Taipei's WILDEST Hostel: Cavemen Hostel Near Taipei Main Station!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel review. We're diving headfirst into the… well, you get the idea… Cavemen Hostel near Taipei Main Station. And let me tell you, it's an experience. Forget the sterile, corporate hotel reviews, this is the real damn deal – the good, the bad, and the slightly-stained-bedspread ugliness.
SEO Stuff First (Gotta Get Those Clicks, Baby!):
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Alright, SEO gods appeased. Now, let’s get messy.
Accessibility (Or, How Clumsy Am I?):
Okay, first off, I’m… not the most graceful human. So, "Accessibility" is a big one for me. Cavemen claims to be "Facilities for disabled guests". Now, I didn't see ramps everywhere, BUT, and this is a big but, the elevator works! And, the staff seemed genuinely helpful, so I'm giving them a hesitant thumbs up. Don’t believe everything you see on Google Maps, though -- always double-check if you have specific needs.
Rooms: Living Like a Caveman (But With Wi-Fi!)
Available in all rooms: Let's breeze through the checklist of essentials. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Probably, though I just used my phone. Bathrobes? No, but hey, it's a hostel. Bathroom phone? I wish! Bathtub? I WISH! (Shower only). Blackout curtains? Thank goodness for small mercies, the Taipei light pollution is REAL. Carpeting? Yep. Closet? Adequate. Coffee/tea maker? Nope, but a communal kettle is nearby. Complimentary tea? See above. Daily housekeeping? Yep, they did a decent job. Desk? Small but functional. Extra long bed? Probably, I'm a tall dude, and I didn't complain. Free bottled water? Surprisingly, yes! Hair dryer? Yup. High floor? You can request. In-room safe box? There is one. Internet access – wireless? YES! (More on that in a sec). Ironing facilities? Probably, ask at reception. Laptop workspace? Yes. Linens? Clean (mostly). Mini bar? Nope, but again, hostel. Mirror? Yes. Non-smoking? Bless them, yes. On-demand movies? No, bring your Netflix login. Private bathroom? Some rooms do have private, mine didn't. Reading light? Yep. Refrigerator? None. Safety/security feature? Yeah. Satellite/cable channels? Yes. Scale? Seriously? Who brings a scale to a hostel? Seating area? Meh. Separate shower/bathtub? Shower only. Shower? Fine, with good pressure. Slippers? Get your own. Smoke detector? Gotta hope so! Socket near the bed? Yep. Sofa? No. Soundproofing? Questionable, but hey, it’s a hostel! Telephone? Useless. Toiletries? Basic. Towels? YES. Umbrella? Nope. Visual alarm? Unlikely. Wake-up service? Available, though I preferred my phone. Wi-Fi [free]? YES! Window that opens? Actually, yes, and it was nice to get some fresh air.
My Room: The Slightly-Less-Than-Perfect Experience: I snagged a dorm, naturally. Look, it was what I expected: functional, a bit cramped, and the sheets probably hadn't been changed since the last eruption of Mount Taipei. But hey, the bed was comfy enough after a long day of exploring. And that free Wi-Fi? GOLD. Absolutely GOLD. I streamed movies, messaged friends, and basically lived my online life without issue. And the best part? I survived the night without waking up to a roommate snoring (a minor miracle, honestly).
Cleanliness (The Real Test!):
Okay, let's be honest. Hostels… they don't always scream "sterility." Cavemen tries. They have "Hygiene certification", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Rooms sanitized between stays" and stuff like "Anti-viral cleaning products". But lemme tell ya, I did find a stray hair in the shower. So, I’m giving them a solid "B-" in this category. The common areas were decent, though.
Safety (Because Taipei is Generally Safe… But Still):
"CCTV in common areas", "CCTV outside property", "Fire extinguisher", "Front desk [24-hour]", "Safety/security feature", "Security [24-hour]", "Smoke alarms". All the good stuff. Taipei is already pretty safe, but it’s nice when the place you’re sleeping seems like it’s trying.
What to DO (Besides Sleep!):
Things to do/Ways to Relax (or "How I Avoided Getting Cabin Fever"): Okay, let's pretend: the "Fitness Center" isn't really a fitness center, but they've got the space. The "Spa" is probably, like, a massage place nearby. "Steamroom" or "Sauna", not that I know of. "Swimming pool", haha.
