Taiwan's HOTTEST Hostel: OWL - Unbelievable Perks Await!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, wonderful, and slightly-overhyped world of OWL - Unbelievable Perks Await! in Taiwan. And trust me, I'm not pulling punches, because let's be real, no hostel is perfect. But is OWL worth the hype? Let's find out, shall we?
SEO-tastic Title (and maybe a little bit of truth): OWL: Taipei's Hottest Hostel? (Spoiler: It's Pretty Darn Good!) A Brutally Honest Review.
Alright, straight up, this place is popular. Booking ahead is crucial, especially if you’re hitting up Taipei during peak season. I tried to be all spontaneous once, waltzed in thinking I could just snag a room, and…epic fail. Lesson learned: plan ahead, or you’ll be sleeping on a park bench (been there, done that, not fun).
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and the Taiwan Train System
Okay, let's get this out of the way first. Accessibility in Taiwan, in general, is… improving. OWL? It's a mixed bag. They do advertise "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. However, I can't give you specifics on how accessible it actually is. I wasn't traveling with any accessibility needs, so I didn't test it out. But, the mere existence of elevators is a huge plus, and a front desk with 24-hour service can mean the difference between feeling lost vs. supported.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I'm not entirely sure how this is. I need to have an accessability experience myself.
Wheelchair Accessible? Need to check with the hostel themselves, given the details of the property.
Internet Access - The Digital Nomad's Prayer (and Hope)
Internet Access – Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! This is a must for any modern traveler, and OWL delivers.
Internet, Internet [LAN]: I'm old school, so I loved this. I think the option of LAN is pretty neat.
Internet Services: Good enough!
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yup, strong signal. No dead zones. This is essential, especially when you're lounging around the lobby chatting with other travelers, or trying to catch up on video calls.
Things to Do - Beyond the Hostel Walls
Okay, this isn't really about the hostel, but more a note to say that Taipei is AMAZING. OWL is well-located, which is a huge win. Easy access to public transport (more on that later), making exploring Taipei super simple. You can easily reach the famous Taipei 101, the vibrant night markets, the serene temples, and even day trips to places like Jiufen or Yangmingshan National Park. The hostel staff can usually point you in the right direction, too!
Ways to Relax - My Personal Spa Experience (or Attempt Thereof)
Alright, I tried the spa. Emphasis on tried.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap: Didn't do it. I'm a simple guy.
- Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: I like physical fitness so I tried it. It was small, but it worked. It's better than nothing.
- Foot Bath: I'm guessing this is for foot washing.
- Massage: They have one.
- Pool with View: Sadly, no pool.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: They had all of this. Yes!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: No pool.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did I Catch a Germ? (Answer: Probably Not!)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Awesome.
- Breakfast in room: No.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Possible.
- Cashless payment service: Yes!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I definitely noticed this, which gave me peace of mind.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Nice to know, just in case!
- First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Essentials.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes!
- Hygiene certification: Good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A good thing.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: It's a hostel, guys. But they try!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yes!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Cool.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yep.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed good to me.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed helpful and informed.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good to have!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure
This is where OWL really shines. Or at least, where I found it to be pretty darn good.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Bar: Yes, and it was bustling every night. Great for meeting people.
- Bottle of water: They gave one to guests.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: The buffet was good, but it got crowded fast. Get there early!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant: Everything.
- Happy hour: Absolutely. Get in there!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Mostly.
- Poolside bar: No pool, remember?
- Restaurants: Several excellent restaurants around.
- Room service [24-hour]: No.
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Options for all!
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yup.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in Taipei's humidity!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store: Good!
- Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator: Excellent.
- Essential condiments: I'd assume these are in the kitchen.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned above.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: Yes!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display: They had it all!
- Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Good!
For the Kids - Family-Friendly or Not?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They weren't advertised, which is a good thing.
Access - Getting In, Getting Around
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Nice!
- Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour]: Great.
- Hotel chain: No, which makes it feel more local!
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
- Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]: Good!
- Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Soundproofing is always a good thing in a hostel.
- Getting around: The MRT is your BEST friend here! Super easy to use, clean, and efficient. OWL is well-located near a station, which is a major win.
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Mostly good!
Available in All Rooms - The Comfort Zone
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box: Yes!
- Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower: Yes!
- Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Yes!
