Taipei's BEST Hostel? Happy Taipei Hostel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Happy Taipei Hostel Review: Seriously, You Won't Believe This Place (My Honest Take!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (probably with a dash of bubble, because, Taipei!). I'm talking about Happy Taipei Hostel. Yes, the name is cheesy, yes, I was skeptical, BUT… this place genuinely blew me away. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hostels you've stumbled through. Happy Taipei is different. It's… well, it's happy. And messy. And maybe a little bit magic.
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(Accessibility: A HUGE Win!)
Let's get the important stuff out of the way first. Accessibility. Because, let's be honest, it's often overlooked. Happy Taipei? They get it. The elevator access is smooth, and the ramps are well-placed. I saw several guests easily navigating the common areas. They REALLY put the work in to cater to everyone. It's not just “checking a box,” it's genuinely inclusive and thoughtful. HUGE kudos.
(On-site Restaurants & Lounges - Food, Glorious Food!)
This is where things get really good. The hostel has several options, and they are all worth your time for a foodie such as myself!
Restaurants: Absolutely mind-blowing. The asian cuisine restaurant had amazing Asian breakfasts, lunch and dinner. I was a huge fan. the bar was great too, but I will detail later.
Coffee Shop: Ah, the coffee shop. I spent a shameful amount of time there. The coffee was excellent, the pastries even better, and the atmosphere just… chilled. Perfect for a solo traveler like myself who was just recovering from a long flight. A great place for a quick bite or if you need to just relax.
Poolside Bar: Yep. You read that right. A poolside bar. In a hostel. I had a fruity cocktail (or three) and watched the Taipei skyline light up. Pure bliss.
(Wheelchair Accessible? YES!)
As stated above, totally accessible. The elevators are spacious, the hallways wide, and the staff is incredibly helpful. It’s a godsend for anyone needing that level of accommodation.
(Internet: Okay, This is Awesome!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! And it worked. Seriously, I've stayed in places where the Wi-Fi was slower than a snail on molasses. Not here. Blazing fast, reliable internet access in every damn room! I could stream movies, video call my family, and post endless Instagram stories without a hitch. They also have [LAN] internet access, which is great - though I never used it. And if you really have internet needs, they offer Internet services.
(Things to Do: A Sensory Overload in the Best Way!)
Happy Taipei isn't just a place to sleep; it's a hub of activity.
- Relaxation Central:
- Spa/Sauna: They have a fully equipped spa! I indulged in a massage (heaven!), and a sauna session (detox city!).
- Swimming Pool: The outdoor pool! I spent hours with it! And a poolside bar with cocktails is what I consider the meaning of life! It's simply stunning.
- Gym/Fitness: For those feeling virtuous, a decent gym on-site. I, however, opted for an extra dumpling instead.
- Things to do:
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I felt safe using all of the areas.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: The food at the restaurant was to die for, and the coffee shop, was the perfect resting spot!
- Family/child friendly: I saw lots of kids staying, and they seemed super happy!
- 24 hour front desk: they were always so helpful.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind!)
This is crucial in a post-pandemic world, and Happy Taipei scores top marks.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Check.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Check.
- I felt totally safe and secure throughout my stay. Seriously, the peace of mind was worth its weight in gold.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Personal Paradise)
Okay, let's talk about the food. Because this is where Happy Taipei really shines.
- The Asian Cuisine Restaurant (a la carte!): OMFG. The food. The flavors. The atmosphere. I basically ate my way through the entire menu. You have to try the dumplings. Seriously, you'll be dreaming about them.
- Western Cuisine Restaurant: They even had western food. I had the best burger of my life there!
- Poolside Bar: Cocktails, snacks, and a view. Need I say more?
- Coffee Shop: The pastries are divine, seriously!
(Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of EVERYTHING)
- Concierge: Fantastic. They helped me with everything from booking tours to finding the best bubble tea.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was spotless every day, with fresh towels and everything.
- Laundry Service: Essential if you're traveling light, like me.
