to roll around in, maybe find your own accommodation elsewhere.
Any Hidden Costs or Annoying Surprises To Watch Out For? (Because, Let's Be Real, There Always Are.)
Hidden costs… hmm. Well, obviously there's the sticker shock of the rental price itself. That's the big one. But other than that… hmmm. Parking. Make sure you understand the parking situation, because navigating parking in a foreign city is a special kind of "fun." Honestly, Google Maps is my best friend. And the cleaning fee! Sometimes those are a sneaky addition. Triple-check the fine print.
And this is so specific, but: the 85 Sky Tower has multiple lobbies. Getting lost is *totally* possible. I learned that the hard way. I spent a good 20 minutes wandering around in circles, feeling like a bewildered hamster, before I finally found the right elevator. So, yeah. Pay attention to which lobby you're supposed to be in. Trust me.