Ximending's Hidden Gem: Ichigo Ichie Guesthouse - Your Taiwan Adventure Starts Here!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, wonderful world of Ximending's Hidden Gem: Ichigo Ichie Guesthouse! - Your Taiwan Adventure Starts Here! And let me tell you, after my recent stay, I’ve got thoughts. Lots and lots of thoughts. Prepare yourself for a super-long, super-honest, probably-a-bit-too-detailed review.
First off, let’s be real: finding a good hotel in Ximending can feel like wandering through a maze of bubble tea shops (which, let’s be honest, is also pretty great!). Ichigo Ichie? It’s a vibe. Like a cozy hug from a really well-curated Instagram feed.
Accessibility:
Okay, so I'm walking around with a slight limp these days (long story, involving a rogue scooter and a particularly grumpy street vendor). So, accessibility is HUGE for me. Ichigo Ichie? Not bad, but not perfect. The elevator's a lifesaver, thank god. That's a win. But navigating the narrow streets outside the guesthouse? That’s the real adventure. Taiwan as a whole is working on accessibility so it's something to be aware of.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges:
Here’s a little hiccup. While the guesthouse itself has a chill, inviting atmosphere, there aren't any on-site restaurants or lounges explicitly labeled "accessible-friendly." This wasn't a deal-breaker for me since Ximending is basically a giant buffet of awesome food, but it's something to keep in mind if you have mobility issues or preferences for eating in one place. Thankfully there's plenty around, and you can always find a place to eat.
Wheelchair accessible
As mentioned, I didn't use a wheelchair this time, but the narrow streets and some doorways might make navigating a wheelchair a bit challenging in the area. The guesthouse itself has elevators and ramps, but the surrounding area… prepare for some bumps.
Internet, Internet Services, and, Oh God Please, Wi-Fi!
Okay, listen up, people. This is CRUCIAL. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms? Double Check! The Wi-Fi was rock solid. I’m a travel blogger, so a reliable connection is my lifeblood. I did a few video calls, uploaded a ridiculous number of photos of street food (because, priorities!), and it all went swimmingly. Also, they have internet access – LAN. For those of us who still rock a wired connection (don't judge my tech!), it's a nice touch. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup, and strong enough to stream Netflix while you're lounging in the lobby (which I definitely did). No complaints here. The internet gets a solid A+. Seriously, I can't stand hotels that make you fight for a decent signal.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and the Spa Dream
Now… here’s where things get a little… lacking. There’s no spa, no sauna, no pool with a view (sadly, the thought of a poolside bar in Ximending… amazing!). No body scrubs, no body wraps, nada. Zero spa. I was secretly hoping for a foot bath after all that walking, but alas. Okay fine, I’ll admit, I had dreams of a sauna. Dreams, people! This is not exactly the luxurious pampering retreat. You're here for the city, the buzz, the energy.
However, the lack of on-site spa stuff is perfectly balanced by the abundance of incredible things outside. Ximending is your spa! Go get a massage, get a facial, hit up a foot massage place, and you'll feel zen! And remember, this is a guesthouse, not a resort.
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD Approved!
Okay, I may or may not have a slightly unhealthy obsession with cleanliness. I’m talking Lysol wipes in my suitcase, you know the drill. Ichigo Ichie passed the test. Big time. The rooms were spotless. Absolutely pristine. They even had individually wrapped everything! Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably! (I didn’t ask, but it looked clean!) Staff trained in safety protocol? Felt like it. They were super friendly, but also clearly taking things seriously. Room sanitization opt-out? I didn’t ask, but it implied it. Daily housekeeping? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? Gotta assume so! I felt safe. Really safe. This is important for me after travel!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!)
Okay, back to the food! (Because let's be honest, that's like, 75% of the reason to go to Taiwan). Ichigo Ichie doesn't have an on-site restaurant. BUT! They did offer… drumroll… Asian breakfast! It was pretty decent. Not life-changing, but definitely a good start to the day. Breakfast service? Available. Breakfast [buffet]? No. But the A la carte was very good.
Alternative meal arrangement? Sure! They were super accommodating if you had any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Essential condiments in the room? Yes, if you're a fan of soy sauce and those little emergency packets of instant coffee.
The reality is, Ximending is a food paradise. You’re surrounded by street food, restaurants, coffee shops, you name it. So, while the breakfast was okay, the lack of an on-site eatery is totally made up for by the culinary explosion right outside your door.
Services and Conveniences: They've Got You Covered!
This is where Ichigo Ichie really shines. They have a concierge service (super helpful for booking tours and getting recommendations), a currency exchange (always handy), and seriously comfy beds. Laundry service? Check. Luggage storage? Yep. Free car park? Nope. But car park is available on-site.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They genuinely want you to have a good time. They speak English really well, which, believe me, makes a huge difference.
