Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (Sleeps 1-4)!
Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (Sleeps 1-4)! - My Unvarnished Truth (and a Plea for You to Book!)
Okay, listen up, fellow travelers, because I just spent a week – a glorious, slightly chaotic week – at the Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (Sleeps 1-4)! and I'm here to spill the tea, the milk tea, the bubble tea, the everything tea. Forget those sanitized, robotic reviews. This is the raw, unedited truth. And let me tell you, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
First things first: Location, Location, Location! – This place is smack-dab in the West District, which, let's be honest, is a bloody adventure in itself. Forget the generic hotel district; here, you’re plunged into the real, breathing heart of Taipei. Trust me, you'll be dodging scooters and smelling the delicious, oily aroma of street food within seconds. The building itself? Modern, sleek, and I’d give it a solid "Ooh la la" for aesthetics. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you’re lugging around a suitcase the size of a small car (like I was).
Let's Talk Accessibility, Shall We? – Now, I didn't need a wheelchair, but I noticed they try for accessibility. There's an elevator, which is a huge win, and some features seem designed with accessibility in mind. However, I didn't see a ton of info on it, so definitely double-check if you need specific accommodations. It's crucial to ask ahead, ok?
Inside My Loft – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bizarre:
The loft! Ah, the loft. It is stylish, I’ll give you that. Air conditioning blaring cold blissfully after hours spent in the Taipei humidity? Yes, please. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Another HUGE win. I was constantly glued to my phone, researching the best beef noodle soup (more on that later) and posting about my adventures to Instagram. The Internet access was solid. I even managed to video call my mom without the video freezing up, which, considering my internet luck, is practically a miracle.
The bed was comfy enough. I mean, extra long bed is a real luxury for a tall person in a foreign land. But the pillows?! Listen, I'm picky about pillows. These were… adequate. Not life-changing, but they didn't induce neck pain, so, again, a win. The blackout curtains were a must, considering the city that never sleeps is directly outside your window.
The Bathroom Situation: The private bathroom was clean and functional. The shower pressure was…decent. The toiletries were a nice touch. I particularly enjoyed the mini-shampoo (and yes, I always take the shampoo). The bathrobes were fluffy, and I lived in them for like, two days.
Room for Improvement: Okay, here’s where things get a little…real. While the rooms are sanitized between stays, I wouldn't exactly call the cleanliness perfect. One day, I found a stray hair that wasn't mine. The daily housekeeping was a little spotty at times. And the scale in the bathroom? I avoided that monster like the plague. Sometimes, the devil is in the details… and in my case, the details were a little… meh.
Food, glorious food! (And Some Not-So-Glorious Food):
Okay, this is Taipei. The food is the raison d'être. The breakfast service? Honestly, a bit disappointing, but the coffee shop downstairs (or nearby) was a lifesaver. I’d trade the hotel’s stale bread for a proper Taiwanese coffee any day. There's a convenience store nearby (a miracle, honestly), and remember, the breakfast takeaway service is ALWAYS an option if you don't feel like facing the hotel breakfast.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: The hotel's restaurant, if you can call it that, was…let’s just say, an experience. While there was a la carte in restaurant, the options were limited. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was… hit or miss. I did, however, see a sign for happy hour, which I (obviously) investigated. The poolside bar was… non-existent.
The BEST food? My absolute recommendation? Find a hole-in-the-wall place for beef noodle soup. It will change your life. You can find them everywhere in the West District! I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Relaxation and Things To Do – The Gym and My Inner Couch Potato:
Fitness center: I'm a "gym-adjacent" person, so I’ll admit I glanced at the fitness center, but never actually entered. There was a gym/fitness, so that's good for those people who actually like working out on vacation.
The Spa/sauna/steamroom/pool? Didn't see them. So, if you're looking for serious pampering, maybe this isn’t it. But if you're like me, you'll be perfectly content exploring the city and collapsing in your loft at the end of the day.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Necessary Reality Check:
Let's be real. Post-pandemic, safety is paramount. The hotel tries to comply with cleaning standards, like anti-viral cleaning products, and daily disinfection in common areas. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt pretty safe, but I also always carry my own sanitizer.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks and the Quirks:
The concierge was helpful for directions and recommendations. The daily housekeeping was hit or miss. The elevator was a lifesaver. Contactless check-in/out are a plus, I didn’t have to talk to anyone!
Things that I LOVED:
- The Air conditioning in public area. Oh, god, it was like walking into heaven after being in the sticky Taiwan air.
- The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver.
