Saturday 16 April 2016

Mia's Taiwan Travelogue: Ximending Airbnb


And so after bidding Cingjing goodbye, we packed our bags and hopped onto the HSR again, heading for Taipei!
And the very first place we head for was obviously our airbnb apartment, located in the heart of ximending.


Getting to the apartment might seem dauntingly long judging from the route marked in red on google map, but it's a pretty short (around 15 minutes) and easy walk, even with a luggage in tow. 

The apartment's owner, Kenny, is a really helpful and friendly guy. Setting arrangement with him over whatsapp text messages was smooth and stress-free.


And I think this picture tells you why I chose this apartment out of the thousands available on airbnb. 





Thought not big at all (in terms of Singapore's context I'll call this a SOHO with two platform furniture beds) the apartment comes with not 1, but 2 platform queen sized beds, 1 queen size bed on 'ground floor' and another sofa bed at the 'living room' area in front of the wall mounted TV. So effectively, you can squeeze in a large group of 7! But having just 1 bathroom (there's bathtub, yes!) to serve a group of 7 will definitely not be your best choice though. 
And while the location of the aircon units right where the platform bed is means the platform beds taker will freeze to death in the middle of the night for the 'ground bed' takers to not melt into the bed while sleeping, the room temperature problem is conveniently strike-off since it was the cold winter season while we're there. Plus, Kenny is considerate enough to provide a standing fan right in front of the 'ground bed'. So, don't worry about that. :)


Other than the thoughtfulness of prepping the mini kitchen up for us with cleaning agents and starbucks coffee mugs and water dispenser, Kenny also prepared a portable wifi for us to stay connected on the go.


I reckon he likes bear brick too?

You'll be surprised at how much effort Kenny puts into making his guests feel at home. He printed maps of Ximending and the Taipei metro and mark out the recommended attractions (and corresponding stations) on them for our consideration as well, which was extremely useful! 

To book this apartment, visit the airbnb page HERE

Till then,
Mia Foo

20 comments:

  1. Airbnb has become a good, if not a better, alternative to hotels nowadays. Besides being a cheaper choice, lodgings on Airbnb offer the comforts of home. This apartment you got looks good.

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  2. Your accommodation looks nice. We also stayed in the same area when I went to Taiwan last November. I like the vibe of the surroundings.

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  3. So glad you did a post on your airbnb host. I also recently took up a airbnb accommodation and the guy was incredibly nice...

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  4. I've always wanted to hear more about other's experiences with air bnb's. I've always been rather curious as to how it would feel being in a strangers home. I just can't see myself doing it though.

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  5. Sounds like you have the most accommodating host, you picked the right place to stay for this trip! I like that there are two beds, perfect for a trip with the family. The overall look is cool, I like the little details like that bear and the Captain America throw pillow.

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  6. This was a very nice apartment. I really need to try an air BnB to see what all the hype is! Everyone I know has nothing but good things to say about them.

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  7. I love how kenny your host went out of his way to make you guys comfortable.The place looks great, just the airconditioning that has a weird placement.

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  8. I like the simple set up. It's also great that Kenny really takes care of you and your needs.

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  9. OMG! I was actually considering this place before when I was going to Taipei but the trip sadly got cancelled! It's so nice! :)

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  10. I never tried booking in airbnb, but yes they are really becoming big. Looks an awesome place to stay.

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  11. I personally have not tried airbnb but heard got reviews from others.

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  12. I have tried Airbnb a few times already, and so far I had been lucky with my hosts. This looks like a very cozy apartment to consider if ever I go to Ximending in the future.

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  13. Cool, I haven't tried AirBnB despite all the hype..Still sticking to hotels for now... Most probably will try when given a chance!

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  14. I love the simplicity of the apartment, and it is quiet big. I haven't tried AirBnB, but I really need to visit Taiwan haha.

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  15. AirBnB is emerging as a great option. Your place looks quite comfortable.

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  16. So elegant. And looks very cozy!

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  17. A friend of mine works in Airbnb, it's a great service for travelers. We've used it a couple of times, and think of it first the minute we decide to go out of town. It's very reliable.

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  18. Thanks for sharing your experience with Airbnb. Such a kind host you had. It really helps tourists to see maps of the vicinity.

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  19. Great that you found a chic and cosy accommodation using Airbnb. I've heard a few horror stories about Airbnb before so I think it's a hit-and-miss thing.

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  20. The place that you booked thru airbnb is quite good and look contemporary stylish also.

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