For the Kids:
I didn't bring any kids with me, but the guesthouse is very family/child friendly.
Access, Getting Around and the Nitty-Gritty
CCTV in common areas? Yes. Exterior corridor? Yes. Front desk [24-hour]? Yup! Check-in/out [express]? You bet! They even have a little shrine (I think!) near the entrance. A nice touch.
In My Room (The Nest):
My room was… compact. But hey, this is city living, right? The air conditioning was bliss. Blackout curtains? Essential for battling jet lag. Free bottled water? A lifesaver. Hair dryer? Thank goodness. The bed was comfy – and bonus points for the quality bedding. The shower was good. The toiletries were fine. I would prefer better quality, but the basics were there.
The Oddball Anecdote:
Okay, here's a slightly embarrassing story. I spilled my entire cup of coffee all over the bed on the first morning. Like, a total disaster. I was mortified! The staff were amazing, though. They helped me clean it up, provided fresh linens with a smile, and didn't judge my utter clumsiness. This made me feel so relaxed - I mean, I made a mess and they didn't even make a fuss! I could relax, because I knew they were there to help.
The Verdict: The Ramblings of a Very Content Traveler
So, is Ichigo Ichie a perfect, all-inclusive resort? Absolutely not. But is it a fantastic base for exploring the vibrant, exciting, and delicious heart of Ximending? YES.
My Quirky Observation: The elevator plays elevator music, which is a surprisingly comforting soundtrack to your Taiwan adventure. It's the little things, people.
The Honest Truth: This isn't the place for a spa retreat. But it's perfect for a solo traveller, a couple looking for a city adventure, or anyone who wants a clean, convenient, and friendly place to crash after a long day of exploring.
My Emotional Reaction (in a nutshell): I loved it. Seriously. I felt safe, comfortable, and ready to explore. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 bubble teas. (Minus half a point for the lack of a proper spa. I'm still mourning that sauna).
Here's the Offer (Because You Deserve a Deal!):
Ximending's Hidden Gem: Ichigo Ichie Guesthouse - Your Taiwan Adventure Starts Here! – Book Now and Get:
- Free Wi-Fi! (Duh, but it's worth repeating!)
- Early check-in/Late check-out (Subject to availability – because we know you need more time to explore!)
- Exclusive Discount on Local Tours (Explore the city with local guides!)
- Complimentary Welcome Drink (A refreshing start to your Taiwan journey!)
- Free Breakfast!!
- **Limited Time Offer: Book Within 7 Days and get a Free X
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real Ximending Guesthouse Ichigo Ichie experience. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is your messy, glorious, sleep-deprived, ramen-stained guide to survival. Here we go… (deep breath)
Ximending Guesthouse Ichigo Ichie: My Chaos-Fueled Taiwan Adventure - A Day-By-Day (and Moment-By-Moment) Account
Day 1: Arrival - "Did I Pack Enough Underwear?!" (And Other Existential Questions)
Afternoon: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. Okay, first hurdle: immigration. Passport check? Check. Smiling politely? Check. (Note to self: practice smiling - it's apparently a skill.) Then…the luggage carousel. Waiting. Waiting… OMG, is that my bag? Yes! Victory! Taxi to Ichigo Ichie. The air in Taipei hits you like a warm, humid hug. Immediately sticky. Already regretting the heavy jacket.
Check-in: Finding the guesthouse is a bit like a treasure hunt. "Okay, it's supposedly near that… thing… and next to… another thing…" But finally, viola! Ichigo Ichie. The lobby is cute, minimalist, slightly cramped. The staff? Friendly, but their English is…patchy. (This is going to be interesting.) Key in hand, (which I nearly dropped three times), I'm in the room. It’s small. Really small. Reminds me of a shoebox. Is that a problem? Nah, all room are like that in Taipei.
Settle In, but Not Really: Unpack. Or, attempt to unpack. The space is at a premium. Am I going to live out of my suitcase? Probably. Oh god, did I pack enough underwear?! This is a major concern, people. Must. Ration. Then the jet lag hits like a freight train. I'm simultaneously exhausted and wired. Let me just check out my "view" from the window… Oh, it's another building. (Welcome to urban Taiwan.)
Evening: Street Food Frenzy (and a Near-Disaster involving Stinky Tofu): Right, time to hit Ximending! The energy here is electric. People everywhere! Neon signs, flashing lights, the roar of scooters… It’s sensory overload in the best possible way. Food stalls beckon. First order of business: Braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan). Heaven. Then, some dumplings. Even better. Then, the challenge: STINKY TOFU. The smell? Let's say it's… assertive. I braved a bite. Texture: spongy and weird. Taste: surprisingly complex, but I'm not entirely sure if I like it. (Let's just say I’m glad I had a bottle of water.)