Things that I HATED:
- The Breakfast [buffet]. Blech.
- Not enough stuff to do on site.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Mostly):
Airport transfer? Yes, available, and a godsend after a long flight. Taxi service is readily available. The car park [free of charge] is a bonus if you're renting a car, The taxi service was efficient and affordable.
Is it Perfect? Hell No.
But that’s what I loved about it. It was real. It wasn’t trying to be some sterile, cookie-cutter experience. It’s got its flaws – the breakfast wasn't great, the cleaning could be inconsistent, and it’s not a spa retreat. But the location? The stylish loft? The free Wi-Fi? The access to the chaos and charm of Taipei’s West District? Absolutely worth it.
My Final Verdict – and Why YOU Should Book This Place:
If you want a perfectly polished, overly-manicured hotel experience, this isn’t it. But if you crave adventure, authenticity, a stylish basecamp, and a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Taipei, then Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (Sleeps 1-4)! is your jam.
My Unsolicited Advice: Treat this hotel like an apartment, not a resort. Embrace the imperfections. Go find amazing food outside. Explore the city. Fall in love with the madness.
And NOW, for my irresistible offer!
Book your stay at Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (Sleeps 1-4)! and get:
- A complimentary guide to the best hole-in-the-wall beef noodle soup joints in the West District (curated by yours truly!).
- A personalized list of must-see attractions, hidden gems, and quirky local experiences (because, honestly, you don’t want to just see the tourist traps).
- A discount on the next trip for you and a friend!
Don’t wait! Book now, and get ready to escape to Taipei. You won't regret it!
Luxury Airport Oasis: HUGE Newly Renovated Thai Apartment!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because this isn't your beige, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a digital vomit of planning, excitement, and the inevitable self-doubt that comes with actually going somewhere, especially when it involves battling jet lag and deciphering Taiwanese street food vendors. We're going to wing it, mostly.
The Great Taipei Adventure – May 2024 (ish)
The Core: Discount Loft Apartment, Ximending, Taipei (住1-4人, Spacious) – Apartment 405! Fingers crossed it’s not haunted. Or, you know, overrun with cockroaches. Shudders, grabs imaginary bug spray.
Pacing: Let’s call it… "fluid." We aim for chill mornings, packed afternoons, and evenings fueled by questionable decision-making (aka, more street food).
Pre-Trip Panic & Packing Hell (aka, Now):
- Passport Check: YES. Frantic pat-down of every pocket, just in case.
- Visa (if needed): Do I need one? Checks online while simultaneously eating a questionable orange and hoping for the best. Probably need to remember that.
- Flights: Still gotta book those, but currently paralyzed with indecision about which airline will inflict the least amount of misery. Stares at the computer screen, then sighs dramatically.
- Packing: Ugh. Okay, comfort is key. (But also, gotta look Insta-worthy, right? Sighs even harder.) MUST REMEMBER: comfy walking shoes (essential), a universal adapter (duh), bug spray (just in case), and copious amounts of hand sanitizer (the world is germy, people!).
- The "What If I Forget Something" Spiral: This is where it gets messy. I’ll probably leave my phone charger, and then spiral into a state of digital despair.
- Learning Basic Mandarin: "Ni hao." "Xie xie." "Wo bu dong." (I don't understand). That's it. I've got this. (Totally don't)
Days 1-3: Ximending Immersion & Food Coma
Arrival (Day 1):
- The Meltdown: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Survive the customs line (hopefully). Find a taxi that doesn't try to rip me off. Pre-emptive deep breaths.
- A Quick Taxi Ride: After the airport, finding my way to apartment 405. Praying the driver understands English and the address! (Google translate will be my new best friend)
- Check-In & Apartment Inspection: Pray the apartment is as described, not a moldy dungeon masquerading as a "loft apartment".
- Survival Snack: Immediately hunt down some local eats. Street food is the priority. My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it.
- Ximending Exploration: Get lost in the maze of shops, neon lights, and general sensory overload. Try to stay calm. Take photos. Probably buy something I don't need.
- The First Food Challenge: Finding the best gua bao (Taiwanese hamburger) in Ximending. This could take days. I'm prepared to sacrifice my waistline for this.
- The First Night's Angst: Wondering if I made a terrible mistake. "Is this really what I wanted?" Yep, it is. (Probably)
Days 2-3: Ximending Deeper Dive
- More Food: Exploring the infamous Beef Noodle soup, dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and those oh-so-Instagrammable bubble tea. Drool. Do not overeat! (Yeah, right.)
