While there are many excellent accommodations in Taichung, Taiwan, I highly recommend staying at Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung.
Even though Norden Ruder is called a “hostel,” it is not your typical hostel! It feels like a high-end hostel but with the luxury of a boutique hotel.
In terms of aesthetics, the hostel is modern and a hint of Scandinavian feel to it. The minimalist design concept sets the tone for the entire space.
Even though it is not the cheapest hostel in Taichung, I consider Norden Ruder Hostel as the best Taichung hotel because of its cleanliness, centralized location, comfort and design.
Even though it is not the cheapest hostel in Taichung, I consider Norden Ruder Hostel as the best Taichung hostel because of its cleanliness, centralized location, comfort and design.
Travelling through Taiwan? Learn how you can spend 3 weeks in Taiwan
Before you check out Norden Ruder Hostel in Taichung
Before you book your stay at Norden Ruder, take a look at my post on all the best travel tips for travelling to Taiwan. I included a lot of information, including getting a Taiwan prepaid SIM card, transportation around the country and more. And check out more tips on my solo travel guide to Taichung and learn about other attractions in Taichung.
My Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung review is an opinion of my own, and I did not receive any compensation of any kind. I only want to share what I love.
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Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung
Address: 12F, No. 123, Jianguo Road, Central District, Taichung, Taiwan 40043
Rate: NT$800 for 2-bed female dormitory
Location of Norden Ruder Hostel in Taichung
Located in Central District, Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung is only a few minutes from Taichung Station. It is directly across the street from the transportation hub.
The hostel’s common area is located on the 12th floor. The reception, kitchen, dining tables and other tables are all on the 12th floor while guest rooms are on levels 8 through 12.
Just outside of the hostel, there are several bus stops where the majority of the buses will stop. And having close proximity to bus stops is very convenient in Taichung. When you use your EasyPass or iPass to take the bus, your bus ride is free when the journey is less than 10km.
Norden Ruder: 2-bed dormitory guest room
Each dormitory guest room has a single platform bed, a few shelves, a safe and a nightlight. It is pretty compact. And each room has a window and sufficient air conditioning for those hot summer nights.
It doesn’t sound like there is a lot in each room, but it is actually enough for most solo travellers. There are so many places in the hostel to hang out, so it really doesn’t matter that the room is small.
The room may be “small” as a room, but it is significantly big for a dormitory room! Usually, a dormitory room means you get a lower or upper bunk bed. And there may be a privacy curtain, a shelf and a nightlight. So the dormitory guest room at Norden Ruder is actually pretty spacious.
There are other rooms at Norden Ruder Hostel, including a standard double bed, standard twin, triple and quadruple room. If you are travelling with friends or a spouse, you can find a room type to suit your travel needs.
A shared bathroom for a 2-bed dormitory
For every two dormitory rooms, there is a shared bathroom between the two bedrooms. So only two people share the bathroom.
Even though the bathroom is shared, you are only sharing it with another person. Some hostels will have a few bathrooms, and they are shared amongst everyone on the floor. Sometimes it could be up to 20 people!
As for the bathroom itself, it is clean and spacious. The shower stall has shower gel and shampoo for you to use. And the shared bathroom has a toilet and a sink as well.
Various Common Areas around Norden Ruder Hostel
Once you are on the 12th floor, which is also the same floor as the reception, you can find many areas that are used as shared spaces where you can hang out.
First, you will see the open kitchen, which is quite impressive. The kitchen has several large counters for food preparation, dinnerware and flatware, free coffee and tea and a water dispenser.
Next to the kitchen, there are a few dining table-type seating and a long dining table.
Behind the shoe changing area, there is a small nook with beanbags, another round table with chairs and a bench table facing the windows.
The bench table facing the windows is my favourite area to hang out. I love the comfortable seating, the view at night and just the overall comfort of the space.
And all of their furniture is Muji furniture. Muji is my favourite Japanese brand. They make everything from furniture to a variety of household goods. And they also manufacture other goods like clothing, toiletry and food.
Plus, there are laundry facilities on the 9th floor.
The staff at Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung
The team at Norden Ruder Hostel is very friendly and helpful. They were able to explain many things to me and gave me a tour around the hostel. And they can speak English, so there are no issues in terms of language.
I didn’t have any particular questions or requests as I’ve already been in Taichung for a while.
But overall, I thought they were courteous and welcoming.
Norden Ruder Hostel Review: Best Hostel in Taichung for solo travellers
I can’t say enough how much I love Norden Ruder Hostel! They are one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! And I’ve stayed in a lot of hostels throughout my travels!
Moreover, Norden Ruder doesn’t feel like a hostel at all. It has a boutique-y, Scandinavian and minimalistic feel to the space. The hostel didn’t feel crowded because there are many places on the 12th floor where you can hang out, cook, work, etc.
I highly recommend any solo travellers to stay at Norden Ruder Hostel in Taichung. It is not the cheapest hostel but also not very expensive either. You will enjoy the clean and minimalist space and the view of the city from the 12th floor. Check Agoda for the current rate and other reviews.
Ready to stay at Norden Ruder Hostel in Taichung?
I hope so because it is the best hostel in Taichung! And maybe even the best hostel in Taiwan!
And don’t let the word “hostel” deter you from staying at Norden Ruder because this budget accommodation doesn’t feel like a typical hostel. It feels high-end and boutique-y!
And if you want other options, there are many accommodations in Taichung for solo travellers. I stayed at many while I was in Taichung and wrote an entire post about where to stay in Taichung. If you want other suggestions, take a look at that post.
I hope you enjoyed my review of Norden Ruder Hostel! And if you have any more questions about this fabulous hostel, leave a comment below.
There is so much to do in Taichung! Take a look at these posts on some of the best Taichung attractions:
- Taichung Second Market – excellent food market for breakfast
- Miyahara Taichung – delicious ice cream and chocolate in an old ophthalmology clinic
- Zhongshe Flower Market – see blooming flowers all year-round
- Gaomei Wetlands – day trip to the famous wetlands
- Carton King Creativity Park – a whimsical park with cardboard figurines
- Xinshe Sea of Flowers – seasonal flower market in Xinshe
- Xinshe Castle – a European-styled castle in Xinshe
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