Le Meridien Hualien Resort

Rooms here face either the Pacific or the mountains behind Hualien, so picking a side is its own small drama. This is a resort in the real sense: the spa and the onsen-style spring-fed baths are reasons to stay in, not just amenities to photograph. The east coast keeps things from feeling like a city-hotel situation, even if the 252 rooms and the upscale dining options could pass for one on a grey Tuesday.