Star Hostel Taipei Main Station — Hotel in Taipei

I did a lot of research, read all the reviews and chose Star Hostel out of so many other options for my first-time trip in Taipei . A welcome letter was sent after I reserved my booking, which made me feel warm. So I replied to the email, expressed my thanks, and laid my concern that my flight gonna arrive after midnight, if they will be able to honor me an early check in. I got a positive response with a small ask to keep really quiet when entering the dormitory room. I was so grateful to their kindness.

My flight arrived Taoyuan at 2am and I took taxi to the hostel straight from the airport. I got checked in, made the payment, however! a big However! They don’t let me in. Because the Check in time is 3pm and after!

The worker let me rest in the booth in front of the elevator. I asked to at least allow me take a rest inside the hostel’s at the sharing space where it has chairs and sofa beans but he denied without a consideration.

Later around 4am, someone checked out,so I went and asked again if I can be accommodated earlier. The answer is straight NO. Per their rule, the bed is given at 3pm as the earliest.

In the beginning I tried to absorb my down and tried to show my understanding. But now all the sudden, with that hurting attitude and indifference, my excitement towards the trip and high expectations for this hostel completely went down the hill.

I totally understand that every facility has their rules, and it’s all their right to follow their own rules strictly, and do no exceptions. But I would prefer this is informed clearly in the very first place when I sent the initial email! Besides, It cost me $1370 TWD taking taxi from the airport. If I’d know ahead of time, I would rather spend the hours waiting in the airport, and take the first Bus to Taipei at 6am, which may only cost me $100 - $200 TWD!

If your flight arrives after midnight,and you want an early check in, I’d sugguest you to choose the check in date a day before your arrival.

I would give 5stars if they can be more compassionate and considerate, at least let people rest inside the hostel after he/she made the payment.

Other than that, it’s a nice hostel. I do recommend it for it’s cleanliness. Shower room and bathroom are like polished, bed...

(Stayed in Feb 2015)

In summary, I would definitely choose to come back to this property. Such a pleasure.

Location: 5-7 minute walk from Taipei Main Station, which is a central transport hub for their MRT, as well as rail lines to locales outside of Taipei. On a quaint street close to some local food, a 7-11, and a New Year market. Never heard any street noise from my room.

Room: Clean, fresh. Nothing seemed old in the room. Their housekeeper comes daily to empty garbages and replace towels. Has an air conditioning, but sadly no heat. The room maintained a temperature of 20 degrees if I didn't use any A/C. Bed is comfortable and clean; had no issues sleeping. I chose this place because you get your own en-suite bathroom, which has hot water, and free shampoo and body wash. No complaints there. I really appreciate the open-concept sink and large mirror, and that long counter top where I can keep all my belongings without messing up the bed or the floor, a convenience I didn't realize I needed until I had it. Room also contained a desk with lamp- just another added convenience. All the little things Star Hostel provided really added up to a great experience. Nice TV in the room as well.

Amenities: Wifi was fast enough, never had any cutouts or slowdowns. The free breakfast is superb, and though I rarely choose to stick around for hotel breakfasts, I did for this one. The staff are so friendly- greeting you good morning and bringing your meal to where you choose to sit. And it's a balanced meal! Complete with your choices of coffees or teas.

Common areas: quaint, open, well-lit, well-furnished, modern. Let the pictures speak for themselves. It was a very welcoming space, and really added a welcoming character to the place.

Staff: so very friendly and helpful! You can tell how much pride they have in their place- with posters and maps they hand-made that show points of interest and directions to common destinations. They also put up local attractions that are currently in session (like the Chinese New Year market; I didn't plan on going to this, but glad I did on their suggestion- it was a great experience). They speak English quite well. Smiles are universal, and they definitely knew...

Taiwan government not helping foreign travelers: Following my previous comments about Star Hostel, here is an update: I tried to file a complaint with Consumer Protection but their website only accept Taiwanese who has local address and phone # to file a case. I searched and finally reached someone at the hospitality business association who directed me to a Taiwan government official who said that I could complain on 'Hello Taipei' website, but it also only allows people living in Taipei with a local phone # to file a case. The government official then sent me an application to fill out and he filed the complaint for me. After filing the complaint with 'Hello Taipei' I was told that they would ask the business to respond. The business responded denying all responsibilities but neglecting all the video evidence from their own recordings. The 'Hello Taipei' official said since the business didn't accept any responsibilities they could arrange for a face-to-face meeting with a moderator to address the case. I said I would fly in to Taipei from Canada to attend such a meeting. He said that the case is now closed and I had to file another application with the same form and same information again. I asked a few further questions about filling out the second application but didn't get any response anymore, the government official simply ignored all my 7 emails. With government not on foreign travelers' side, I guess that is why Star Hostel could badly treat their customers with impunity. The staff's bad attitude is also well documented in the negative reviews I see here. I hope you can also check out my Feb 2023 comments to see the ill treatment I got from the hostel. All I said is supported by video...