Norden ruder hostel-Taitung

Pros: Although it's far from the train station, there is a direct bus route available. It's located right in downtown Taitung, very close to both the Seaside Park and the Forest Park. There is a curfew at night, so the security is decent. The hotel also features a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Cons: To be honest, this is the worst hotel I stayed at during my entire trip around Taiwan. First of all, the room is extremely small. The usable area of a basic single room is only about 12 square meters. The aisle was so narrow that I couldn't even fully open my suitcase. Considering Taiwan—and especially Taitung, where the cost of living is relatively low—paying nearly $60 (after taxes) for this room makes it a terrible value for money. Furthermore, it lacks almost all necessary in-room amenities: there is no TV and no wardrobe. While not providing toiletries can be excused due to government regulations, there's absolutely no excuse for failing to provide the most basic everyday items like water cups, an electric kettle, disposable slippers, or drinking water. To make matters worse, they only provide a single, exceptionally flat pillow, almost guaranteeing you'll wake up with a stiff neck. Then, the walls seem hollow. I could clearly hear people walking and moving things around in the room next door. The bathroom also lacks an active ventilation system; the hotel's "solution" is simply a push-out window on the exterior wall to let air out, which is ridiculous. Finally, although all room types supposedly have windows, if you are unlucky enough to be assigned certain rooms on the 4th floor, your window might connect directly to the roof of the neighboring residential house. And I mean directly connected—you could literally open your window and jump straight onto someone else's balcony. Just imagine how that feels. Overall: I am deeply dissatisfied with my stay. While the hotel has clearly put a lot of painstaking effort into marketing its "brand story," it completely falls short on basic infrastructure. As a guest, the actual living experience is what matters most, not the so-called stories or the fancy chalkboard art in the lobby.

Very good atmosphere and ambience. It does not feel like a hostel. The receptionist all speaks fluent english. Help me to book taxi from hostel to train station.

The place is pretty, and the single-bedroom is simple, neat and clean. The staffs are friendly and helpful too. Location is within walking of eateries and night market. ~10-15 mins drive to Fugang Harbour if you take a cab. If you follow google map and take bus 202 from Taitung train station, have to walk ~8mins to arrive, but the walk is straightforward as long as you follow the map. Conclusion, Norden Ruder is worth the stay.