Nys Loft Hotel - Hostel

For a solo traveler like me, this is a good value if you want an affordable room in Taipei and some privacy instead of a hostel. It’s very convenient for exploring the city, with Exit Z2 of Taipei Main Station just a few steps away and lots of stores nearby, including a 7/11 that seemed to be open 24 hours. The room was big enough for one person and smelled great, though the air conditioner made some cracking sounds. The corridors had a moldy smell, but the rooms didn’t. My room was far from the toilet, which was inconvenient if I suddenly needed to go. The shower area never felt crowded, and there were free cubicles with no waiting. Overall, a good option for the price.

The location is excellent for the price, right by Exit M6 of Taipei Main Station, with plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby. The men’s and ladies’ bathrooms are side by side, but I felt safe during my stay. My main issue was the noise through the walls. The rooms aren’t soundproof, and my neighbor watched TV until early morning. I could even hear them plugging something in, and I didn’t sleep well. If you’re sensitive to noise, this hostel might not suit you. Towels and mineral water were provided, but you’ll need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste. The Wi-Fi didn’t work at all.

For the price, it’s the best hostel I’ve stayed in. The Deluxe Single Room was bigger than many hotel rooms in Japan, with a very large comfortable bed, a sink, and nice towels. Toilets and showers were always clean and available. There were a couple of downsides: the poorly insulated windows let city noise in all night, and anyone from the street could walk in and enter the showers or toilets. Still, I had a great stay.

The friendly staff gave me whatever I needed, though one part of the hallway smelled a little odd. That didn’t bother me much. For what I paid, the value was excellent, even cheaper than some hostels. It felt like an upgrade from a hostel because I slept much better, while costing far less than a hotel. Some rooms have shared restrooms, hostel-style. The room I booked was private and had its own sink for washing my face and hands.