Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung

Location was really near the Taichung main train station. Area is city compared to other parts of Taichung. But it is far from the places I wanted to visit (ie Gaomei Wetlands) But is on the same street as Miyahara so that was good. It was near Yizhong night market but Fengxia night market was super far. Room was industrial japanese feel, clean and comfortable. There is a safe for keeping stuff. I like the fact there are 'windows' into the common corridors, made it less claustrophobic. I love the room journal by each bed. So lovely to read and connect through each visitors' entry in the journal. Common areas are cute and comfy. Shared toilet was clean and sufficient. Wished for more hooks and hangers though. I love the roof terrace. It is like a dream separate from other places. I love the swings on the top tier. Kitchen on 12th floor only, it was clean and beautiful. Breakfast of toast & jam is free and sufficient. I really didnt fancy the breakfast $50 coupons to be used in surrounding shops (10-15mins away). I used the coupons to exchange for the popsicles the front desk was selling. It was healthy tasting popsicles.

There were homeless people on the streets just below the building. Maybe don't go out alone at night which I had to on the first night (due to change needed for the washer & dryer). I didn't like that there were money exchanger for coins in the laundry room. Apparently front desk says laundry room is only open till 10.30pm so can exchange coins with them instead. But I find that so impractical to limit laundry hours. Laundry room is separate from guest rooms so I dont think it affects sleep (noise-wise). Front desk can be a bit more approachable and friendly and English-friendly. Hostel vibe feels aloof, not great for meeting new people.

Super adorable, cozy hostel conveniently located with a beautiful view out the windows of common spaces of the Taichung train station across the street. Great bus and train access! With only two people sharing a bathroom, the room felt very clean and like there was a lot of privacy with the door to the suite (two separate rooms and a bathroom) having keycard access. Basic amenities like one towel, shampoo and conditioner provided in the room which also had ample space (for a capsule style hotel), two plugs, and two small shelves next to the bed for keeping small items out for easy access. High ceilings and a window made it feel extra roomy and comfortable. Shared kitchen and common area had free snacks including crackers and fruit, dishes and utensils, a toaster oven, and tea. Staff were attentive and always around. Washer available, and a 50NT coupon for breakfast at several nearby restaurants was provided per day. Highly recommend this super charming place!

There’s so much lounge space- it’s on every floor! There is kitchen use as well + utensils and kitchen sets like pots & pans. I really like the aesthetic of the interior. It is really modern. I booked a room with a shared bathroom and I felt like I had the privacy I needed because there is a curtain that you can pull back. There’s a cute little traveler’s journal that you can browse through and write in. The hostel is as advertised as it is online. They give you $50 NTD off discount coupons w/local restaurants. I like the minimalism.

I wish there was a curtain or something for the shared bathroom bc it’s made of glass and I’m not sure if your figure would be able to be seen if another person passed by. For the slippers that are provided to guests…I hope they are properly sanitized. There’s a balcony area, but it’s not very scenic.

this hostel was located next to the train and bus station with Miyhara Ice cream shop behind it. Lovely welcome on arrival and everything was explained clearly as we checked in. Room was small but the seating outside around the rooms made up for this by far. Large windows overlooking the train station made for many little private nooks to sit and watch in the evening. Loved all the art work scattered around. Just beautiful. Very very clean. Loved all the eco-friendly touches. and the fact that their was no TV to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. New and workable kitchen facilities should you wish to cook your own meal. Would recommend to anyone wanting a central place to stay.

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honestly was a little skeptical about the photos posted online but I was taken aback when I reach the hostel. This is really the best place to stay at if you want have a really good experience for the very first time. booked the shared room and the whole place was really clean and the staff there were really friendly and helpful!!! Definitely coming back here again when I come to taichung. Central location so traveling around is definitely very convenient!

As a solo female traveller, the location may feel a little shady at night but honestly the pros definitely outweigh the cons about this place

Defining this place an hostel is diminishing. There is a huge kitchen fully equipped, it's plenty of common areas furnished with cozy sofas and wooden floor; everything seems brand new. The views on the city from the hug windows from some of the rooms and from the common areas are amazing. There is also a rooftop, a laundry and a luggage storage room. 3 mins walk from the train station (not the HST). The toilet is clean, the room is clean. All in all great stay, this is the only place that you should book while staying in Taichung.

i really loved my stay here. the location is amazing, right across taichung main station with lots of small shops right downstairs! don't worry, you cannot hear the trains. the staff were super friendly and patient! and my favourite part was probably the atmosphere — the hostel is very modern and clean with friendly and pretty interior design, probably scandinavian inspired! the community areas are truly amazing, there's little seating corners everywhere, you can choose between tables with chairs by the panorama window or even comfy chaises or fat-boys. if you want to work from there, it will be a very good choice, and if you're there for leisure, you will want to stay there all day. (which you shouldn't, bc there's so much to see in the city!) there is also a rooftop area available at all times with seating situations and fairy lights and lots of plants, perfect at nighttime. the rooms themselves are kept extremely simple with no disposable items—if you're looking for something plain, this is perfect. (the common areas are so nice that you won't stay in your room much anyway) it's also pretty private despite being a shared room, you will be separated almost completely! the kitchen is also very pretty and comfortable, for breakfast there's only toast, tea and tomatoes/mangoes (if you want more than that, there will be breakfast places nearby!) but you can use it at all times. you will have to wear slippers inside to keep the place clean, so make sure to bring your own clean pair if you don't want to wear the ones from the hostel! another lovely thing are the "story of the room" books, go see for yourself :) all in all the friendliest place i've ever stayed. i will come back <3 10/10 would recommend

the aircon in the corridors of the guest room floors is super cold, it's fine, just bring a thin jacket. the walls are rather thin, but they have free ear plugs available at the reception counter, so it's no problem <3

The hostel is extremely comfortable and central, located at a super convenient location ~5-mins away from the train station, and a variety of food options to choose from. While breakfast offered in the hostel is simple (toasts, jam, fruits), meal vouchers are given to be used at partner outlets. Common spaces are cozy, with a selection of Mandarin books/zines to read from, and a rooftop garden to chill at. Loved the small touches, little exhibition space and a book of messages from strangers in the room. Staff are also very quick to provide help and support as needed. Overall, extremely pleasant stay, pretty chill vibes and would definitely return!

Common spaces could get a little crowded during the day as people attend to work. But there are several areas to occupy so it's no biggie.

It is a beautiful and quaint place with different rooms for different travellers. Note that it is five storeys with the main level at 12 for reception. Every room even has its own guest book so you can share your own story to the person who stays in the room. It is incredibly charming.

I wish that I have just a little more space for hanging off my clothes. Do also note that the doors tend to close loudly so do bring along ear plugs if needed.

- Great and very helpful/welcoming staff (helped me to take the bus to Sun moon lake among other things) - Super clean and bright reception and common areas - Amazing roof terrace with hammocks - Toast and marmalade for breakfast on top of the vouchers - Very convenient location by the main train station

- They don´t clean the rooms every day but that´s expected of a hostel - The vouchers sometimes didn´t cover a decent breakfast, also most of the cafes only opened at 9am