Carlos Backpacker

A simple, clean, comfortable hostel at a low price. Great place.

The room was neat and clean, and there’s a PX Mart nearby. Shopping is convenient, with the lively area around the Da Shi Ye Temple close by.

I was glad the bed was comfortable, the frame didn’t wobble or make noise, and the sheets didn’t make me itch. I’ve had itchy sheets maybe 2-3 times out of 10 stays, in backpacker places as well as motels and hostels. The room was mixed-gender, so I had wondered if people on the upper and lower bunks might disturb each other, aside from snoring. The sturdy frame helped put that concern to rest. Overall, I was satisfied with the room, though the showerhead in the second-floor bathroom needs fixing. There were only enough parking spaces out front for about 3-4 motorcycles. Still, street parking is easy in rural Minxiong. I can’t say much about PX Mart, a major electronics retailer. Dining and shopping were good and within walking distance. It’s better to book before 2 PM. I looked for places near Chiayi Railway Station around noon, but by 3-4 PM they were all full. This room still had space, so I booked it. For backpackers, 700 might seem expensive to some, but that’s a matter of opinion.

The shared bathroom was fine, and the living facilities were good. The bed was comfortable, while the air conditioner was cold and loud. I didn’t mind the noise since it covered up the traffic sounds. The keypad was awkward to use because a pillar beside the door got in the way, so I had to bend my hand to enter the code. It was so inconvenient I nearly wanted to remove the pillar. The circled spot in the picture could be improved. The owner will give you a toothbrush for free if you don’t bring one, but there’s no toothpaste or towels. Small towels can be rented for $30.