Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung is a full-service city hotel that sits between the budget stays and the luxury towers in this guide. It suits travellers who want a dependable, well-equipped hotel with a good breakfast and a central base, without paying top prices. The Howard Plaza name is familiar in Taiwan, so expect a hotel with a business-travel heritage, comfortable rooms and a range of services. Specific facilities such as a pool, restaurants, parking and meeting rooms vary, so check the details for your dates when you book.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in central Kaohsiung, in the part of the city that is easy to reach from the high-speed rail station and the metro. From here the Love River, Liuhe Night Market and the Formosa Boulevard Dome of Light are short rides away, and Pier-2 and Cijin Island are reached by metro, light rail or taxi.
Kaohsiung is easy to navigate, but the summer heat can make walking tiring, so use taxis for the longer hops. Check the map when you book to see exactly how far the hotel is from the sights on your list.
Rooms and facilities
Expect comfortable, traditional rooms in a mid-sized city hotel, with the sort of facilities that business and leisure guests both use. A buffet breakfast is a common highlight in Taiwanese hotels at this level, but confirm that it is included in your rate. Check for a gym, laundry, parking and any family room options when you book, as they differ by room type and season.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, families, small groups and business travellers who want a solid, no-surprises stay. It is not a boutique hotel, so travellers who prefer design-led rooms or a rooftop pool may prefer one of the newer hotels in the city. Book ahead for weekends and holidays and compare rates with and without breakfast, since the savings can be modest.
Tips for a good stay
If you are catching an early train to Tainan or the high-speed rail to Taipei, ask the hotel about the best taxi pickup time and luggage storage. In the evening the Liuhe and Ruifeng night markets are an easy outing, and the hotel can usually suggest a taxi or metro route. Carry a light umbrella or sun hat, since Kaohsiung weather can swing from sun to showers quickly.
Before you book
Look at the cancellation terms, because flexible rates are useful if typhoon season or a change of plan affects your trip. Compare a few room types, check whether breakfast, parking or late check-out can be added, and read recent guest comments for anything that matters to you, such as lift waiting times or air conditioning.
Why stay here
- ✓Full-service city hotel
- ✓Central Kaohsiung location
- ✓Easy links to rail and metro
- ✓Close to Love River and night markets
- ✓Breakfast options (check rates)
- ✓Family-friendly room options (check)
- ✓Parking (check when you book)
- ✓Check facilities when you book
Good questions
Is Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung good for first-time visitors?+
Yes, it is a central, full-service hotel with easy links to the main sights. Check the map when you book for exact distances.
Is breakfast included?+
It depends on the rate. Compare rates with and without breakfast when you book.
Does it suit families?+
It can. Check the room types and any family options when you book.
