Hotel Papa Whale

The buffet breakfast had lots to choose from, and the hotpot was our favorite. The hotel also arranged packed breakfasts for our early flight. We’d asked about them before arriving and again at check-in, but on the last day some staff didn’t know about the request. It was eventually prepared, though better staff coordination would help. I’d also suggest adding bidets to the bathrooms. We had a comfortable stay in clean, quiet rooms, with daily housekeeping and amenities replenished. Check-in and checkout were quick and easy. Service was good and the location convenient, so we’d recommend the hotel.

I like the stylish industrial atmosphere here, which reminds me a lot of Arlo Hotels in NYC. It’s a cool place to return to, and this second stay is turning Hotel Papa Whale into one of my Taipei go-to spots. The price was notably lower this time than on my New Year’s stay with my partner, when we paid twice as much on NYE. The rooms have no windows, which seems fairly standard for the area and price. Ours was clean, the sheets were fresh, and the bathroom and shower felt great. It’s a comfortable place to stop while exploring lively Ximending and Taipei. Highly recommend for a savvy traveler.

The room was okay, and it was nice being able to order food through Uber and eat in the lobby or get a drink from the nearby seven elen to have there. Check-in was the hard part. They’re very strict about the time and wouldn’t make an exception even when we were just a few minutes early. The front desk wasn’t very helpful, especially with English, and the service was bad. There’s no bidet and no toothbrush, so bring your own toothbrush.

The lobby has fun, funky decor, and the staff were nice. Rooms are basic but clean and do the job. The breakfast buffet wasn’t really for me, though plenty of people seemed to enjoy the hotpot option. It’s a good-value base in central Taipei with a great location. If you’re after luxury, you’ll want to stay somewhere else.