Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung

The staff are super friendly and organized here. For example, I was having important documents sent to me from the US. It did not arrive during my stay as planned, but since I was coming back for a second stay they kept in touch with me via email to let me know when it arrived. They handed it to me when I returned, and it felt great knowing I could trust them to hold onto the mail for me. Thank you to Louis and his team for their attentiveness! Additionally, the spaces are thoughtfully designed and laid out. They offer great views of the city and the Taichung train station. The space feels very "Muji-esque," for those who are familiar with the store. Very serene and CLEAN! (My only feedback for housekeeping might be to dust the blinds on outside-facing windows in the rooms a bit more frequently.) I liked that this hostel is only a 2-minute walk from the Taichung station. Very convenient. Lots of local buses nearby that you can catch around the city. Overall, I highly recommend this hostel. It's one of the best I've stayed at, and I like the 2-person room concept.

The lights in the common spaces are sometimes pointed towards the guest room windows, and they are never dimmed at night. Since the shades don't fully cover the windows, light comes in. I had forgot my sleep mask, so I had to put a t-shirt over my eyes. Maybe re-direct these lights strategically? I would also suggest that signs be put in the room to turn off the lights when you leave and mention this at check-in too. I stayed here twice and had several roommates — in the 2-person rooms — who would leave their lights on late into the night even though they were out. Made sleeping unpleasant, especially as I like to go to bed around 9 or 10pm.

Sleek & functional

Cant think of any

Too convenient for the transpo who wants to visit mountainous regions in central southern part of Taiwan. It was perfectly suited like me who wanted to travel by train or bus.

Location is fantastic. Close to many nice food places and transport is convenient

The ceiling was unfurnished and part of the wall was peeling. Bedsheets caused skin irritation, may not have been properly cleaned