10 Best Taiwan Hostels & Budget Hotels (I’ve Stayed At)
If you’re looking for the best Taiwan hostels and budget hotels, then I’ve got everything you need right here.
I lived and traveled across Taiwan, and trust me, I love to stretch a budget when it comes to finding places to stay.
I’ve personally stayed at the Taiwan accommodations listed here & am recommending places based on experience & cost so you can stay in cozy places and save some money!
With that said, there are a few hostels and hotels in Taiwan in this list I haven’t yet stayed at, but were recommended by friends.
Of these best places to stay in Taiwan, there’s a mix of hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs.
Disclosure: Some links to products and recommendations are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
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What to Expect in the best Taiwan Hostels & Budget Hotels
Hostels in Taiwan Aren’t “Cheap”
I’m not a fan of the word “cheap,” but when you chat with people who travel in SE Asia and stay in hostels, they are typically a bit shocked by hostel prices in Taiwan. To be honest, if you want “cheap, cheap” don’t bother coming to Taiwan. Please come for the culture, to travel, and appreciate it.
In general, the best hostels in Taiwan might average around 600 NTD (~$20). You can find some for less, and some for more.
The quality of the hostels, though, is pretty top-notch, with very clean rooms, ample locker space, and even large social areas or shared kitchens. The best Taiwan hostels really do elevate the experience more than you’d expect coming from a hostel.
Hostels in Taiwan are not Very Social
Compared to hostels in Southeast Asia or Latin America (where most young backpackers hang out), the best Taiwan hostels are far more relaxed.
The culture around hostels is pretty different, and I’ve even shared rooms with Taiwanese grandmas.
Not saying you can’t find a social hostel, but the hostel/backpacking/social culture is not as strong in Taiwan. Which could be a good thing, especially if you want to stay somewhere quieter.
Windowless Rooms are Normal in Hostels & Budget Hotels
One thing that still perplexes me is how common rooms without windows are. As you look for places to stay in Taiwan, you’ll for sure see these offers.
For a hostel room in Twain, I’d say to expect to have no window.
And for budget hotel rooms, typically the cheapest individual rooms do not have windows. Personally, I would spend more for a window, but as I said, this is quite standard and actually an easy way to save some money in hotels in Taiwan.
Best Taipei Hostels & Budget Hotels
To kick off the best Taiwan hostels and budget hotels, we’ll start with Taipei! Most of these places to stay in Taipei are in Ximending or near Taipei Main Station.
Meander Hostel
Dorm Price: $20+
Private Room: $70+
My favorite hostel in Taipei is Meander. It has a spacious social room & space to work at, making it ideal if you want to work online for long hours. It’s located in Ximending, so it’s well connected.
I stayed in a shared dorm and loved how spacious the bed area is, and the locker was a good size for storing my things!
We Come Hostel
Dorm Price Range: $17+
Private Room : $40+
I had booked We Come Hostel in Taipei based on the great reviews, but canceled because a friend offered me a place to stay! The hostel, though, has both shared and private rooms and is definitely high quality.
They also offer smaller private economy rooms that beat many Taiwan budget hotels!
Energy Inn
Private Room: $75+
The Energy Inn in Taipei is one of the nicer stays I’ve had in Taiwan, located in Ximending. The rooms are super spacious, and I recommend one with a tub if possible; it’s like your own hot-spring experience.
Star Hostel
Dorm Price: $25+
Private Room: $90+
Star Hostel near Taipei Main Station is one hostel I’ve had friends stay at, and they really enjoyed it.
If you want one of the best Taiwan hostels for the quality and ease of getting into or leaving Taipei, this is the one.
Best Tainan Hostels
The best Taiwan hostels for the price and quality have to be in Tainan. The rooms are immaculate with large social areas. I’d say my favorite hostel and budget hotel experiences were in Tainan.
Light Hostel
Dorm Price: $25+
Private Room: $90+
If I’m in Tainan, you’ll find me at the Light Hostel. The rooms are comfortable, and the social area is large and great for getting remote work done. There’s also a huge kitchen.
The location is great, as it’s within walking distance of many attractions and great food.
U.I.J. Hostel
Dorm Price: $25+
Private Room: $110+
The U.I.J. Hostel is one of the best Taiwan hostels and budget hotels hands down. It has a very upscale feel and high ceilings.
There’s a massive terrace, workspaces, and a QUALITY on-site breakfast. My friend and I also joined their brown sugar bun baking workshop, which is a Tainan classic.
Best Hostels in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has some quality places to stay starting around $15/night. Both of these hostels are by the MRT, making it super convenient to get around the city and to the airport.
Flyinn Hostel
Dorm Price: $15+
Private Room: $30+
Unfortunately, I never got to stay at Flyinn Hostel. I had it booked before but canceled for some reason. It’s located by the MRT and easy to access from the airport. Plus, look at that little workspace! Looks great for getting work done.
Let’s Hostel (Light Hostel)
Dorm Price: $17+
Private Room: $30+
Let’s Hostel is somewhere I haven’t been able. to stay at yet, but it was a part of the Light Hostel chain, which I love!
It’s near the Formosa Boulevard MRT (where both lines cross), and the Liuhe Night Market.
Best Hostels in Taiting & Dulan
Taitung: Light Hostel
Dorm Price: $15+
The best part about staying at Hostel Who Knows, aside from the comfy beds, is the close distance to the bus station. You can easily take a bus from Taitung train station to the bus station and walk here.
I stayed three nights and would definitely recommend! There are also some desks downstairs you can work at.
Dulan Friends Hostel
Dorm Price: $20+
Private Room: $45+
Hands down, Dulan Friends Hostel is the spot! They offer dorm rooms and small private rooms. There’s a rooftop with an ocean view, a back garden, and the best part of all, the hosts. They’re so welcoming and have so much information to offer.
They even invited us to a group dinner the first night. It felt like a small family during my time there.
Dulan: WaGaLiGong
Dorm Price: $10+
Private Room: $35+
If you’re seeking budget + social vibes, WaGaLigong is the spot in Dulan. I’ve never stayed there, but I used to hang out with people as it’s quite social.
It’s definitely one of the best Taiwan hostels in terms of affordability.
They offer surf lessons, board rentals, and have an on-site pizza restaurant.
Found this Best Taiwan Hostels & Budget Hotels Helpful?
Thanks so much for taking the time. to check out my all time favorite Taiwan hostels and budget hotels. I love being able to recommend places to stay in Taiwan that will make coming back to a cozy bed the best!
Next, check out my Taipei-to-Istanbul flight guide (it was only $300!) for some more international inspiration.