Jerry's MazeHut Hostel — Hotel in Tainan

One of the grooviest hostels I've stayed in while backpacking. Steel your expectations and make sure to check the listing and photos before booking. This is a somewhat off-kilter accommodation which is made fantastically kitsch by the vibe that is set by the owner Jerry.

The property is renovated by a few connecting buildings in a very groovy little block known for its ancient charm, brought back to life by the modern art culture of Tainan. What would otherwise be a convoluted and weird layout is all validated by the name of the hostel - It's called Jerry's Mazehut for a reason. He has preserved the culture of these old buildings - you are staying in a piece of history.

You enter through one building, head out into a patio, up a flight of stairs across to the next building and there is the dorm. Keep going further, down another set of stairs, and you get to the bathroom. There is a little dining lounge tucked away, a few private rooms hidden in unseeming parts of the building, and on top of that, Jerry runs an incredible little teahouse in it during the day.

The pods are like mini-cabins with lockable doors, an internal fan for airflow, and at least four well-sized vents to control ventilation. Your stuff is safe in the pod when you go out since you can lock it, but you're also provided with an additional underbed storage locker as well. The pods layout are very well thought out; the bottom is accessed from the side, the top is accessed from the front, so two bunkmates never get in the way of each other.

Despite the odd layout, Jerry has provided a wealth of resources to help you so there is no question. Upon booking, he will make his contact available so that he can send you links, YouTube videos, and resources on how to navigate and use the hostel and the area around it. Anything else can be addressed by simply asking him if he's in the teahouse, or messaging him.

Free self-serve washing machine is on site as well which is incredible, though there is no dryer. But Jerry provides a large amount of coat hangers and pegs so it's no issue, especially since it's free.

The social vibe is mature and relaxed, but I found it easy to socialise as the little room outside the dorms is very cosy.

Through and through, it's a well-priced hostel at the end of the day, and you get a lot here for what you pay for, so any shortcomings that this place has are more than dwarfed by the...

The Good: Nice capsules/pods, nice showers, quiet, clean, great staff, 150m from bus lines to the train station, nicely renovated building in a historic area where people take a lot of Insta's.

The Bad: It's small (13 beds) so no real hostel vibe, beds and baths are on different floors, no self-catering (just a fridge, microwave and cups), only one small indoor table for work or study, 2 of the 3 baths have a urinal in your face when you sit on the toilet, they don't accept credit cards but accept PayPal.

TIP #1: Check the hostel's website before booking -- the price was much lower than other sites.

TIP #2: If you use the bath near the front entrance at night, take your key or you may be locked out...

I am obsessed with Mazehut! I wish every hostel was exactly like this. The little personal cubbies were so comfortable, fully private and had everything you need — mirror, hangers, fold down desk, light, electrical plug, fan, cozy blankets and pillow, lock/key, storage unit! WiFi was super strong too! Bathrooms were bright, spacious, clean and smelled amazing. There are a couple communal areas to chill, work, or eat. Free water is accessible too, including tea. You also have access to a fridge. The staff is super friendly and helpful the whole time. I’m a solo female traveler who felt safe the whole time. Location is SUPERB! Walking distance to everything. Absolutely zero...