The Verdict
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel's Luxury Awaits in Luzhou!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandmother's travel itinerary. This is the pre-trip, inside-my-brain, probably-going-to-be-a-disaster itinerary for OWL Hostel in Taiwan. Consider yourself warned.
Pre-Trip Brain Dump - AKA "Oh God, What Have I Signed Up For?!"
- Mental State: Currently oscillating between "YAY ADVENTURE!" and "Maybe I should just stay in bed forever." Packing is a battlefield. Suitcase? More like a black hole of questionable fashion choices and travel-sized toiletries I probably won't even use.
- Language Barrier: Gonna be a delightful mix of charades, Google Translate, and hopeful smiles. I've downloaded some basic Mandarin phrases. Emphasis on basic. Pray for me.
- Food Fantasies: Street food, night markets, dumplings upon dumplings, and enough bubble tea to induce a sugar coma. This is the ONLY thing I am confident in.
OWL Hostel Taiwan - The "Potential Glory/Likely Chaos" Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in Taipei
Morning (Airport Arrival): Touch down at Taoyuan International Airport. Hopefully, I remember to switch my phone on airplane mode. The real fun begins. Look for the designated shuttle (or desperately try to find it) to the Taipei Main Station. Pray the customs guy likes my passport photo.
Afternoon (Hostel Check-in & Panic): Arrive at OWL Hostel. Smile brightly! Pretend you're a seasoned traveler (lies, all lies). Struggle with the room key. Accidentally lock myself out. Vow to befriend the hostel staff immediately. Seriously, being locked out is a possibility. They probably get a lot of that.
Evening (Taipei Exploration - Sort Of): Wander (read: stumble) around the neighborhood. Find a 7-Eleven. Buy snacks. Consider if I should take a nap instead of actually doing anything. Realize I haven't eaten any real food yet. Maybe try a local restaurant. Order something. Probably fail spectacularly. Reflect on my life choices. Find a night market – This is what I'm here for! Get lost. Buy a weird, delicious thing. Feel alive.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried this in a foreign country, I pointed at a picture of a chicken dish and ended up with something that resembled a feathered, fried…thing. Still, adventure, right?
Day 2: The MRT & Temple Run (and Maybe Some Tears)
- Morning (MRT Mastery - or At Least Attempting It): Figure out the Taipei MRT. Get a EasyCard. Get hopelessly lost despite the best efforts of a map and several friendly locals. Panic slightly. But also: "Wow, this public transport is really efficient?"
- Afternoon (Temple Visits & Cultural Overload): Explore Longshan Temple. Marvel at the architecture. Light incense. Probably botch the bowing thing. Feel slightly overwhelmed by the sheer spirituality and beauty. Attempt to take photos without being that tourist.
- Evening (Dinner & Reflection - AKA Food Coma): Indulge in more street food. Stuff my face silly. Think about how much I'm overspending while eating. Reflect on how different this is from my everyday life. Decide I actually like it. Maybe cry a little bit because I'm having fun.
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me, or does the humidity make everyone's hair look like they've been styled by a particularly enthusiastic squirrel?
Day 3: Hiking, High Views and… More Street Food (Obsession Intensifies)
- Morning (Elephant Mountain Hike): Hike Elephant Mountain for the iconic Taipei 101 view. Sweat buckets. Question my fitness levels. Finally reach the top! Take a thousand photos. Feel triumphant.
- Afternoon (Taipei 101 - The Height of It All): Visit Taipei 101 (unless the line is insane, which it probably will be). Take selfies. Look out at the city in all its glory. Ponder whether or not I should go to the top, or if it's all just a tourist trap.
- Evening (Night Market Round Two): Night market again! Try something totally new. Fail! Laugh about it. Complain about the food prices. Eat everything anyway.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm actually starting to get into this. The smells, the lights, the chaos! This is what I came for. I like Taiwan.
Day 4: Day Trip to Jiufen & Shifen - Because Tourism is a Drug
- Morning (Train to Jiufen): Take the train to Jiufen, the old gold-mining town. Get on the wrong train again. Discover the beauty of Taiwanese train station.
- Afternoon (Jiufen Charm & Sky Lanterns): Explore Jiufen's narrow streets, lined with teahouses and shops. Feel the magic, then get stuck in a massive crowd. Let the sky lanterns be my best friend.
