When you hear “Taitung,” many people might imagine a quiet countryside town. I was one of them. But actually, this city has a hidden sophisticated cultural side. During this trip, I was able to discover accommodation that lets you fully experience this new charm of Taitung.
When planning my trip, I compared many accommodations. Among them, I was drawn to the stylish exterior and cozy interior photos, which led me to choose Road International Youth Hostel Taitung Branch 2. Here, I’ll share my experience staying at this hostel.
A Space Where Urban Style Meets Taiwanese Character
Interior design you wouldn’t expect from the urban exterior
The exterior is urban and stylish. Stepping into the entrance, you’re greeted by a space where modern lighting and warm wood materials blend together. The common area feels like a gallery, with local artists’ works subtly serving as accents throughout the space.
Stylish cafe corner
What was particularly impressive was the rest area behind the reception, which has the ambiance of a tea room. Having tea in this space at dusk while healing from the day’s fatigue became my secret pleasure.
Going deeper, there’s a library space resembling a tea room
Going down the stairs behind the tea room
You’ll find an art gallery with an upright piano
Exploring Taitung’s New Charm on Foot
Taitung’s largest night market is surprisingly compact and homey
The Taitung Central Market right in front of the hostel shows different faces between morning and night. The morning market offers glimpses of locals’ vibrant daily life, while at night, food stalls line up where you can casually enjoy Taitung cuisine. Because these are shops used by locals in their daily lives, you can encounter authentic Taitung flavors without tourist pricing.
The trendy area around the railway station is also within walking distance
Also, Tiehua Village, a 5-minute walk away, is a cultural creative space converted from a former station building. At night, music events are held on the outdoor stage where local young people gather. It’s gaining attention as a new tourist spot where you can experience Taitung’s contemporary culture firsthand.
In front of the outdoor stage, there’s also an area selling cute crafts, handmade goods, and local drinks
Within a 10-minute walk, there are also stylish cafes and craft shops scattered around. Particularly, at the traditional house cafes nestled in back alleys, you can enjoy Taiwanese coffee and handmade sweets. Because these are places where locals gather rather than overseas tourists, you can experience a leisurely flow of time.
Facilities and Services Supporting Comfortable Stays
The standard single room is 10.6 square meters. While not large, the functional layout and calm interior design ensure a comfortable stay. The bed’s comfort was particularly excellent, allowing proper rest for bodies tired from long hours of sightseeing.
The common area has a free Taiwanese tea service corner. Authentic Taiwanese tea brewed with proper tea utensils tastes completely different from commercial bottled versions. Tea time between sightseeing unexpectedly became a luxurious moment.
From the modern and spotlessly clean kitchen, you can freely take tea and snacks
The shared kitchen is clean and easy to use, allowing you to enjoy simple cooking with ingredients bought from the nearby market. Available 24 hours, it’s especially valuable for long-term guests.
The vouchers provided instead of breakfast are a unique system usable at surrounding restaurants. You can use them at nearby cafes for elegant morning meals, or at local restaurants when tired from sightseeing at night. The usage is completely flexible.
Morning at a nearby cafe. The crepe collaboration with Morinaga Milk Caramel was delicious!
Environmentally Conscious Management
Environmental consideration isn’t forgotten, with efforts to minimize disposable plastics and adopt reusable amenities. Toothbrushes and slippers are provided upon request, but keeping them to the minimum necessary helps avoid unnecessary waste. This subtly practices the environmental consciousness required of modern hostels.
(Currently, SDG initiatives are becoming active throughout Taiwan, and not just this hostel but many accommodations are encouraging guests to bring their own consumables like toothbrushes. When traveling to Taiwan, travelers should also be conscious of contributing to environmental protection.)
Summary: Accommodation That Brings Out Taitung’s New Charm
Road International Youth Hostel Taitung Branch 2 is accommodation that accurately captures modern travelers’ needs while staying close to Taitung’s local character. It’s a well-balanced space – simple yet equipped with necessary functions, stylish without being overly trendy, and never dull.
The accommodation rates are also reasonable, and this level of comfort at this price is surprising. Especially considering the proximity to cultural spots and facility completeness, it’s perfect as a base for staying in Taitung.
Most importantly, staying at this hostel made me realize Taitung’s new charm. Encounters with music at Tiehua Village, simple Taitung cuisine at the market, moments at back-alley cafes. Not Taitung as a tourist destination, but Taitung’s charm where you can travel as if living there – this spreads out from this hostel as a starting point.
🌟 Recommended Points
- Excellent location – 5 minutes walk to Tiehua Village and market
- Calming common space resembling a tea room
- Voucher system usable at nearby shops
- Environmentally conscious management style
Taitung preserves the atmosphere of traditional Taiwan while also nurturing new culture. As a place where you can fully experience both of these charms, please consider adding Road International Youth Hostel Taitung Branch 2 to your candidates. You’re sure to discover Taitung’s new appeal.
