Yilan Travel Guide: Benz Hot Spring Hotel, Jiaoxi

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Jiaoxi, Yilan’s most beloved hot spring town, Benz Hot Spring Hotel (賓士溫泉旅館) is a cozy, no-fuss base for travelers craving slow, soaking-focused getaways away from Taipei’s busy city pace. Far from the flashy luxury of chain resorts, this small independent hotel leans into Jiaoxi’s laid-back, community-focused vibe, making it ideal for couples on a quiet retreat or solo travelers seeking a peaceful reset.

Hotel Overview

Benz Hot Spring Hotel is conveniently located at No. 21, Section 5, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, steps away from Jiaoxi’s main street food stalls and bus terminal. All rooms are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort, and include free WiFi for guests. The star amenity of every room is a private hot spring bathtub, fed by Jiaoxi’s famous weak alkaline spring water, so you can soak on your own schedule without sharing public pools. Each private bathroom comes with free toiletries, a hairdryer, toilet paper, towels, and slippers, though guests should note extra towels and bed linens are available for a small additional fee. Other in-room perks include a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a mini-fridge for storing drinks and local snacks, bedside charging outlets, and clothing racks. The entire property is on the ground floor for easy access, though upper floors are only reachable by stairs. Security features include 24/7 CCTV in common areas, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers for peace of mind. Note that the property does not offer on-site parking, and staff only speak Chinese, so it’s helpful to have a translation app handy if you don’t speak Mandarin.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are all within a 15-minute walk or short drive from the hotel:

• Tangweigou Hot Spring Park: Just five minutes from the hotel, this public park lets you dip your feet in free, open-air hot spring pools surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Don’t miss the iconic hot spring fountain and the old Japanese-era bathhouse building, now a small museum documenting Jiaoxi’s hot spring history.
• Jiaoxi Night Market: Held every Friday and Saturday evening a 10-minute walk away, this lively market is the best place to sample Yilan specialties: try crispy green onion pancakes, creamy cow’s tongue cake, and tangy yuzhu ice cream.
• Wufengqi Waterfall: A 10-minute drive from the hotel, this 100-meter cascading waterfall is surrounded by easy, shaded hiking trails. Dip your feet in the cool lower pools after a short walk, or hike to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the valley and Pacific coast.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving from Taipei, take the Guoguang bus from Taipei Main Station directly to Jiaoxi Bus Terminal, a five-minute walk from the hotel—this is far easier than driving, given the lack of on-site parking and limited street parking in central Jiaoxi. Pack a light pair of sandals for foot soaks at Tangweigou Park, and bring a reusable water bottle for your hike at Wufengqi. Book your room in advance, especially on weekends and holiday periods, as small independent hotels like Benz fill up fast. If you plan to explore the rest of Yilan, rent a scooter from a shop near the bus station for easy access to more distant beaches and farms.