- Currency Exchange: Super convenient.
- Luggage Storage: Perfect for those early check-ins or late departures.
(Room Details: Cozy and Comfortable!)
My room… was an oasis.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Taipei!
- Free Wi-Fi: Glorious!
- Bed: Comfortable as hell.
- Bathroom: Clean, modern, and well-stocked with toiletries.
- Blackout curtains: Saved my life after those late nights at the poolside bar.
- It had all the things.
- Non-smoking: Very important to me.
(For the Kids & Getting Around)
- Airport transfer: Smooth and easy.
- Couple's room: Not for me, but I noticed they have them!
(The Little Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Ain't Perfect!)
Okay, let's get real. It wasn't perfect. The hallway sometimes got a little noisy, and the elevator occasionally took a while. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The overall experience was so positive that they hardly registered.
(Final Verdict: Run, Don't Walk, to Happy Taipei! (With a few dumplings in tow!))
Seriously, this hostel is a game-changer. It's clean, safe, accessible, and overflowing with good vibes. The staff are friendly and helpful, the food is incredible, and the facilities are top-notch. If you're looking for a hostel in Taipei, look no further. You'll be happy you did. I sure was, and I can't wait to go back! It's not just a hostel, it's an experience. And a damn good one at that. And hey, if you see me there, buy me a cocktail!
Luxury Lekki Living: Crystal House Shortlets Await!
Happy Taipei Hostel: My Braindump of a Trip (aka, Itinerary Edition)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly curated travel blog. This is the REAL DEAL, my haphazard journey through Taipei, starting at the delightfully chaotic Happy Taipei Hostel. Think "organized chaos" with a heavy emphasis on the chaos.
Day 1: Landed and Lost! (and Found Again…with Bubble Tea)
- Morning (like, REALLY morning…jetlag, ugh): Landed at Taoyuan International Airport. Passport control? Smooth sailing. Finding the train to Taipei Main Station? A slightly panicked adventure involve a lot of pointing, broken Mandarin, and the triumphant discovery of a 7-Eleven (bless their little hearts).
- Afternoon: The Hostel Hustle: Arrived at Happy Taipei. Okay, first impression: adorable! Tiny, colourful, and smelling vaguely of laundry detergent and instant noodles (in a good way?). The staff was SUPER cheery, which actually made me a little suspicious at first. Like, are they too happy? Am I about to become the subject of a Taiwanese horror film? Turns out, they're just genuinely nice. Check-in involved wrangling my massive backpack through a doorway roughly the size of a Hobbit hole and finally getting a tiny bunk. The bunk! Seriously, tiny. My legs were practically touching the wall. But the hostel was a hive of activity by that point – a blur of backpackers and excited chatter.
- Later Afternoon: Street Food Nirvana (and a near-disaster): Armed with a half-baked map and a desperate need for caffeine, I ventured out. My first mission: find bubble tea. Found it! (I got a taro, which was AMAZING). Then, street food! Oh. My. God. I went for the stinky tofu (don't judge me, I was curious) and… well, it was an experience. Let's just say my face did NOT look happy. But the fried chicken? To die for. Seriously, crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. I nearly choked on a chicken bone, though. Luckily, a kind street vendor saved me with a huge bottle of water and a concerned look. Lesson: Chew. The food. Thoroughly.
- Evening: Lost in Transition: Wandered around Ximending, got hopelessly lost, and ended up circling one of the massive department stores three times. Feeling like a total idiot. Finally found my way back to the hostel. Managed to chat a bit with a girl from Germany about the best things to do on my trip. Her name was Astrid, she talked me into trying a foot massage. I was terrified. I hate feet. But curiosity won.
Day 2: Temple Time and Tourist Traps (and My First Mandarin Mishap)
- Morning: Temples and Tranquility: Headed to Longshan Temple. Okay, wow. The architecture is stunning, the incense smoke is thick, and the energy is palpable. I’m usually not a "temple person," but this place was… calming. I spent a good hour just watching people pray and light incense. It was beautiful and serene and I actually felt a little bit peaceful, which is a REVELATION.
