Taipei's Chillest House: Unwind in This Amazing Hidden Gem!
Taipei's Chillest House: Where Relaxation Finally Feels Real (and Sometimes, a Little Chaotic!) ☕️🧘♀️
Okay, folks, listen up! I'm just back from a stay at Taipei's Chillest House, and let me tell you, it's a journey. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels; this place is like… well, it’s like your impossibly cool, slightly messy, and actually chill aunt’s house, but with a killer view and way better amenities. Buckle up, because I'm spilling all the tea (and probably the coffee too).
SEO & Metadata Shout-Out First, Then the Real Stuff:
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- Metadata: Description: A brutally honest review of Taipei's Chillest House, a hotel promising relaxation and a hidden gem experience. Includes accessibility, amenities, dining, services, and a whole lot of rambling thoughts. Keywords: Taipei hotel, spa, accessibility, wellness, reviews, travel.
Accessibility: Bless Their Hearts! (Mostly)
Right off the bat, I need to give a shout-out for the effort. The "Facilities for disabled guests" are definitely there, and the elevator is a lifesaver, especially after, um, ahem, indulging in the amazing buffet. But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?). While they say wheelchair accessible, maneuvering around the common areas felt a little… tight. I'm thankfully able-bodied, but I could see how it could be challenging for someone with mobility issues. More space in hallways is a MUST.
On-Site Wonders (And My Own Personal Panic Attack at the Pool):
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff: the facilities! There's the Swimming pool [outdoor], the glorious Pool with view. I even braved the Sauna and the Steamroom (more on that later!). They have a Fitness center too, but let’s be honest, I spent most of my time… well, not there.
The spa is the real star though. I booked a Massage and ended up getting a whole hour of pure bliss. Now, I’m a bit of a fidgety person, and I usually can't sit still for that long. But this massage therapist… she was a miracle worker. Seriously. I drifted off, and when I woke up, I felt like I could run a marathon (if I actually wanted to).
The Body wrap was also… intense. I'm not going to lie; being swaddled in seaweed is an experience. I definitely questioned my life choices at one point. But! Afterwards, my skin felt amazing. And I probably looked about 5 years younger. (Worth it).
Now, the pool with a view… Here's where my personal chaos comes in. That view is STUNNING. Just breathtaking. But, I’m also… not a confident swimmer. I spent a good portion of my time clinging to the edge, pretending I wasn't terrified. But hey, the water was cool. And the view? Unbeatable.
Speaking of View… and Dining:
The Asian cuisine in restaurant was seriously good. I’m a sucker for a good Asian breakfast, and theirs… ugh, perfection. The Buffet in restaurant was equally impressive. I mean, the sheer variety! I sampled everything from the Soup in restaurant to a mountain of fresh fruit and pastries. The Coffee shop made fantastic lattes, and there's a Poolside bar too. I may have had a few too many cocktails while pretending to be a pool goddess. No judgements, please.
The Restaurants had a mix of International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. I'm not going to pretend I didn’t hit up all of them. Each one was solid.
Wi-Fi, Internet, and All That Digital Jazz:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a MUST in our day and age, and The Chillest House delivered. The Internet and Internet access – wireless were all up to snuff. I did see those cables. And I’m pretty sure there was still Internet [LAN]. Yeah, it’s all the tech stuff. It's all working pretty well.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief
This is where The Chillest House really shines. And where I breathed the most sigh of relief. They are taking cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are used, there's Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff are “Staff trained in safety protocol,” which, you know, is reassuring. My room was spotless. I saw the Rooms sanitized between stays, and all the common areas. They’ve got Hand sanitizer everywhere. They’re also doing this thing where they can be contactless check-in/out. It’s a relief, especially with everything in the world today. They seem to have thought of it all, from the First aid kit to the Smoke detector.
The Quirky Stuff: From Rooms to Relaxation
The rooms themselves are… cozy. They’re not the biggest, but they’re well-appointed. My Non-smoking room had a comfy Seating area, a good Desk, and (thankfully) Air conditioning. The Bed was comfy. The Blackout curtains are a lifesaver (trust me on this one!). I’m getting off track. The Bathrobes were super plush. The Free bottled water was a nice touch. I did have the Bathrobes.
The Little Things (and the Slightly Annoying Ones):
They offer amazing services! Things like Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and the always-appreciated Ironing service. There are even Convenience store, and Gift/souvenir shop. The Concierge was super helpful with tips.
