The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake

“A Stunning Setting and the most Wonderful Staff”

I had a fantastic stay and absolutely loved the hotel. The Lalu was the main reason for my visit to Sun Moon Lake, and well worth the journey and the cost. The setting is simply stunning, the design and serenity of the hotel - magical. It reminded me of some Aman hotels we’ve stayed at, and I beli… more

I had a fantastic stay and absolutely loved the hotel. The Lalu was the main reason for my visit to Sun Moon Lake, and well worth the journey and the cost. The setting is simply stunning, the design and serenity of the hotel - magical. It reminded me of some Aman hotels we’ve stayed at, and I believe the group has had involvement here, as well as a shared link in Kerry Hill as architect. A huge factor in my enjoyment was the staff, they are all absolutely wonderful, and cannot do enough to please. Extremely efficient too, the reception team highly responsive and helpful in pre-stay comms, and outstandingly so in person. I stayed in a Lakeside Suite and the views were breathtaking, a total joy to wake up to - I could have happily stayed for a week without ever leaving the room! They are spacious, with a generously proportioned living room, and large terrace. All have CD players, with a library of options, but I loved the default Lalu soundtrack, and played it on constant loop. Those tunes will evoke long lasting and treasured memories. Common areas are also desirable - the Lobby Bar, Teahouse, and Chinese Restaurant, all enjoying panoramic lakeside views, ditto the heavenly infinity pool. Other F and B options include the Oriental Brasserie, where breakfast is also served, plus a high end Japanese restaurant. The latter offers 3 set 10 course menus, priced between TWD 3600 AND TWD 5800. Service was utterly charming, but food disappointing, many dishes lacking in flavour, though it was an enjoyable spectacle, sitting around the chefs' grill as he cooked the food before us. The restaurant closes at 930pm, and as the clock struck that time, I was handed a bag containing the remains of my bottle of Cloudy Bay, and smilingly instructed to enjoy it in my room. Thank you and goodnight!! They don't eat late in Taiwan!! The Lalu has an interesting history, the site having, in a previous incarnation, been home to a Japanese Prince, and later, (1949), the holiday residence of President Chiang Kai-Shek. His simple wooden boat remains, and there is a memorial to him within the grounds. After a mega bucks spend, the Lalu opened in 2002 in its current form. It is truly stunning, though there are parts which would now benefit from a refresh. The hotel offers a shuttle (chargeable), so for example, if, like me, you are arriving by HSR into Taichung, it’s possible to arrange a transfer (TWD 1100 each way). Tours of the lake and beyond, can also be arranged, and whatever you do, do not miss Wenwu Temple. The nearby town of Shuishe is easily walkable, offering various dining options, and easily organised boat trips. A memorable stay.

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“Exceptional service at a beautiful hotel”

The Lalu is a stunning hotel with exceptional service. Gorgeous views of Sun Moon Lake and the mountains beyond. Kudos to Mando who seemed to always be available to answer questions, provide suggestions and ensure your stay meets the highest standards. The Oriental Brasseries restaurant serves… more

The Lalu is a stunning hotel with exceptional service. Gorgeous views of Sun Moon Lake and the mountains beyond. Kudos to Mando who seemed to always be available to answer questions, provide suggestions and ensure your stay meets the highest standards. The Oriental Brasseries restaurant serves an excellent buffet breakfast but at night turns into a gourmet dining experience. Their prix fixe menu was a highlight of our stay and is as good as any we've had in the U.S. The spa offers excellent services as well.

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“Stunning hotel”

This hotel is simply stunning. The rooms are large and very comfortable, with beautiful views from the balconies, and very comfortable sitting areas. Bathrooms are also large and beautiful. Rooms are very quiet. What stands out for me, however, is the beautiful wood finishes on the walls and … more

This hotel is simply stunning. The rooms are large and very comfortable, with beautiful views from the balconies, and very comfortable sitting areas. Bathrooms are also large and beautiful. Rooms are very quiet. What stands out for me, however, is the beautiful wood finishes on the walls and floors. The breakfast buffet had a huge selection of delicious foods, both Asian and western, in a spacious breakfast room. Service was exceptional - at times perhaps too exceptional, as guests were not really allowed to do anything on their own. At times it felt a bit over-the-top, but the employees certainly meant well, and were very well-trained. Access to tourist sites was good. From the nearby townsite you can rent bikes easily to go on the scenic paved bike route on the west side of the lake. There is also good access to the lake ferry, and a good selection of restaurants in the townsite. The walk back to the hotel from the townsite has a bit of elevation gain, however. Overall, I would rate this as the best hotel I have ever stayed at. If I won the lottery, I would definitely return. (I was here as part of a tour group, so we didn't know the actual rate that the hotel charges; the rates are very high, but perhaps justified by the quality of the hotel experience).

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“Beautiful Hotel with Great Service”

Had afternoon tea buffet at lalu sun moon lake last month , my younger son made a mess at the restaurant entry , the hotel staff is very patient and taking good care of my family. Am very impressive with the staff service, they prepared vegetarian pasta for my wife, enjoyed our lunch very much. The… more

Had afternoon tea buffet at lalu sun moon lake last month , my younger son made a mess at the restaurant entry , the hotel staff is very patient and taking good care of my family. Am very impressive with the staff service, they prepared vegetarian pasta for my wife, enjoyed our lunch very much. The restaurant has stunning view towards sun moon lake too.

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