Civil Life Guesthouse Tainan

You get a chance to experience living in a Taiwanese house, and the owner has put effort into making it comfortable with plants, calming music, drinks, and snacks. Moving around does take care. Even the gentlest push makes the door loud, and you shouldn’t lean luggage against the wall because of the vintage paint. You also have to carry your luggage across the garden, since rolling it isn’t allowed.

Getting around is easy, with buses and food close by, and the price is quite reasonable. This is the best B&B I’ve stayed at so far. The room is clean and distinctive, and the kitchen and bathroom appliances are neat too. There’s a lovely garden with different plants and cozy chairs where you can sit with a coffee and relax. If you want unusual decor and a peaceful place with a garden, I’d recommend it. I’ll stay here again next time I’m in Tainan.

The location is ideal, on a quiet alley close to museums and attractions, with a T-bike station just one alley away. I especially recommend the two rooms with balconies, which look out over the surrounding historic buildings. The host was kind and full of information, and began with a short tour about the 50 year old house he had carefully designed and preserved. The attention to detail throughout was astounding. All three shared bathrooms were spotless and had brand new facilities, with excellent water pressure and hot water. Toiletries, indoor sandals, and a well stocked kitchen were provided. Best hostel I’ve stayed in.

Our booking for one night on Feb 22 was rejected at 11pm the night before. The reason they gave was that we had been in China in the past, which felt discriminatory. We could prove we’d already been in Taiwan for a month to avoid the virus outbreak. Getting this notice about their “new policy” the night before was nonsense. No comment.