But here’s my minor whine: while the Front desk [24-hour] is super convenient, I did have to wait a bit during check-in. I blame my inner impatience, but I think it could have been smoother. And while the Room service [24-hour] is fantastic, it's also a bit of a gateway drug to overeating. (Again, no judgements!).
For the Kids & The Couples (and Everyone Else):
They’re Family/child friendly, and the has some Kids facilities, and there is a Babysitting service. If you are looking for a Proposal spot, they apparently can make it happen with the Room decorations. They also have some Couple's room.
Getting Around & Other Practicalities:
They have a Car park [free of charge], and offer Airport transfer. The Check-in/out [express] is there.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Despite a few minor hiccups (and my personal pool-induced anxiety), I loved my stay at Taipei's Chillest House. It's not perfect, but it's got a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it feel special. It’s a place to unwind, to indulge, and maybe, just maybe, to find a little peace amidst the beautiful chaos of Taipei. If you're looking for a hotel that feels like a real escape, with a quirky heart and genuine commitment to relaxation, then book it. Just, you know, maybe brush up on your backstroke first. 😜
Camps Bay's Hidden Gem: Harbour Bridge Pub, Wick's Best Kept Secret!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered trip planning experience. We're going to Taipei, baby! And more specifically, we're planting ourselves right in the heart (or should I say, chaotic underbelly, depending on the day) of Chill Chill House. This is gonna be less "polished travelogue" and more "slightly unhinged first-person account of a magnificent, messy adventure." Expect tangents, expect regret-induced ice cream binges, and expect me to probably lose my phone at least twice.
Chill Chill House: Taipei, Here We Go! (May 2nd - 7th)
(Note: Flights are booked, passport's (hopefully) not expired. Packing list? Uh… roughly half my wardrobe. Pray for me.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Overwhelming Smell of… EVERYTHING!
- Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Okay, first impression: WOW. The sheer efficiency of this airport is intimidating. I felt like I was in a futuristic robot-run utopia, except with far more duty-free shopping. Finding Chill Chill House shouldn't be too difficult, it's the walk through the main foyer and get to the hotel.
- Afternoon: Checking into Chill Chill House. Ah, home, sweet, slightly-damp-from-the-air-conditioning home. Okay, maybe I'm already regretting not requesting an upper-level room? The view is… of a brick wall. But hey, at least it's my brick wall. Unpack, immediately spill something on my favorite shirt (classic), and contemplate the meaning of life while simultaneously trying to figure out how Taiwanese plugs work. Ugh. Adaptors. Must. Find. Adaptors.
- Evening: Venture forth! First mission: food. Seriously, I'm already ravenous. Wandering the streets near Chill Chill House, the sensory overload is intense. The smell of stinky tofu is… well, it's something. I’m gonna be honest, it smells like old socks marinated in dirty water. I feel bad to say this but I might have to skip that one. However, the food stalls are exploding with life and color. I have absolutely no idea what half of these things are, but I'm diving in anyway. First stop: a night market with everything imaginable, with a particular affection for the little dumplings and steamed buns. There’s also a place promising "bubble tea with a kick" I'm both terrified and intrigued. This is going to be amazing.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and a Near-Meltdown Over Google Maps.
- Morning: Okay, time for some actual culture! After a slightly-too-late night market binge (and a slightly-too-early hangover), I’m dragging myself to Longshan Temple. The sheer artistry is breathtaking. And the incense! It's like being enveloped in a cloud of spiritual smoke. I feel a weird mix of peace and mild panic, mostly because I'm probably doing all the rituals completely wrong. Ah, the joys of being a tourist!
- Afternoon: Tea time! Seriously, Taiwan is a tea mecca. Finding a quaint tea house is a must. Unfortunately, me trying to pick a tea place is a disaster (Google Maps is a lying snake) . I feel like the owner is side-eyeing me, but… the tea is good. The tea is very good. I'm starting to understand the zen of tea ceremonies. This is awesome.
- Evening: Okay, here's where things get messy. I was supposed to go to Ximending. But, I get lost again, and then I had a terrible emotional breakdown, and start to get really homesick. I ended up crying on a bench, eating a giant bag of chips, and face-planting on my bed. I feel like I should be embarrassed but i have nothing to do but embrace the mess.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Food
- Morning: Today, it is all about food. I have to force myself to get dressed, go out of the hotel room, and eat something. Starting with breakfast. I'm gonna pick a restaurant I saw the day before. It's a breakfast shop with steamed buns. The food is extremely delicious. I would gladly come here everyday.