- Evening (Shifen Waterfall & Back to Taipei): Visit Shifen Waterfall. Release a sky lantern. Make a wish. Feel utterly cheesy but surprisingly happy. Back to the hostel, exhausted and content.
- Messy Structure: Okay, here's where it gets real. We were supposed to… wait, what was I doing? Oh yeah, Jiufen. It's beautiful. But also… touristy. Really, really touristy. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder touristy. But then… the lanterns at Shifen? Ugh, my heart. Seriously. I teared up. Totally cliché. But whatever. It was magic. This whole day was a trainwreck, but a beautiful one.
Day 5: Culture Shock Absorption & Hot Springs (Maybe)
- Morning (Museum Hopping - or Napping): Visit the National Palace Museum. Pretend to understand the art. Or, you know, nap. Either way, a little bit of culture never hurt anyone.
- Afternoon (Hot Springs Ambition): Look into visiting a hot spring. Research the etiquette. Decide if nude bathing is a possibility/horror show.
- Evening (Relaxation or Meltdown): Chill out at the hostel. Maybe chat with other travelers. Realize that there are people from all over the world. Actually relax. Celebrate the fact that I haven't completely failed. Or, alternatively, have a complete meltdown in my room. It's a coin toss.
- Opinionated Language: Hot springs? I'm torn. On the one hand, relaxation! On the other, the sheer possibility of awkward encounters. Still, I think I’m going. I need to know if a public bath is going to make me feel relaxed or uncomfortable.
Day 6: Food Tour: Because I Love Food.
- Morning (Food Tour Chaos Begins): Join a food tour. Prepare to eat everything. And I mean everything.
- Afternoon (Eat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.): Savor the tastes and textures of Taiwanese food. Try to remember the names of the dishes. Fail miserably. Get full. Get even fuller. Ask for more.
- Evening (Post-Food Tour Reflection): Collapse on the bed. Reflect on the week. Consider the fact I had to buy new pants. Eat a final pack of dumplings. Stare at the wall. Feel happy and exhausted.
- Doubling Down on Experience: That food tour was a religious experience. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But the smells, the flavors, the sheer variety… I probably gained five pounds, but every single bite was worth it. We went to places I never would have found on my own, met some amazing people, and learned a ton about Taiwanese cuisine. I didn't even miss my lunch.
Day 7: Farewell Taiwan & Existential Panic: Packing edition
- Morning (Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping & Coffee): Buy last-minute souvenirs. Spend way too much money. Realize I still haven't tried that one thing I saw. Drink a final coffee. Wander like a fool
- Afternoon (Packing and Departure): Pack my bags. Realize everything smells like street food. Say farewell to my hostel friends. Head to the airport.
- Evening (Long Flight & Endless Reflections): Feel a profound sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and relief. Look out the plane window. Feel more emotional. Start planning my return.
Important Notes/Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is highly subject to change. Spontaneity is key.
- I will likely get lost. Often. Embrace it.
- My Mandarin skills are nonexistent. Expect lots of pointing and smiling.
- I will probably eat too much. It's a given.
- This is my trip. It's not perfect. Nor is it designed to be. But damn it all, I'm going to have fun. Wish me luck.
OWL Hostel: The Hype is REAL (And Sometimes Over-the-Top, Honestly) - FAQs That Aren't Boring
So, what's the deal with this "Unbelievable Perks" stuff? Are they REALLY that unbelievable? I'm a cynical traveler, you know.
Okay, buckle up, 'cause as a fellow cynical traveler, I get you. The "unbelievable" part? Well, it's marketing, let's be real. But... some of it IS pretty darn good. Free tea and coffee all day? Standard, but appreciated. The rooftop terrace? Amazing for sunset beers (and judging other tourists, which I totally did... sorry, not sorry). The welcome drink? A local brew, and actually delicious. But the real magic? I think it was the feeling. Like, everyone was *genuinely* happy to be there. Seriously. I walked in after a horrific flight and a missed train, looking like a drowned rat, and they still greeted me with a smile and a "Welcome to OWL!" Made me feel like a real person again. That's worth more than a free beer, in my grumpy opinion.
What's the vibe like? Is it all Instagram models and sponsored influencers? I'm more into... actual human connection.
