West 59 Inn

The location made getting around easy, with two MRT stations within walking distance and Shilin Night Market two blocks away. I was also grateful for the bottled water the owner provided daily. It was a typhoon day and I couldn’t leave my room, so having fresh water there really helped. This is a serviced rental rather than a hotel with staff on site. My room was compact but had the essentials, including a small fridge. The bed was clean and nicely firm, and the pillows were soft and comfortable. The bathroom was clean and efficient, with new Toto ceramics. Check-in instructions arrive when you get there, so you need a working phone. I had a non-smart phone and couldn’t work out my airport-bought SIM card, which made checking in a bit complicated. Good value for a comfortable stay.

It’s close to Shilin Market and the train station, which are the main reasons to stay here. For $40 a night for two people, it’s a cheap, basic apartment. The room was big enough for two, but I’d only choose it for one or two nights, not a longer stay. There’s a working mini fridge, plus a fan and air conditioning. The bathroom is tiny, with the shower head fixed beside the toilet, so the floor stays wet after a shower. It also seemed there were no cleaners coming in to replace towels or clean the floors. People appeared to be smoking in the room next to ours, despite the no-smoking signs. There’s no reception desk or staff around to raise issues with. I’d only stay one night or if I really needed somewhere to sleep.

The entrance is easy to miss since the front looks like any other home in the area, so it could use more signage. Once inside, getting in and out was easy, with no hassle. It’s a clean, affordable, simple place near Shilin Night Market, handy for a one-night layover or if you just need somewhere to sleep. Nothing fancy, though.

It’s close to the night market, and my room was quiet. Everything I needed was there, even tea and coffee, and the room was clean with a comfortable bed. I stayed a few years ago, in September 2015, and would go back if I return to Taipei. I arrived around 3 a.m. after a really awful day. The place was supposed to be closed, but the man working there spotted me as he was leaving after an overtime shift, ready to get on his motorcycle. I had a big suitcase with me in the middle of the night, and he opened up again just for me and helped me. He let me rest first, and I didn’t have to worry about paying for that night until the next morning. I never saw him again, but I’ll always be grateful. I wish I could find him to say thank you. Don’t hesitate to stay there. My room was quiet, and the place was simply perfect for me.