Neat Hostel

We loved the quiet street, with places to eat and drink nearby, the station just a stone's throw away, and the city centre's sights around a ten-minute walk. The room was spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully furnished, and our en suite was great too. We even left some laundry on the roof, where guests can use the washing machine and clothes lines for free. The owners kindly sent it to Taipei free of charge with a special delivery service, in time for our flight out of Taiwan. The building's mix of architectural styles, old furnishings, and creatively reused signs gives its history a personal feel. The owner showed us these thoughtful touches with real enthusiasm. It felt homey and full of things to discover. Ask questions and you'll get detailed answers about the building, design, and history. The owner was wonderful throughout. One of our nicest guesthouse stays, and our favorite spot in Taiwan. We can't recommend it enough, and would absolutely return if we find ourselves in Taipei again.

A really unusual, cozy place, and one of the best stays I've had while traveling. It's more like renting a house than staying at a regular hostel: there are shared spaces like the living room and kitchen, and you feel more independent. I don't know whether guests can actually cook in the kitchen. The rooms come in different shapes and sizes, and there aren't many of them. I had a four-bed room to myself, while a couple stayed in what may have been a single-bed room. The house is beautiful and over 100 years old, filled with antiques and remnants of its past, like an old desk telephone, a desk turntable, the ventilation system, and a heating pump. The husband's grandfather owned it before, and the owners are happy to talk about its history if you ask. They're a nice, funny couple. They seem to be retired and to run the place partly out of passion. They care about their guests and enjoy a chat, though don't expect hotel-style service. If you want a cozy, independent stay with warm, sincere interaction with the staff, this is a great choice, especially if you like history. It's a five-minute walk from the train station. Chenggong street is busy, but the house is tucked into a smaller lane that's surprisingly quiet, with a nice view of the little streets from the windows. I first met the owners at a vegetarian restaurant in downtown Tainan, where they were sitting at the next table. They seemed amused and intrigued by my broken Chinese with the restaurant owner. Before long we were having a great conversation in Chinese and English. The woman, who is a musician and vegetarian, was especially curious, joking and asking lots of questions. They said they liked me and hoped I'd stay at their hostel someday. The next day, I was about to leave Tainan by train, but randomly decided to stay another night and called them from the Information Center booth at the station, since I don't own a phone.

The family running this homestay were always smiling, friendly, and very helpful. I had a great time staying with them. It's centrally located and easy to reach Tainan's important spots, from Confucius house to Taiwan's first settlements. Highly recommended for travelers.

It feels like home, and the owners are always ready to help. The house itself is like a living record of Tainan over the past 100 years. I'd highly recommend this hostel.