Alright, this is where I have to get real. YES, there are some Instagram-y people. You will see the selfie sticks. Deal with it. They're probably just as lost and awkward as you are, secretly. However, it's not all perfectly curated content. I met some seriously cool people. One guy, a software developer from France, was traveling solo and we wound up spending three nights discussing obscure sci-fi films on the rooftop, fueled by cheap beer and the Taipei skyline. Another, a girl from Australia, ended up becoming my tai-chi buddy every morning. It’s a mixed bag, like any hostel. But the common thread is, and I swear this is real, a definite vibe of wanting to connect. People are genuinely interested in your story, which is refreshing. Way more than a generic hotel lobby.
The location? Is it actually convenient? I don't want to spend my whole trip on the MRT.
Okay, location, location, location! OWL is pretty darn good. It's near an MRT station, which is a lifesaver. You can practically roll out of bed and be exploring the city in minutes. (I, admittedly, did roll out of bed late *a lot*). Plus, it's walking distance to a bunch of cool stuff. Night markets, trendy cafes... honestly, I just wandered around getting lost sometimes. The area felt safe, even late at night, which is HUGE for a solo traveler like me. Don't get me wrong, Taipei is easy to get around, but a central spot makes all the difference, especially after a day of temple hopping. And the ease of getting to that amazing massage parlor was a strong selling point for me.
What about the dorm rooms? Are they cramped? Do I need to worry about people snoring like chainsaws?
Oh, dorm rooms. The eternal hostel question. Yes, they're dorm rooms. So, yes, they can be cramped. But OWL's are surprisingly decent. They've got pods, which give you a little privacy (essential for late-night doom scrolling, let’s be honest). Each bed has a light, a plug, and a tiny little shelf. (I LOVE a tiny shelf!). And yes, the snoring... Well, I've heard worse. Bring earplugs. Seriously. BRING. EARPLUGS. Or those fancy noise-canceling headphones. I had a roommate who sounded like a walrus. He was a lovely guy otherwise, but… the walrus situation was rough. The hostel does offer a few private rooms, too, which I'll be booking next time, because, *whispers* I'm getting old.
Food! Is there good food nearby? Or do I have to live on instant noodles the whole time?
Food? Oh, glorious, glorious food! You are in TAIWAN. You will not be living on instant noodles unless you choose to. OWL is surrounded by culinary delights. Street food vendors with deliciousness you can’t even imagine (night markets, remember!). Cheap eats that’ll blow your mind! Fancy restaurants if you’re feeling flush (or if you’ve met a generous travel companion... wink, wink). I gorged myself on everything from stinky tofu (surprisingly good!) to the most amazing beef noodle soup of my LIFE. Seriously. Still dreaming about that soup. Just… be adventurous. Try. EVERYTHING. You won't regret it. Okay, maybe the stinky tofu *slightly*… but still, worth the experience!
They mention "activities." Are they any good? I'm not really into the forced fun of some hostels.
Activities... Ugh. I avoid them like the plague, usually. But Owl had a few that weren't terrible. The free walking tour was actually pretty good, not too cheesy. They also had a dumpling-making class, which I went to. It was a total disaster, I’m not going to lie. My dumplings looked like… well, let’s just say they weren’t Instagram-worthy. But it was hilarious! Everyone was terrible, laughing together, and that's the best kind of fun, in my book. I think their philosophy is: It doesn't matter if you're good at it, as long as you're having a good time. The staff seems to actively encourage people to just chill. They're not pushy. So if you want to join, go for it. If not, no pressure. That freedom is great.
Cleaning? Is the place clean? I have standards.
Okay, yes. Hygiene is key. The hostel is pretty clean. Not sterile, mind you. It's got that comfortable, lived-in feel, but it also feels clean. They clean the bathrooms multiple times a day. The common areas were spotless. I saw staff constantly tidying up. The dorm rooms? Well, that depends on your roommates, honestly (see walrus story above, but that was on him!). But generally, yeah, it's clean. They definitely try. And compared to some hostels I've been to... it's a palace. Seriously. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, cleanliness-wise.
The staff? Are they genuinely helpful and friendly, or is that just part of the act? Because I can usually spot a fake smile a mile away.
Right, the staff... This is one of the things I *really* loved about OWL. They're not just friendly, they’re genuinely helpful. They aren't trying to sell you anything, theyHotelish
