Gents House - Hostel

Taipei main station is just a five-minute walk away, with connections all over the city. The hostel was clean, the beds were comfy, and the staff were helpful. The coffee was very good, and the amenities were handy for backpackers. There isn't much room to open a locker and sort out your things without getting in someone's way. The showers are also really cramped, with only four, so they get busy fast. They're awkwardly arranged with a toilet directly in front.

I was sweating all night and couldn't sleep because it was noisy. There was nowhere to hang a wet towel or dirty clothes. The bathroom stank strongly of ammonia, the shower was tiny, the towel and clothes hanger was broken, there was no ventilation, and the floor was slippery. You have to leave shoes in a locker by the lift, and the floor was pretty dirty, so bring sandals. The mattress, pillows, and blankets hadn't been replaced and were dirty, with lots of hair and grime. The blanket smelled awful. I asked to change beds, but the person at the counter refused and only changed the white bed layer. At checkout, guests have to strip and remake the bed with duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases for the next person. I've never encountered that rule in a hotel, and it made me think my bed hadn't been cleaned or made at all. I paid to stay and still had to make the bed myself. I was very unhappy with this place. For this price per night I could have stayed in a better hotel nearby. I was fooled by the Google Maps and Agoda ratings.

The dorm beds were comfortable, and the curtains gave some extra privacy. There was security downstairs, which made the place feel reasonably safe. The shared space and kitchen were useful, though they were often busy. Pillow Hostel was easy to find and well located, within walking distance of lots of malls and other main Taipei attractions. The dorm rooms could use more floor space, but I had a good stay.

The location was a strong point, about a five-to-eight-minute walk from Taipei's main station, and the price was reasonable. I paid 470 NTD (15 USD) for a single bed on a Saturday night. The bed was spacious enough for me, a 165 cm, 65 kg woman, though maybe not for someone much bigger. The bathroom was clean and nice, with good shower pressure and warm water. They provided free shower gel and shampoo, both good quality, and you can rent a hair dryer. A few things to know: take off your shoes after leaving the elevator, so indoor flip-flops may come in handy. You make your own bed, but the pillow was nice. The lobby lights go out at 12:00 pm, which is better for people sleeping, though it means no more socializing at night. There's no breakfast. Just my opinion from one night.