- Afternoon: Visit a street of food shops. With more and more stomach space to be filled, I can't help but to wander the street and find more food. This time, it's going to be a place with soup. The soup is absolutely delicious. The soup is even more delicious than the steamed buns.
- Evening: Continuing to explore the night market. The goal is to eat more food. I'm gonna find even more dishes I never had before. This time, I'm going to get a special dish that sells out very fast. I would have to try my best to queue up!
Day 4: Hiking and High-Altitude Angst.
- Morning: Time to embrace my inner adventurer! (Or, at least, my inner "pretends-to-be-an-adventurer" type). Hike up Elephant Mountain, and I. Am. Toast. Seriously, whoever designed those stairs is a sadist. The view from the top? Spectacular. Totally worth the near-cardiac arrest. The city sprawls out before me, shimmering in the sunlight. I take a deep breath, and suddenly the world feels a little less overwhelming.
- Afternoon: Ride the Maokong Gondola. The glass-bottomed car? Spectacular. My fear of heights? Also spectacular. Maybe I should have skipped that second cup of coffee this morning. The tea plantations in the area are absolutely gorgeous. I grab some tea leaves and I feel like a whole new person.
- Evening: Back to Chill Chill House. I'm exhausted from the hike, but in a good way.
Day 5: Exploring the City
- Morning: Visit the National Palace Museum. Okay, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit museum-ed out at this point. But the artifacts are genuinely incredible. I'm overwhelmed by the history and the artistry, so I end up just wandering around, staring at stuff and pretending I know what I'm looking at. I'm not even remotely sure but I'm trying my best here.
- Afternoon: Shopping! Yes! Retail Therapy! I spend way too much time in a bookstore, which is a good thing, and I get a sweet, albeit overpriced, t-shirt. The money is worth it.
- Evening: Packing time. Or more accurately, staring at my suitcase and wondering if I can possibly fit all the things I bought. Probably not. This is gonna be rough.
Day 6: Departure (and the inevitable airport food coma).
- Morning: Last breakfast in Taipei. I'm already nostalgic for the street food. Time to check out of Chill Chill House. Goodbye, brick wall view! Your slightly-damp charm will be missed. The journey to the airport is filled with regret for all the things I didn't do, and the food I didn't eat.
- Afternoon: Airport. Duty-free shopping. Last-minute bubble tea. Okay, I'm officially in a food coma. I'm not even sure how I'll make it onto the plane. Goodbye, Taipei! I'll be back… probably to eat my weight in dumplings.
- Evening: Flight home. I’m already planning the next trip.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
This trip was a mess. I got lost, I cried, I ate way too much. I loved every single minute of it. Taiwan is a vibrant, chaotic, beautiful place, and Chill Chill House was the perfect (and slightly-damp) base for all the adventures. I'm already dreaming of the next time I can return to eat more food, get lost in the city again, and probably lose my phone all over again. And you know what? That's absolutely okay.
(Now, where did I put my phone…?)
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Taipei's Chillest House: FAQ - Because You *Need* to Know (and I Need to Rant!)
Okay, Okay, So What *Exactly* IS This "Chillest House" Thing? And Is It Actually Chill?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t some perfectly curated travel blog experience. This “Chillest House,” as they so dramatically call it, is a hidden gem, yeah, but hidden where?! That’s the first trick! Think a renovated, slightly rundown, but undeniably charming traditional Taiwanese building. You’re talking exposed brick (or what I *think* was brick, maybe it was just really dirty paint...), quirky furniture, and a vibe that screams, "Leave your stress at the (slightly creaky) door." Honestly, it’s pretty chill, mostly. Except when… well, we’ll get there. The chill factor is HIGH when the sun's streaming in and you've got a coffee, but after a Taipei downpour? Let's just say "rustic" becomes "damp."
How Do I *Find* This Place? Because "Hidden Gem" Usually Translates to "Impossible to Locate After Dark."