- Shopping Spree (or, Window Shopping, Mostly): Exploring fashion boutiques, record stores, and possibly making regrettable purchases.
- Nightlife: Maybe. Possibly. Depends on the jet lag. Will I be asleep by 8 pm? Very possible. Or, maybe I'll embrace the chaos and find a karaoke bar. Oh lord.
- Errands/Hassles/Problems: Find a SIM card. Figure out the MRT (subway) system. Deal with the language barrier. Expect potential moments of utter confusion and frustration.
- Spilling a drink on an expensive t-shirt: This will probably happen.
Days 4-5: Temple Hopping & Culture Shock
Day 4: Longshan Temple & Beyond
- Early (ish) Start: Attempt to be a functioning human being before noon. Easier said than done.
- Longshan Temple: Explore one of Taipei's oldest temples. Maybe find some inner peace. (Or at least, a good photo op).
- Other Temples: Try to get into several other temples while walking.
- The Memorial Hall Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and take in the views. Feel vaguely guilty for not remembering anything about Taiwanese history.
- The Culture Shock: Get prepared for being slightly overwhelmed by the crowds, the smells, and the general frenetic energy of the city.
- Trying Something Weird: Attempt to eat stinky tofu. Take a deep breath. Possibly regret it immediately.
Day 5: Day Trip to Jiufen & Shifen
- The Scenic Route: Take a train (or bus) heading to Jiufen, the famed hillside village, and Shifen, hoping it's as magically as it looks in the pictures.
- Jiufen's Charm: Explore the narrow alleys, slurp noodles, and buy endless souvenirs. Might buy a cat-shaped anything.
- Sky Lanterns (Shifen): Write a message on a sky lantern and release it. Hope it doesn't cause a fire. Feel sentimental for 5 minutes.
Days 6-7: Peak Views & Emotional Rollercoasters
Day 6: Taipei 101 & Elevated Perspective
- Taipei 101: Brace yourself for the crowds, buy the tickets (probably overpriced), ride the elevator. The view better be worth it.
- Night Market Mania: Dive into the chaos that is a night market. Probably end up buying way too much.
- The Post-View Low: Feeling slightly deflated after spending too much time looking at things.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Feel overstimulated in a good way.
Day 7: The Struggle & the Wrap Up
- Sleep In?: Try to. Probably fail.
- Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt: Scramble for last-minute gifts. Realize I forgot someone important. Panic.
- Pack Up: Try to fit everything back into the suitcase. Fail miserably.
- Farewells & Reflections: Have a final meal, and reflect on what I've learned. (Probably that I need more practice speaking Mandarin).
- The bittersweet goodbyes: Saying goodbye to the city, hoping to come back soon.
The Food Obsession: A Deep Dive (and a Confession)
Okay, let's get real. This whole trip is basically a prolonged excuse to eat everything in Taipei. I'm talking EVERYTHING.
- Bubble Tea Addiction: This is non-negotiable. I will try every flavor imaginable.
- Street Food Adventures: I'm talking stinky tofu, oyster omelets, beef noodle soup, dumplings (obviously), pineapple cakes (duh), and anything else that looks remotely edible. Fingers crossed I don't get food poisoning.
- The Dumpling Obsession: Finding the absolute BEST xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). This is a quest. I'm prepared to eat dumplings for every meal.
- The Regret: Okay, let's be honest. I'll probably overeat. I'll probably order too much. I'll probably look at my bank account and weep. But it'll be worth it. Definitely worth it.
The Imperfections & the "To Be Determined":
- Language Barrier: I'm going to stumble over words, point frantically, and rely heavily on Google Translate. Expect awkward interactions.
- Getting Lost: It's inevitable. I will get lost. Probably multiple times. I'm embracing it.
- Adapting to Changes: Plans can, and will, change. I'm going to try to be flexible. (But I'm also a control freak).
- The Unknowns: There are a lot of things I don't know right now - like what the weather will be like, or if my plane will leave on time. It's all part of the adventure.
- The Budget: I should probably set one. But that's boring.
- Meeting people: Meeting Taiwanese people is part of the adventure. It's also part of my biggest fear because of communication issues, but hopefully, I will find some nice people.
Departure Day: A Prayer and Final Sigh
- Last-Minute Scramble: Run around the apartment, looking for
Escape to Taipei: Stylish West District Loft (and My Completely Unfiltered Thoughts)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place actually *stylish*? Like, legit? Or is it just… beige with a slightly fancier throw pillow?
