If you’re planning a trip to Taipei and looking for a place to stay, let me save you hours of research. I stayed at Star Hostel Taipei East last year along with my colleagues at Barn2 Plugins during our 5-Day stay in Taipei for WordCamp Asia, and I can honestly say—this place is worth every cent. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option out there (lalo na kung budget-conscious kang Pinoy like me), but trust me, the value you get makes it more than worth it.
Here’s why I think you should stay here, too:
1. Flexible Room Options and Good Value for Money
Star Hostel Taipei East offers different room types to suit solo travelers, couples, and even families. Whether you prefer a private ensuite or a shared dorm, there’s something for everyone. While the rates are on the higher side for a hostel, the quality of the experience more than makes up for it.
2. Exceptionally Clean Rooms with Daily Housekeeping
Cleanliness is one of the things this hostel does really well. Rooms are spotless, and the housekeeping team refreshes your supplies daily—towels, bottled water, toiletries—everything is taken care of. It feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel in that regard.
3. Modern and Well-Equipped Restrooms
Shared restrooms are spacious, clean, and modern—comparable to what you’d find in high-end accommodations. Toilets are similar to those in Japan, and they provide useful extras like hair dryers, floss, cotton pads, and other hygiene essentials. It’s these small touches that elevate the overall experience.
4. Reliable Wi-Fi in All Areas
The Wi-Fi is fast and dependable, whether you’re in your room or the common areas—perfect if you’re working remotely, uploading photos, or just staying connected.
5. Keycard Access for Security
Security is taken seriously. Keycard access is required to enter the building, ride the elevator, and access your room, which adds a layer of safety and convenience throughout your stay.
6. Cozy and Thoughtfully Designed Spaces
The hostel features a cozy, minimalist design that’s both stylish and functional. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming, with several shared spaces where you can relax, read, or get some work done. Everything feels well-curated and intentional.
7. Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast is included with your stay—simple, healthy, and enough to start your day right without having to head out immediately. There’s also coffee and candies available at the pantry.
8. Prime Location Near MRT and City Hotspots
The hostel is just a short walk from Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station, making it incredibly easy to get around Taipei. Great cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping malls also surround you. Everything you might need is close by.
9. Warm, Professional Staff
The staff are friendly, professional, and always ready to help with anything you need—from directions and recommendations to check-in and storage assistance. Their warmth contributes to the overall positive atmosphere of the place.
10. Extra Perks That Make a Difference
- Coin-operated laundry machines on-site
- Available rentals (iron, adapters, etc.)
- Secure luggage storage
- Eco-friendly design choices throughout the space
Things to Do Around Star Hostel Taipei East
✅ Try Street Food While You Explore: The streets around the hostel are full of small vendors offering grilled meats, snacks, fruit drinks, and more. It’s the perfect area to casually snack while walking around—especially in the evenings when things come alive.
✅ Visit the Basement Food Court for Beef Noodle Soup: Just a few minutes away is Dinghao Mall, which features a basement-level food court that serves incredibly delicious beef noodle soup at very affordable prices. It also offers a variety of Taiwanese side dishes. This is a great spot if you want a local meal without the tourist markup. What’s even more fascinating is watching the dumplings and noodles being handmade.
✅ Stop by UCC Coffee: If you’re into good coffee or need a quiet spot to sit for a bit, there’s a UCC Coffee branch nearby that’s perfect for a quick break. It’s clean, quiet, and a nice place to recharge.
✅ Explore Anime Figure Shops in Zhongxiao Dunhua Station: One unexpected but fun discovery: Zhongxiao Dunhua Station has several shops selling anime figures and collectibles. If you’re into anime or know someone who is, it’s worth checking out. It’s a small detour that could easily turn into an hour of browsing cool merch.
✅ Shop and Stroll in the Daan District: Daan District is also known for its fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, and bars. It’s a great place to walk around, even without a fixed itinerary. You’ll likely find something interesting around every corner.
✅ Go Restaurant and Bar Hopping: If you’re craving more than Taiwanese food, you’re in the right place. The area surrounding Star Hostel Taipei East is packed with international restaurants and izakayas. Japanese pubs and teppanyaki spots are everywhere—great for late-night meals and drinks. You’ll also find Vietnamese restaurants, Mexican cantinas, Korean BBQ, and other global cuisines. The area’s mix of local taverns, cocktail bars, and stylish speakeasies makes it ideal for bar hopping.
Where to Book your Stay in Star Hostel Taipei East
You can book directly on their website; however, if you’re looking for discounted rates, I recommend checking Agoda. That’s where I booked my stay, and I typically use it for all my hotel reservations. Generally, the rates on Agoda are lower than those on the hotel’s website, often due to special promotions or last-minute sales.
Star Hostel Taipei East doesn’t just give you a place to sleep—it offers comfort, cleanliness, convenience, and a great location for exploring Taipei. From the modern restrooms to the cozy atmosphere, everything is designed to make your stay relaxing and stress-free.
If you want a base in Taipei that offers great value and access to good food, public transit, and authentic local experiences, this hostel is an excellent choice.
