Originally we had planned to stay at a different hotel, however, because additional family members joined us in Taipei, we had to search for something else.
We stumbled on Diary of Taipei II in ximending from Hotels.com
Combined with a voucher code (10% off), we saved well over 50% the advertised price.
When we first booked the hotel, we couldn't really find any reviews, and some of the reviews were questionnable. Although the price could have probably been lower if we went direct with the hotel, we decided to book via hotels.com so we were at least safeguarded with a good cancellation policy, and helpline (tested the helpline, once you get through, it's really good customer service).
THE LOCATION
Location is 4 streets away from ximending, same building as Muzik hotel, hi-mart, U2 cinemas. So about a 5 min walk from ximen station exit 6. It's close enough to walk after a tired day, but I wouldn't try to take the MRT with a lot of luggage. Taxi from bus station was NT$100. Better still, FreeGo bus dropped us off around the corner (but others haven't been so lucky).
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THE SURROUNDS
In the morning there is nothing happening around XMD. Shops don't really open till at least 11am. There were only 2 breakfast shops near the hotel, one is a little cart a lady and her daughter run downstairs, and the other is in a side street. The lady down the bottom sells tasty treats, but got sick from so much oil.
In the afternoon-evenings, the shops are open downstairs and one sells shoes, the other sells japanese styled cakes. The building itself is shared with other businesses including a dance studio, beauty place, cinemas, and another hotel.
I didn't feel unsafe returning to the hotel at night because it's on the main street with buses. Although there was a lot going on in XMD, the noise didn't carry through to the hotel.
THE ROOMS
The pros
It was one of a few hotels offering many different bedding options. We were able to get Twin and double rooms. There were also quad rooms.
Price was really fair for the location.
It was equipped as described. Beds were soft, but supported by wooden base (be careful you don't slide off), pillows were super high- bring your own. There was a TV with cable, movie channel and news/weather. We were provided with 2 bottles of water a day, tea packets, disposable cups, kettle. We were also provided with sufficient toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shaver, showercap, soap, and shampoo and body gel inside the shower. One set of towels each. there was also a tiny safe and fridge. For some reason, we were only rationed 10 facial tissues a day, which, when you consider breakfast is eaten in the room, it's hardly enough. There was a phone- but charges apply if you use it. I think we were charged NT$11 for a local call.
Rooms were really big by asian standards.
Shower had excellent shower pressure and hot water.
Unlike other reviewers, we actually enjoyed MOS burger breakfasts. There are two options. A) sandwiches are delivered to reception daily with fruit juice - we had chicken/fried prawn/ham and mayo/peanut butter. But after this runs out B) is going down to MOS burger, lining up and getting a burger + a tea/coffee. MOS burger is very very expensive in Australia, so it was a little treat. There are plenty of breakfast shops about 5-10 minutes away, outside of XMD though.
The cons
There were no windows in the three rooms we had booked out. This made it incredibly hard to wake up in the morning or feel oriented. Out of all the rooms, we guess up to 4-5 rooms had windows.
Cleanliness was average at best. But you didn't pay 5 star price, so don't expect 5 star cleanliness.
Toilets aren't always reliable in taiwan, so they advised us to put our paper in the bin provided- but this bin didn't have a lid!
No wardrobe, just 2 hangers for your coats.
In some of the rooms, the bathrooms just separated by frosted glass. So unless you are comfortable seeing others sitting on the toilet...
It took a bit of fiddling to get the aircon working- you need to turn it on and off before it turns on. And similar with the tv, you need to fiddle around with two remotes to get it on.
Although we got checked in on time, others in our group had to wait well after 6pm before room keys were issued.
THE FACILITIES
The LIFT gave me nightmares. It's a really really old lift, one without sensors. So even if you stuck your hand in the way, the lift will keep closing it's doors on you. I got caught several times.
MAP offered is terribly inaccurate. Don't rely on this. There are tea and coffee options in the lobby (instant packets) for you to enjoy at any time, but we were located on a different floor, and I avoided the LIFT at all costs.
They held our luggage for free. :D. But that's about all they will do for you. Don't expect help with directions, or help booking return airport bus- they only offer a private transfer option NT$900 to the airport in a town car. And they offer a private transfer tour option too.
Staff are friendly, but they have a limited range of things they are allowed to do for you. We did find them honest enough- they helped us retrieve a lost item. There is swipe key access to each room. But if security and privacy is an issue, I would avoid. My mother was given access to my room even though she wasn't given a key.
ALL IN ALL. It was a good last-minute price, decent location, spacious room. And you get what you pay for.
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