The Real Stuff:
- The Lobby: Okay, this is where the "Caveman" theme kinda comes in. Think dim lighting, exposed brick (maybe), and a general sense of… well, not the Ritz. But it works, in a grungy, backpacker-chic kind of way.
- Taipei Adventures: Cavemen is a five-minute walk from Taipei Main Station, so you can hop on a train or the MRT (subway) and explore the city.
- The Nightlife: Taipei is ALIVE at night! Check out the bars, clubs, and night markets.
- Food, Food, Food: Taiwanese food is AMAZING. Just… go to the street stalls. Trust me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!):
The Essentials: They have a "Bar", a "Coffee shop," and a "Snack bar", I did spot some. So that's decent. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" is a maybe.
The Real Food:
- Breakfast (or lack thereof): They claim different breakfast things, but I didn't see a buffet. So, plan accordingly. My advice? Hit a local bakery. So cheap, so delicious.
- Snacks: There are convenience stores all around. Stock up on Taiwanese snacks. You won’t regret it.
Wi-Fi (My Personal God):
- Internet: Okay, this is a big one. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms? LEGIT. I'm talking fast, reliable, and a lifesaver for a digital nomad like myself. I basically lived off that Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep!
- Internet services: I think the front desk had something to do with it or give you a password.
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't use this, but hey, it's there!
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier… Ish):
- Good Stuff: Check-in/out is "Contactless" and "express", which is perfect. "Daily housekeeping" is a godsend. "Laundry service", "Luggage storage", "Safety deposit boxes", "Air conditioning in public area"
- The Less-Good: Yeah, I’m not sure about “Babysitting service”.
Getting Around (Navigating Taipei):
- Airport transfer?: They probably can arrange something. Just ask.
- Taxi service: Easy to find.
- Car park [free of charge] / Car park [on-site]: Nope.
- Bicycle parking: Nope.
For the Kids (Or, Are You Brave Enough?):
"Family/child friendly" and "Kids meal", I did not see any of this. This is a place for backpacks and young adults.
Now for the Unfiltered Truth…
The Good:
- Location, Location, Location: Right near the main station. Seriously convenient.
- Free Wi-Fi: It's an addiction.
- Affordable: This is a budget hostel, and it delivers on that promise.
- The Vibe: It’s got a social, backpacker-friendly vibe.
The Bad:
- Cleanliness: It could improve.
- Theme: Honestly, the “caveman” thing feels a bit… forced.
- Room Size: Dorm rooms can be tight.
The Ugly:
- Okay, I'm not going to lie, sometimes hostels just feel a bit… lived in. You know what I mean.
The Verdict:
Taipei's Cavemen Hostel? It's a mixed bag. It’s not perfect, but it's a decent option for budget travelers who want convenience and a social atmosphere. Yes, go. But go with realistic expectations. Bring your own slippers.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bezel Bungalow Awaits in Sri Lanka
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station Youth Branch itinerary… as experienced by yours truly, the gloriously imperfect traveler. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable food choices, and a whole lotta jet lag.
Day 1: Taipei Takeover (or, How I Learned to Love the Smell of Stinky Tofu)
Morning (6:00 AM): Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Bleary-eyed, slightly nauseous from the plane food (sorry, airline, your "chicken with mystery sauce" was not a hit). Immediately hit by the glorious, humid embrace of Taiwan. My internal monologue: "Okay, focus. Train to the hostel. Don't panic." I'm already failing. Finding the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – victory!
(7:30 AM - 9:00 AM): MRT to Taipei Main Station. The sheer volume of people is overwhelming. I'm dodging scooters, luggage, and what seems like a never-ending river of humanity. Find Cavemen Hostel. It's… colorful. And I mean, really colorful. Think every color in the crayon box had a party and threw up on the walls. But the staff? Super friendly. Instant relief after a truly horrific flight.
(9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Check in. The dorm room is… cozy. And by cozy, I mean "could probably fit all my worldly belongings if I arranged them just right." Still, good vibes. They gave me a locker that smells slightly of stale ramen, but hey, character!
(10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explore the neighborhood. Stroll through the Taipei Main Station area. This is where things get interesting. I'm starving, so naturally, I stumble upon a street food market. This is where I encounter… the Stinky Tofu.
