PlainStay Hostel

I was in the female dorm on the third floor, and the roommate situation made me really uncomfortable for the few days I stayed. I'd seen a review from a few months earlier about a woman who didn't wear pants, and she was still there when I arrived. She seemed to have been staying at the hostel for a while. I don't want to assume anything, but she seemed mentally ill. The manager may have spoken to her, because she didn't bother me after that night, but she was still there when I left. I don't know if she's an unofficial resident, so ask the property about it first. She started telling me whether to shut the door or turn off the light, and even questioned when I checked in. I thought she was just another tourist being a jerk. I was a guest too, and figured I had the right to do what I wanted as long as I wasn't in anyone's way, so I answered back and told her off. The point where I got fed up was when I was hot and looking for the AC controls. She had them and hadn't said anything until I called the manager. I won't go into all the details, but I ended up demanding a room change or cancellation. Agoda wouldn't let me cancel, so I had to stay in that room, just in a different bed. To be fair, the manager was diplomatic when I got angry confronting the guest. But they only dealt with me online and did the bare minimum. Apart from letting me move beds, they didn't offer much help. I was uneasy for the rest of my stay, though luckily I was out most of the time. I know what you get with a hostel, but this was really strange. If you're a female traveler considering the female dorm, I would warn you off. Even without that roommate, the hostel wasn't anything special, and I don't think I'd return, even if I could book a private room. The beds were comfortable, literally, but the linens were quite dirty. I didn't see bedbugs. They provide face towels, though I didn't use them, so bring your own towels if you can. There's nowhere to relax, just a hallway outside the room. If you're getting a room to yourself, that won't be an issue. But if you're a woman hoping to save money in a dorm, I'd look elsewhere.

I booked one night in the female dorm before moving to another Taipei hostel with a private room. At first, everything looked neat and clean, like a standard hostel room. I liked it enough to message them on Line about extending my stay because the location was great. Then my roommate came back. I was brushing my teeth when she ran toward the shower without pants on. I thought that was odd, and I wasn't wrong. Later, while I was picking up my things by the door, she opened it and nearly hit me. I stepped outside, and she yelled, “What is the problem with you?” As a solo traveler, safety comes first, so I didn't argue and went to my bed to rest. She kept going in and out, banging the door and spraying sanitizer, but I said nothing. Then she shouted, “Why you go out 3 times?” in broken English with a Chinese accent. I explained that in an unfamiliar place I tend to use the toilet more often and asked her to show some empathy. She asked if I was the girl from yesterday. When I said I'd just checked in, she said, “Oh she.. uncomfortable.” I took that to mean she thought I was the previous guest who had made her uncomfortable. Excuse me, you're staying in a hostel. If noise and people coming and going bother you, book a hotel. I think she was trying to drive people out so she could have the room to herself. It hurts the business and its reputation. The owner replied to messages and calls. When I called about changing beds because of the roommate, he immediately told me to get keys for another bed, but it was in a mixed dorm. Fortunately, there was only one other person in that room that night. If it had been fuller, would the woman have stolen my things or threatened my safety? I don't know, but it worried me. The owner should establish house rules. Only book here and hope you don't have my experience. To the roommate, I wish you safe travels and hope you don't meet someone who treats you the way you treated me last night :) The roommate had also moved the portable AC to her side, leaving my bed area dry and hot. The female bunk room only has one small portable AC. I'd suggest the mixed dorm, which has a large AC.

The staff are the best part, really kind and friendly. The place feels more like a home than a big, standard hostel, and it's very clean and well worth the price. It's also a small, simple cafe with a stylish feel. The coffee is good for what it costs, and keeps getting better. Breakfast is usually a mixed salad with grilled vegetables and/or sausage, and it's good. There's no kitchen, but plenty of places to eat nearby, so that wasn't much of an issue. The cafe is tiny, so there's a time limit. When it's not busy, though, they usually don't enforce it too strictly. Relax and enjoy, the staff are excellent and friendly!

2020.Aug Amazing. Everything looked clean and tidy, basically just like the photos. The staff were all friendly and helpful, and breakfast was a highlight, especially if you want coffee to wake up. I'm a tea person, sadly. My favorite things were the clean shower and the quiet indoor space. Very reasonable price for Taipei ;)