Oh, the agony! Finding it is a bit like a treasure hunt. You’ll get (mostly) clear directions, but be prepared for that moment of existential dread when Google Maps seems to have abandoned you. I remember the first time; I was convinced I’d wandered into a time portal or, worse, a dodgy back alley karaoke place. I walked up and down the SAME street, three times! Eventually, thanks to a random, overly-helpful grandma who spoke zero English, I stumbled upon it. Seriously, that grandma saved me. So, yeah, print out a map, be prepared for a bit of a wander, and maybe learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Where is the chill house?" might be a good starting point. Also, trust in the power of the elderly – they seem to know everything. And carry a portable charger. Mine died mid-search. Epic fail.
Is It Instagrammable? Because, Let's Be Honest, That's Important.
Instagrammable? Honey, it’s *designed* for Instagram. It’s practically begging to be photographed! The lighting's fantastic, the decor is gorgeously chaotic, and there are hidden nooks and crannies galore. Think fairy lights, mismatched cushions piled high, and walls adorned with art that makes you think, "Did a toddler and a Renaissance master collaborate?" Seriously, my Instagram feed blew up. I spent like, a solid hour just trying to get the *perfect* shot of the tiny, overflowing bookshelf. Worth it though, right? But... and there's always a but... I had to edit out the slightly damp patch on the wall. And the overflowing trash can in the corner. Perfection is a lie, people. Especially in a "chilled" house.
What Kind of Things Can I *Do* There? Besides, You Know, Be "Chill."
Okay, so "chill" is the main event. BUT! You can drink amazing coffee (seriously, their coffee is divine), read books (a LOT of books; mainly in Chinese, ugh), and, if you're lucky, catch a cool live music performance. They sometimes have these pop-up art exhibitions, too. One time I saw this amazing origami exhibit! And, they often have a pretty decent selection of local snacks. The best part? They *encourage* lingering. No rushing. No feeling pressured. Just…existing. I spent an entire afternoon just people-watching and sketching. Which brings me to my *single biggest gripe*. There's this one tiny, rickety desk in the corner... PERFECT for sketching. But, the chairs are SO uncomfortable! I nearly got a backache of epic proportions. They need to invest in some decent chairs!
Is There Food? And Is It Any Good? Because Hangry + "Chill" = Disaster Zone.
Yes! Food! Thank goodness. Because as I mentioned, I get hangry. They offer a reasonably priced selection of light bites – things like pastries, sandwiches, and little local treats. The coffee is *seriously* good (I mentioned that, right?), and they also have a selection of teas and other drinks. It's not fine dining, people. Don’t go expecting a Michelin-star experience. It's more like, grab a quick bite while you soak up the atmosphere. I've had some *amazing* pineapple cakes there, and some… well, let's just say the consistency was questionable. Always check the date. Just, you know, a pro tip.
What's the Vibe? Is It Like, Super Hip and Exclusive, Or Can a Regular Person Actually Get In?
Thankfully, it's not *that* kind of place. No velvet ropes, no pretentious gatekeepers. It's more like a cozy, slightly bohemian, slightly alternative kind of place. You’ll see a real mix of people – locals reading, students studying, tourists trying to look like they belong (guilty!), and the occasional hipster on a mission for that perfect avocado toast shot. It's genuinely welcoming. Honestly, I felt comfortable in my slightly-stained travel clothes. That says a lot! Think of it as a comfortable escape from the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of Taipei, but it's a busy city, you know. You're going to a busy city, you know?
Okay, Tell Me *One* Thing That Really, Really, Really Annoyed You. Spill the Tea!
Right. I've been trying to be all " zen and chill," but fine. Here's the **truth**! The wifi. It's terrible. Truly, utterly awful. Almost unusable. I had to tether to my phone. Which, you know, is fine, but if I'm supposed to be relaxing and disconnecting, then offer a decent wifi connection! I get wanting people to, like, *look up* and be present, but sometimes, I needed to check a map. Or translate a menu item. Or, you know, post a picture... I mean, the struggle is real! And the chairs! I already mentioned the chairs, didn't I? Ugh. It's a beautiful space, but the internet and the chairs... It really detracts from the "chill." Still, I went back, so... yeah, maybe it's not *that* bad.
So, Should I Go? Is It Really Worth the Trek and the Potential Wi-Fi Anguish?
Absolutely. Yes. 100%. Despite the dodgy wifi, the slightly uncomfortable chairs, and the occasional questionable snack, *go*. It's worth it. The atmosphere is unique; the coffee is fantastic; and the chance to escape the madness for a few hours is priceless. Just… download your maps beforehand, bring a portable charger, and maybe pack a small cushion. And try the pineapple cakes. Just, maybe, check theStay By City