- The Stinky Tofu Saga (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, let's be honest, the smell is… assertive. Like a pungent cheese had a fight with a gym sock. But the crowd that gathered and the praise it got… I had to try it. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and took a bite. The outer crust was crispy, inside soft. The sauce was… tangy. The smell? Still lingering, but… I think I almost liked it. I almost love it. I still love it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch (more street food, less stinky). Wandered around the area a bit more. Hit up a convenience store for snacks (those 7-Elevens are dangerous!). Tried to figure out how the heck EasyCard works. Success!
Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Back to the hostel, crashed for a nap (jet lag is a beast, folks).
Night (8:00 PM - Late): Headed back out for another street food adventure. More noodles, more fried things. Tried to socialize with some other travelers in the common area. Ended up mostly just staring blankly at the TV, slightly overwhelmed. But hey, I’m here. Taiwan, you’re a lot.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Existential Dread (Okay, maybe just a little dread)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up still slightly confused about the time zones, but made it to the common area (finally!) and enjoyed the Hostel's breakfast. Instant noodles, some toast, and coffee that tastes amazing.
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Went to Longshan Temple and it was amazing. I had to find a quiet place to calm down and breathe. So crowded, but just the energy. Every single person seemed to be doing something.
- (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lost my wallet! Panicked. Retraced my steps. Found it tucked in the back of a stall. The relief was enough to make me cry.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Tea tasting experience. This was heavenly. The tea was all types of good, but by this point in the day I couldn't taste or feel anything. The tea master was super cool and taught me a lot.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Headed back to the hostel. A little bit of homesickness kicked in. Tried to write in my journal. Failed miserably. Stared out the window. Wondered what the point of anything was. Ate some instant noodles and went to bed.
Day 3: Hiking, Hot Springs, and the Realization I'm a Mess
- Morning (8:00 AM): Up early for a planned hike. The hostel staff helped me with directions, which I may or may not have completely messed up at least once.
- (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Hike to Elephant Mountain. Okay, so the views are spectacular. But my legs? Not so much. The stairs are brutal. I stopped every five minutes to catch my breath and contemplate my life choices. Still, the view was worth it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Hot springs. This was the perfect antidote to my aching muscles. Soaked away all the stress and existential dread. Felt like a new person.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Got back to the hostel. More street food because, when in Rome… or Taipei, I guess. Tried to have a meaningful conversation with another traveler. Failed. My brain was fried. Just wanted a comfy bed and sleep.
- Night (9:00 PM): Packed. Because tomorrow I move on. And I'm so not ready.
Day 4: Goodbye, Taipei (and Hello, More Adventure!)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Groggily make my way to the lobby, ready to check out.
- (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM): Chat with the staff before leaving. They are wonderful people. Tell them how much I didn't want to leave.
- (9:00 AM): Said goodbye to Cavemen, Taipei. Stepping through the door, one last look. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, or what to expect, but it sure was an experience.
- (9:30 AM): On a train to the next adventure, wherever that may be.
Final Thoughts:
Taiwan? It's messy, chaotic, and utterly captivating. The food is wild, the people are friendly (even if you can't understand them), and the adventures are endless. I fell in love, I got frustrated, I lost my wallet, and I almost, almost, conquered the Stinky Tofu. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But that's what makes it so damn… real.
And Cavemen Hostel? It’s a chaotic, colorful launching pad to launch into the chaos of Taipei. It's not the Ritz, but it’s a place to explore, make mistakes, and come back to a place where no one judges you for needing to crash after a day of exploring. It's a slice of Taipei, in all its gloriously imperfect beauty. Would I go back? Absolutely. And maybe I’ll even try the stinky tofu again. Maybe.
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Cavemen Hostel: You Wanna Know About THIS Place?! (FAQ – Ish)
Alright, alright, so you’re thinking of braving the Cavemen Hostel. Bless your heart. Look, I've been there, done that – and lived to tell the tale (mostly). This ain't your sterile, perfectly-curated Instagram hostel experience, okay? This is... well, let's dive in:
1. Location, Location, Location! Is it ACTUALLY near Taipei Main Station? Like, REALLY?
Yes, in the sense that if you’re a seasoned marathon runner/ninja, you can practically roll out of Taipei Main Station and into the lobby. For us mere mortals? It's a… *walk*. A brisk one, maybe 10-15 minutes? Depends on how lost you get trying to navigate the maze of underground passages (which, let’s be honest, is inevitable). I remember the first time, dragging my suitcase like a wounded soldier. Felt like FOREVER. But yeah, technically close. But also: Taipei Main Station is HUGE. So, plan accordingly. Pack light, you'll thank me later!
