Every trip to Taipei, as I mentioned in my previous post, we like to stay in the Ximending area. It's somehow like a fun thing for us to try different hotels around the vicinity. I thought it'd be useful and helpful for me to share some tips on where to stay within Ximending.
Though there may be cheaper options than those I'm recommending, but let me first clarify that my criteria is that there must be a bathtub in the room, and there must be free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is not important to me because there are tons of food nearby, and I want to save my stomach anyway for them.
Also the way the buildings are organized in Ximending doesn't make for a lot of space, many buildings are built wall-to-wall, hence a lot of rooms also do not come with windows. If you are claustrophobic, be sure to confirm your room has windows before clicking the book button.
One last tip, check-in timing is generally later in Taipei. Most hotels worldwide have a check-in time of 2pm, on average Taipei hotels have a check-in time of 3pm. So if you're arriving early in the morning, I advise you to book one extra night in advance so you can rest your fill before heading out. Most shops only open after noon anyway.
So let's go!!
VIA is very central, but it may be a bit hard to find. It's in the middle of an alley, which leads out to the Family Mart in the middle of Ximending. Also you have to take the lift to the 2nd floor where the lobby is located. Rooms do not have windows. One thing special about the room is that the bathtub is onsen style, and you can soak while watching TV haha.
VIA has a very cosy and inviting lounge area, which offers free all-day snacks and drinks, including bowl noodles (super satisfying at the end of the day). You can start the day with a muffin while going online to confirm your itinerary for the day.
SWIIO Hotel (二十輪旅店 ), No 72, 108 Wuchang Road Sec 2
I stayed here for a work trip, so this is the only hotel that doesn't have a bathtub. Haha. It also has no windows but it's funky and comfortable enough for me. The lounge is pretty cool but not somewhere I wanna hang out at. It may be a bit hard to find this hotel, but remember to look up, the sign hangs atop the building. It's just next to TGIF restaurant so look out for that, you have to take a lift up to the lobby at the 6th floor.
*inHouse Hotel (薆悅酒店), 107 Xining South Road
This modern hotel is just next to a Wonstar Hotel branch, and is really right smack in the middle of Ximending, about 5 minutes walk from the subway station. It's the most pricy of the bunch, and rooms all come with breakfast. Not typical yucky a la carte breakfast like most Taipei hotels, but this one is surprisingly good and was buffet style.
All guests also get free coffee, you can claim it at the 2nd floor Wakuwaku café anytime of the day. Pretty nice, save your money and forego the Starbucks nearby for this!
And finally, if you're not into the frills and décor, and just want a decent place to sleep at a very cheap price, in a convenient location, this is my choice. There are 2 Wonstars in the Ximending area, be sure to book Wonstar I, with the above address. It's along the main Zhonghua Road, and there is a free airport transfer service by GuoGuang bus which stops right outside the hotel. Fuss free!
Tip: I always book my hotel on Booking.com cos rates are lower than Agoda's most of the time and you only need to pay at the hotel. No worries about credit card transactions going wrong online. If you really want to stay in Ximending though, be sure to book early in advance. They sell out really fast because the properties aren't that big. So good luck and hope you enjoy Taipei as much as I do! :)
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