Norway Forest Motel - Wen Chuang Branch

If you’re planning a stay in Taichung and looking for a quirky, budget-friendly hotel with a few surprises, Norway Forest Motel – Wen Chuang Branch might be on your radar. We recently stayed here for three nights, and while it has some charms and functional comforts, it’s definitely a place that leaves you with mixed feelings—depending on what you’re after in your accommodation.

Highlights	Quirky, affordable motel in Taichung with fun extras like karaoke and a kids’ play area. Odd check-in hours but great location near night markets.
Cost	~A$120 a night
Location	No. 36, Zhengqi Street, South District, Taichung City, Taiwan 402003
Website	http://taichungculturalandcreative.villa-group.com.tw/

Getting There: Close-ish to the Station but Not Quite Smooth

Our journey began via the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung HSR Station. From there, it’s a 15-minute local train ride to Taichung Main Station, followed by another 15-minute walk to the hotel. While the distance is walkable, the sidewalks along the way are poorly maintained, uneven, and at times non-existent—forcing us to walk on the road. It’s doable, but not ideal if you’ve got rolling luggage or kids in tow.

First Impressions: More Motel than Hotel

The name “Norway Forest Motel” might suggest something cozy and Scandinavian-inspired, but what you get is more of a curious hybrid between a motel, karaoke bar, and a family fun centre. The ground floor looks like a car park with a very minimal reception booth tucked off to the side. There’s no lobby or formal check-in area, which can feel a bit underwhelming or even confusing when you first arrive.

Adding to the strangeness: check-in is only permitted after 6:00 PM, which is highly unusual for a hotel. While they kindly allowed us to store our luggage before check-in, arriving early can feel inconvenient—especially if you’ve just had a long journey.

The Rooms: Comfortable Enough, With Quirks

The rooms themselves are better than the entrance might suggest. Ours featured a separate bathtub with a built-in TV, which felt like a bit of unexpected luxury—although the TV in the main room was disappointingly unresponsive. The room was clean and decently sized, with a big bed and dim lighting typical of a motel-style setup. It’s definitely not boutique, but it works.

A nice touch: each day, the room is stocked with free snacks, including a pack of instant noodles, some crackers, and a can each of Coca-Cola and lemon iced tea. It’s not gourmet, but it’s thoughtful and handy, especially if you’re peckish late at night.

Breakfast: Basic Buffet

Breakfast is served on the second floor in a buffet style. There’s a reasonable range of options—some hot Taiwanese dishes, breads, eggs, salad, congee, etc.—but it’s nothing that stands out. If you’re just looking to fuel up before heading out for the day, it’ll do the job. If you’re expecting something memorable, it won’t deliver.

Entertainment & Facilities: Karaoke, Kids’ Play Area & Mini Gym

What makes this place stand out is the strange mishmash of facilities. The fifth floor houses a ball pit play area and an outdoor mini car track, clearly aimed at families with kids. On a hot and humid day, the air-conditioned ball pit is far more inviting than the outdoor track.

There’s also a small gym, though it’s very limited: a treadmill, a bench, and a few weights. Don’t expect a full workout here—it’s more of a token facility.

Interestingly, karaoke seems to be a big draw, and the hotel has various private singing rooms. While we didn’t use them, it adds to the motel-meets-entertainment-centre vibe.

Location: Lively at Night, Markets at Your Doorstep

Despite its quirks, the location is pretty great—especially in the evenings. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of a local night market, which really comes alive after sunset. Step outside and you’re surrounded by stalls selling everything from bubble tea and fried snacks to grilled skewers and desserts. It’s vibrant, authentic, and gives you a real slice of Taiwanese street culture.

About 20 minutes’ walk away is the Mitsui Outlet Park, a more modern and polished shopping destination featuring global brands and restaurants. It’s a good way to balance out your local street food adventures with some retail therapy.

Final Thoughts: Budget-Friendly but Rough Around the Edges

Pros:

Surprisingly spacious and clean rooms with a bathtub TV
Free daily snacks and drinks
Located in a night market—great for food lovers
Kids’ play area and some family-friendly features
Great value for money (under A$120 per night)

Cons:

No proper lobby or warm welcome area
Oddly late check-in time (6:00 PM)
Uneven sidewalks and poor pedestrian access
Feels more like a themed motel than a full-service hotel
Some areas feel a bit tacky or misleading compared to promotional photos

If you’re on a budget, like quirky hotels, and plan to spend most of your time exploring Taichung, then Norway Forest Motel is a solid option. Just adjust your expectations: the “wow” factor in pictures doesn’t quite match the experience, but it’s functional, decently comfortable, and offers a few pleasant surprises.

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