During my trip to Kaohsiung in May 2023, I noticed that hotel prices in Taiwan have been on the rise lately, feeling about 30% higher than before. However, I found the newly renovated and highly cost-effective "Q21 Hotel" and decided to give it a try!
I booked through agoda.com. It cost about 29,000 JPY for 3 nights. The room category was "Business Suite".
Location...
The nearest station is "Yanchengpu" on the MRT Orange Line, just a 5-minute walk away. There's a 7-Eleven at the nearby intersection, which is very convenient. A U-bike stand is also just a 2-minute walk away. The path from the station is flat and easy to walk, and you'll arrive in no time while enjoying the retro atmosphere of the neighborhood. Having a convenience store so close is a huge relief for those late-night snack cravings!
The Room
The Business Suite features a living area right at the entrance with a TV, a two-seater sofa, and a workspace. The bathroom was clean and modern, equipped with a bathtub and a washlet (bidet). The layout felt spacious with a gentle separation between the living and bedroom areas. As a freelancer, I found the desk very useful for getting some work done at night. The bathtub was deep enough to fully relax and soak away the day's travel fatigue.
Lounge Space
It seems more Taiwan hotels are starting to provide complimentary drinks and snacks during the day. The space here is lovely, though the snacks were just okay—good for a quick break. Still, it's a perfect hidden spot to grab a cold drink, plan your next destination on your phone, or organize your photos. Spending a quiet afternoon here to escape the heat felt like a nice little luxury.
Breakfast
Breakfast was fairly standard but decent. They offered a variety of dishes including Taiwanese classics like Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice). For me, having a hearty bowl of Lu Rou Fan in the morning was the perfect "flavor" to remind me that I'm actually in Taiwan.
Conclusion
Given the price, room quality, and location, I have no complaints! It’s a highly recommended hotel in Kaohsiung. It strikes a great balance for both repeat visitors and first-timers. If you are looking for a stay that is budget-friendly but doesn’t compromise on cleanliness and modern comfort, this is the place for you.