Backpacker 41 hostel - Kaohsiung

This hostel is close to the metro, in a quiet area, and was fairly clean. Still, despite the name, I didn't get much of an international backpacker feel. It seemed more like a guesthouse for local or Taiwanese guests, some of whom appeared to live there long term or permanently. I was also able to check in with an English-speaking younger woman, and had no trouble with her or the other staff. The older lady was a different experience. I don't speak fluent Mandarin, but I understand quite a bit and can manage some basic conversation. On my first day, she corrected me twice for wearing my own slippers. I prefer my own, and the ones provided were too big. As I passed, she called out loudly, “Don't use these outside,” or something like that. I said yes. They may have looked like outdoor slippers, but they were my indoor shoes, brought specifically for hostels. Later, while the room was being cleaned, she told me I couldn't wear them inside. I explained they were only for indoor use and the other slippers didn't fit. She then said I couldn't wear them downstairs because everyone should use the same slippers. I didn't want an argument or more drama, so I agreed and went without slippers on the first floor. It felt as if she'd just made up a rule to stop me using mine. The slippers weren't really the main issue; it was the way she scolded me. Another time, I was eating at a desk when she said someone would need to work there. She patted my back and told me to move, so I shifted to the seat beside it. Nobody came to use the desk before I finished. The same thing happened the next day. I pointed out that nobody was there, but she still insisted I move. If the desk is reserved, a sign showing the reserved times would help. To me, though, it felt like she was inventing rules to control guests. I've stayed in quite a few hostels, and I've never felt so unwelcome or uncomfortable with the staff. It was hard to relax when new, unexplained rules seemed to appear and I couldn't tell what might upset her next. If rules matter, they should be clearly posted or explained at check-in. I was relieved to see other guests describe similar experiences. Rather than responding with passive-aggressive feedback, the owners should consider that more than one guest has had this problem.

I was happy with the stay, and didn't run into any other problems. The sheets and pillowcases could've been cleaner, though, and I wish there were curtains around the beds when you're sharing with strangers. Thanks.

This place feels like a lovely family home. The whole team was friendly and cheerful, and the location is wonderful, with everything close by. My room was spotless, and the bed was big and comfortable. After a long time, I finally got a peaceful night's sleep. If you're missing home, come here. The owner is the person I admire most. She still works every day at her age, and I salute her. I loved having a break from being solo and feeling like part of a family. Just treat this place like a home, not a hostel. Big thanks to everyone. Amazing.

Avoid this place. The owner is rude and controlling, and would follow people around and yell at them over small things. I saw her chase a French guy out while shouting at him. When I complained, staff told me she was just old. That's no excuse for treating people so badly. Do not stay here.