- Afternoon: Taipei 101 (and a dose of reality): Okay, Taipei 101. The building is impressive, no doubt. The elevator ride is a blur (seriously, ear-popping fast). The view from the top? Pretty awesome. But the crowds were insane. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, shuffle-like-a-zombie insane. And souvenir shops? Ugh. Overpriced plastic tat. Ended up getting a tiny Hello Kitty plushie thing, don't judge me.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Mandarin Mayhem and Night Market Revelations: Tried to order dinner in a tiny, bustling restaurant. My Mandarin skills are… minimal. I pointed frantically, mumbled a few phrases, and ended up with something that resembled a steamed dumpling, but was actually something entirely different. The lady behind the counter just looked at me with pity. At least it was edible! Then, the Shilin Night Market! OMG. Food coma imminent. I tried everything from fried squid to oyster omelets. The best food was a tiny little stall with a giant green onion pancake. It was glorious. And I ended up talking for ages with a couple from France about travel and life and the best things to see in Taiwan.
- Extra: Foot Massage Debrief: Astrid was right. The foot massage was… intense. The masseuse was small but powerful. I swore I’d be walking on clouds afterwards, and I basically was. My feet felt 10 years younger. So glad I tried it, and so grateful to Astrid.
Day 3: Culture, Coffee, and Crashing (Literally)
- Morning: National Palace Museum – A Glimpse into History: I spent roughly forever in the museum. It was fascinating, and it was cool to step back in time. Although… after a while, all the jade figures started to look the same. My brain was fried from trying to absorb all that history. I should've spent more time there, and I should've taken notes.
- Afternoon: Coffee and Contemplation (and a bit of a disaster): Found a charming little coffee shop nestled in a narrow alleyway. Ordered a latte and tried to write in my journal. It was all going swimmingly until… I tripped. Yep. Flat on my face. Spilled my latte everywhere. Mortified! Luckily, a kind local helped me up. Thankfully, I was unharmed.
- Evening: Packing and Departure (or, a last-minute panic): My flight's tomorrow! Packing is a nightmare. The bunk is still a mess. Where did all this stuff come from?! I am seriously dreading the airport.
Overall Assessment of Happy Taipei Hostel (and Taipei in General):
The Hostel: Definitely recommend. It's everything you'd expect and more. Friendly, quirky, and perfectly located. Just be prepared for the tight spaces!
Taipei: Amazing! Chaotic, overwhelming, delicious, and utterly charming. I'm so glad I came. I feel like I've only scratched the surface, but I can't wait to come back. AND, next time, I'll try to remember my Mandarin.
Final, stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I’m writing this:
Bubble tea. Must get more before I leave. That fried chicken… need to find it again. The stinky tofu? Maybe not. Okay, I'm definitely going to miss this place. Especially the random conversations with strangers. This place is pure magic. Hope I make it to my flight on time!
Indonesian Paradise Awaits: Depok's Chic Margonda Studio!
So, is Happy Taipei REALLY as happy as it sounds?
Okay, deep breaths. Yes. But like, in a realistically happy way. Not like, "forced corporate joy" kind of happy. Think more "genuine Taiwanese hospitality meets awesome budget travel vibe" happy. The staff? Seriously, they're angels. One time, I arrived after a 14-hour flight, looking like a swamp creature. My luggage was MIA. I was a mess. The girl at reception, bless her heart, she didn't even flinch. She poured me a welcome tea (seriously, lifesaver) and helped me navigate the lost luggage hellscape with more patience than I deserved. So, yeah. Happy? Absolutely. Slightly manic? Maybe, after a few days of constant social interaction, but in the best possible way.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel? Because I'm *old*.
Nope. Thank. The. Gods. It's not a raging party hostel. It's definitely social, which is awesome if you're traveling solo (like I was!), but it's more of a "chat over beers in the common area" kind of vibe. Think comfortable, friendly, and respectful. There were people of all ages, from backpackers straight out of college to (ahem) people who remember the fall of the Berlin Wall. There's a kitchen so it's not really about the hostel food but good for cooking. I loved that there was an area to chill out and talk while everyone was being quiet. I'd say the area is very well-designed.