2. What's the Vibe? Is it "Party Central" or "Quiet Library?"
Okay, lemme level with you. It's... a *vibe*. It’s not exactly a library. Think more… "group project cram session the night before the final exam." There’s chatting, there’s laughter (sometimes), there’s maybe a bit *too much* late-night snacking, the occasional sing-along (you might get roped into this, be warned). I remember one night, there was this dude from Sweden who was SO hammered he thought the hostel was a Viking longhouse. He kept yelling "SKOL!" and trying to trade his socks for Taiwanese beer. So, yeah… not quiet. Never quiet. But usually, it's fun. Embrace the chaos, that's my advice! You'll meet some genuinely interesting people.
3. The Rooms? The Beds? Are we talking "cave" literally? (I’m a bit claustrophobic...)
Okay, the "cave" theme is… *present*. It's not REALLY a cave. Unless you consider a bunk bed in a dorm room with exposed brick and questionable lighting a cave. I’m not claustrophobic *per se*, but I did find myself checking the walls for stalactites a few times (just kidding… mostly). The beds are… well, they're beds. Usually a bunk. They're a bed. You'll survive. The privacy curtains are your best friend. Seriously. Those things are GOLD. Keep them closed! And earplugs. Bring earplugs. Actually, bring two pairs. Trust me on this one.
4. The Bathrooms?! Please tell me they at least have HOT water...
The bathrooms. Ah, the bathrooms. Let's just say they are… functional. Hot water? Mostly. I had one shower that was, let's say, invigoratingly chilly, but for the most part, you're good. Cleanliness-wise? It depends. It *is* a hostel, after all. Don’t expect pristine hotel-level cleanliness. Bring your own flip-flops. And a good attitude. And maybe some industrial-strength hand sanitizer. (Okay, I'm being melodramatic. But still... flip-flops.) Pro Tip: Shower early or very late. Avoid peak shower times. Trust me.
5. Food? Is there any actual food provided? (Because I'm ALWAYS hungry.)
Free breakfast? (Deep sigh). Technically, yes. Toast. Sometimes questionable jam. Instant coffee. I wouldn't *rely* on it to fuel your daily adventures. There are *tons* of food options nearby though! Seriously, you're in Taipei! Get thee to a night market! Eat ALL the things! I spent like $20 on bubble tea alone. Worth it. So, plan accordingly. Pack snacks if you're ravenous (like me!). The neighborhood food stalls are a lifesaver.
6. Okay, spill the tea! What's the *one* thing you'll ALWAYS remember about the Cavemen Hostel?
(Deep, dramatic inhale). Okay, okay. This is where it gets good. One thing? It's tough, but I'll pick one. It was the night the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. Not "beeping" off, full-blown, ear-splitting, lights-blazing EMERGENCY LEVEL fire alarm. Everyone, bleary-eyed and half-naked, stumbled out into the street. It was a freezing night, and there was this guy, from Germany, I think. He was totally naked, just wrapped in a damp towel, looking more confused than scared. Apparently, someone burned their toast. Yep. Burnt toast. And that naked German guy… forever etched into my memory. The chaos, the absurdity, the sheer *humanness* of it all… that's the Cavemen Hostel experience in a nutshell. It was horrible. It was hilarious. It was unforgettable. That's the kind of memory you're going to get. You'll probably be saying "I survived this!" over and over. That's the goal.
7. Would you go back? Be honest!
...Maybe. Look, it's not the Ritz. But it's cheap. It's central. And you meet people. I'd go back. But I would bring a hazmat suit, just in case. and earplugs. and a sense of humor.
8. Any final words of wisdom for a future Caveman?!
Breathe. Pack light. Bring earplugs. Embrace the weird. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t burn your toast. Actually... maybe slightly burn your toast, it's part of the experience. And learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. You'll need them. And most importantly? Have fun. Because this place is a trip. No matter what!