Alright, alright, buckle up. The "stylish" label? Okay, it's *mostly* true. It’s not aggressively beige, I’ll give it that. Think exposed brick, which, let's face it, always screams "I made an effort." There was a cool, almost industrial vibe going on. And the lighting… *chef's kiss* – it was moody without being depressing. I actually took a photo of the light fixtures – I know, I know, I'm that person. But honestly? It's a good-looking place. Definitely not beige. More like… sophisticated concrete with pops of, oh, I don’t know, maybe a teal throw? Yeah, that sounds about right. But don't get your hopes up for Parisian chic. It's Taipei chic... which is, you know, great.
How *big* is "sleeps 1-4"? Because that could mean anything, from a mansion to a sardine can. And I really need to be prepared.
Okay, sizing. This is where things get interesting. It's not a mansion. Let's be clear. I would say it *comfortably* sleeps two. Three? Maybe. Four? Ugh, that’s pushing it, unless you *really* love each other, or you’re all tiny. I think they had a sofa bed (I’m basing this on blurry memories, I may have been jetlagged). Remember, it’s a LOFT. Which means the sleeping area is probably upstairs. Expect a somewhat steep ladder. (This is where the wine I drank kicked in during the memory). It’s functional, not sprawling. I wouldn't want to be sharing a tiny bathroom with four people after a whole day of delicious Taiwanese street food. Just saying.
The West District, huh? Is it a good location? And, more importantly, is it *convenient*?
Location, location, location, right? The West District is… well, it's *Taipei*. I wouldn’t say it’s smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it’s definitely not out in the sticks. It felt *authentically* Taipei, if that makes sense. Lots of little shops, bustling streets, and delicious smells wafting from food stalls. Convenience? Yes! The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is your best friend in Taipei. And it was easy to get to the station. No, I didn't have to walk for miles and miles, I have bad knees. There's your convenience. Now the important thing is, is it a *good* location? Yes. Will you feel like you’re *in* Taipei? Absolutely. Could you find better? Maybe. But this is solid, and that's a win in my book.
Tell me about the bathroom. I'm picky about bathrooms. Is it clean? Does it have good water pressure? (These are important questions, people!)
Okay, bathroom time. This is where I get *real*, because you're right, bathrooms are critical. The bathroom was... fine. It was clean. Not sparkling showroom-worthy, but definitely clean enough that I didn't feel like I needed to shower after *being* in the shower, you know? Water pressure? Adequate. Not a power-wash, but you could, you know, wash your hair. The hot water? Let me just say, after hours of walking around in the blazing heat... oh, the hot water. Yes, it was great. The shower was fine, nothing to write home about. It had those fancy Japanese toilets with all the buttons, which I still don’t entirely understand. And did I accidentally trigger the dryer feature? Maybe. Don't judge me; I was jet-lagged.
What about the kitchen? Did it have… actual kitchen things? Or just a microwave and a prayer?
The kitchen… Ah, the kitchen. Let’s be honest, I ate out for every meal during my stay. However, I did glance in there. It *seemed* adequately equipped. I saw a microwave, (yes!), a fridge, and some basic utensils. You know, the kind of things you might need to make a simple meal. But if you’re planning on whipping up a Michelin-star feast? Probably not the place. This is more of a "heat up leftovers and make your own instant noodles" kind of kitchen. Which, frankly, is perfect for me. I like to eat, but cooking? Nah. The point is: yes, there *is* a kitchen. But don’t expect a state-of-the-art culinary experience.
Okay, let's talk service. Were the hosts helpful? Did they reply to messages quickly? Because nothing is more frustrating than unresponsive hosts.
Service. Ah, the make-or-break. The hosts... okay, so, I didn't *need* a lot of help. I'm pretty self-sufficient. But I did have a question about… well, I got locked out of the loft. (Don't ask). I messaged them, totally mortified. And, thankfully, the reply was prompt. Quick responses and a guide through the door lock? Definitely a thumbs up. All those things really make a difference after you've been wandering outside in a heat, and a door is the best thing ever. I’m grateful for no-fuss and easy to work with people. So yes, the service was good. They seemed genuinely friendly and helpful.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Would I stay there again? Hmm. That's the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Listen, it's a solid choice. It's a cool apartment. It’s in a decent location. The service was good. It's definitely not the Ritz. But you know what? I really enjoyed it. It felt like a real place, not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel room. It was... easy. Could I see myself back there? Absolutely. Especially if I was traveling solo or with one other person. It had a certain… charm. Yes, I think I would. *Especially* if the price was right. And after all, you are in Taipei. Not every place is going to be perfection!
