I decided after 2 years of bathing in cold water and sleeping on mattresses as a outdoor camp instructor, that the backpacking life is not for me. This girl needs her rain shower and silky sheets. So I turned my attention to budget luxe, and all but gave up hope on hostels and dormitories… until now.
I can’t even call Mono’tel a hostel, because it is about as luxurious as the next hotel. Mono’tel Taipei is undoubtedly THE coolest hostel I have had the privilege to stay in, and it is located right next to the famous Shihlin Night Market in Taipei! A side note on Taipei night markets: I personally prefer Shihlin Night Market to Ximending, because the shopping is loads cheaper, with a wider variety of night market snacks (compared to the many restaurants in Ximending).
Right next to Mono’tel is Sasa, JSF Mall (the cutest stationery and household items store), Starbucks, Watsons, 86 Shop (a beauty products shop) and of course, the entrance to Shihlin Night Market! Shopping has never been so convenient, we could stay past 12 midnight, until all the shops in Shihlin have closed and simply pop across the street to our comfy beds 🙂
There is even a 7Eleven right next to the lobby! And after a long day, we are greeted with spanking new power showers, fully-illuminated vanity tops and soft, fluffy linen to cuddle in our private beds. I love the mini fan, mini desktop and mini night light – just a fan of anything miniature 🙂 It’s like a super cozy little pigeon hole.
The whole decor of Mono’tel Taipei is modern, chic but cozy! Bird vectors are scattered liberally across the property, as Mono’tel hopes to be a transient but homely nest for their travellers (totally digging the fowl puns). When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the receptionists Pao and Grace as well as Mono’tel’s adorable manager Megumi.
They made us feel so at home during our entire stay!! Unlike most hotels, Mono’tel believes in creating a family-like atmosphere for their guests from different countries to bond and share their travel experiences, including familiarity with the staff 🙂
There are social sofa spaces with fluffy cushions all over Mono’tel, for anyone to sit and chill! There is even a whole study area, for guests who need a quiet corner to finish up some work. Best of all – MOVIE NIGHTS!! What a fun way to interact with the other guests over yummy street food and plot twists 😀
I need to dedicate a whole paragraph or song to Mono’tel’s ama-za-zing bathrooms!! They are pretty proud of their showers too and for good reason. Check it out!!
Sprawling white sinks, glistening vanity tops, a plethora of hairdryers… total dream come true for us girls! Every corner is clean and dry, smells fantastic and everywhere you turn, a mirror ready for selfies 😉 No fighting over the toilet in the mornings!
They also have a little pantry/ kitchen tucked away in the lobby, complete with cold/ hot water dispensers for their guests’ convenience! I wished I could have tried out the Hello Kitty waffle maker at least once 🙁
What a lovely, warm stay in Mono’tel Taipei! I really miss the friendliness of the staff, the beautiful showers and of course, its proximity to Shih Lin Night Market – I sure didn’t shop enough! I will definitely be back on my next trip to Taipei. Till next time, Mono’tel!
Mono’tel Taipei
Website: https://monotelhostel.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monotel.taipei/
Check out their incredibly cool 360 degree tour function on their website, so you can view the entire property!
Note: This post is sponsored by Mono’tel Taipei, but all opinions are as usual my own.