The dorm rooms...are they tiny, cramped, and filled with snoring monsters? (Be honest.)
Okay, let's be real. It's a hostel. You're not going to get a five-star hotel experience in a dorm. But these rooms? They're surprisingly decent. The beds have privacy curtains, which is a *game changer* for introverted weirdos like me. (You can hide in a cocoon of sheets and judge everyone from the shadows. I'm kidding... mostly). Yes, some snorers. Earplugs. Invest in them. You'll thank me. The worst part? The *lack* of proper outlets. I always forget to bring a power-strip, so I was always searching for places to recharge all my devices.
What about the location? Is it convenient?
YES! It's ridiculously convenient. Super close to the MRT (that's the subway, for you slowpokes), so getting around Taipei is a breeze. Plus, it's in a really cool area with tons of restaurants, street food stalls (hello, night market!), and shops. I ate so much delicious food I could barely close my suitcase at the end of my trip. Seriously, my stomach is still recovering. You can walk anywhere! Walking through the Taipei 101 and the city is wonderful if you enjoy walking.
Food, glorious food! Is the breakfast any good?
Okay, let's be honest. Hostel breakfasts are usually hit-or-miss. But Happy Taipei's? Pretty darn good! They have the basics: toast, cereal, coffee, tea, and fruit. BUT...sometimes, they have delicious little surprises. Like, one day, they had this amazing Taiwanese breakfast porridge that was *divine*. Another day? Pancakes! For a broke backpacker like me, it was a game-changer. And coffee. Always coffee. Needed it to overcome the jetlag as I flew from California.
What about the communal areas? Are they actually usable or just glorified sitting spaces?
Usable! Absolutely usable. They're clean, well-maintained, and actually *encourage* hanging out. There's a common room with a TV (perfect for a movie night with your new hostel buddies), a kitchen (which I didn't use because, well, street food), and a little outdoor area. The best part? The vibe. It's so relaxed, so inviting. One night, I ended up chatting with a group of people from all over the world about travel, life, and the best places to get bubble tea. That's what I loved most about the area.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *worst* thing about the hostel? Nothing's perfect!
Fine, you got me. The laundry situation. It's not the easiest. There are machines, but they are sometimes busy. So, I had to wait a bit to wash my clothes. The struggle is real when you're traveling long-term. Also, the elevators are sometimes slow (I'd recommend stairs).
Would you go back? And more importantly, would YOU recommend it?
Without a doubt, YES! 100% I would go back in a heartbeat. Happy Taipei made my trip to Taiwan unforgettable. I made friends, explored a vibrant city, and got a much-needed dose of caffeine and positive energy. I'd absolutely recommend it. It's not perfect (hello, laundry!), but it's close. It's clean, safe, friendly, and in a fantastic location. Honestly, if you're looking for a great hostel experience in Taipei, don't even hesitate. Just book it. You won't regret it. (And seriously, bring earplugs and a power strip. You'll thank me later!)
What's the deal with the staff? Any standouts?
Okay, so the staff are, like, the HEART of this place. Seriously, they all seemed genuinely happy to be there, which is infectious. I had one particular interaction that made a huge impact on me. Remember my lost luggage debacle? Well, the girl who helped me? She went above and beyond. She called the airline (in Mandarin, which I obviously couldn't do), tracked down my bag, and even helped me fill out the necessary paperwork. Without her, I would've been completely lost (both literally and figuratively). I didn't catch her name (doh!), but she deserves a medal. Seriously, amazing customer service. They're all friendly and helpful, always willing to offer advice, and they speak excellent English (crucial for this non-Mandarin speaker!). They made the whole experience feel less like a "transaction" and more like being welcomed into a family. A slightly chaotic, incredibly international family, but a family nonetheless.
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