Late Night: Wandering aimlessly, just soaking it all in. Finding a quirky little bar with a really loud karaoke system. Trying to order a beer (and failing spectacularly). Smiling at everything. Feeling overwhelmed. Feeling exhilarated. Feeling very, very tired. Back to Ichigo Ichie. Sleep? Maybe. Definitely need to figure out how everything works, now. (the air con is confusing)
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and a Moment of Existential Dread
Morning: Waking up in a shoebox-sized room. The sun is shining. The humidity is thick. A quick shower (with questionable water pressure). Breakfast: Convenience store onigiri (rice balls) for the win! Instant energy.
Morning: Trying to visit Longshan Temple… but I missed the bus and found a convenience store. What a life. I feel my blood sugar crashing and have to get a pastry to save myself.
Afternoon: Finally make it to a temple. It’s breathtaking. The intricate carvings, the incense smoke, the quiet reverence… Totally different from the chaotic bustle of Ximending. Spending some time just wandering around. I feel more connected to something bigger. And then… a wave of existential dread washes over me. What am I doing with my life? Why am I here? (Dramatic much? Maybe.)
Late Afternoon: Tea ceremony time! Found a traditional tea house. The ritual is slow, deliberate, graceful. The tea is delicious. The experience is calming. Needed that. Spent a good hour sitting there, sipping tea, feeling slightly less like a complete mess.
Evening: Lost in Translation (and Ramen Rescue): Heading back to Ximending. Got hopelessly lost trying to find a specific ramen place. Ended up asking a local for help. Language barrier? Epic. Ended up pointing and gesturing wildly, using Google Translate like a lifeline, and generally making a fool of myself. But they were incredibly patient, and eventually, I found the ramen! (It was worth the struggle. Absolutely divine.) Walk back? Nah. Scooters are everywhere in Taipei. I keep getting close to getting run over.
Night: Back to Ichigo Ichie, and the same room. Maybe I'm starting to get used to the shoebox. Maybe.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Experience - Ximending Street Art and the Joy of Being a Tourist
Morning: Embracing the tourist within. I’m determined to conquer Ximending today. First, a proper map: (it's the last one I found). A quick breakfast from the 7-Eleven convenience store will be enough. Now, the adventure!
Mid-morning: Art Walk! Ximending is known for its vibrant street art. I set out to find it. (which is also a difficult feat). Some are hidden down little alleys, or up on buildings. It was a mix of feeling awed by the art and lost and disoriented with the map.
Lunch: The art walk led me to a food stall. It was absolutely amazing. I wanted more.
Afternoon: The Sweetest (and a Little Messiest) Side of Ximending: Stopped for bubble tea. The classic! And suddenly, I’m covered in sticky sweetness. It was absolutely glorious.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Back to Ichigo Ichie. Did a little laundry. The communal washing machine is like a mysterious machine that can eat your clothes. But I survived! And later? Back into the chaos of Ximending. Bought a souvenir! Also ordered a pizza and didn’t realise it was vegetarian. It was great.
Day 4-5: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Taiwan
Morning: Packing. Saying goodbye to my shoebox. The memories…
Departure: Taxi back to the airport. Immigration. The final goodbyes. Flying home.
Reflections: Taiwan isn't perfect. It's messy, chaotic, and sometimes a little bit overwhelming. But that's part of its charm. It's vibrant, delicious, and full of surprises. I definitely didn't see everything (there's always next time). I struggled with the heat, the language, the constant crowds. But it was still amazing. And now? Forever changed. (Might need some more underwear, though.)
Ichigo Ichie Guesthouse: Ximending's Hidden Gem - The Real Deal FAQs!
Okay, so "Hidden Gem"... what's *actually* hidden about Ichigo Ichie? Don't they have a website?
Alright, alright, "hidden" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like you need a secret handshake or a coded message to find it. But compared to the neon-drenched chaos of Ximending, Ichigo Ichie feels…quiet. Tucked away on a side street, you're immediately whisked away from the crowds. It's that little pocket of calm you desperately need after battling the bubble tea behemoths. Plus, the *real* hidden gem is the atmosphere. It's less a hotel, more a vibe. Less 'room with a view', more 'living room with a new friend' kinda deal. And yes, they have a website. Duh. It’s 2024. But don't expect laser-perfect Instagram shots. This place has authenticity, which, frankly, is a breath of fresh air.
Is it *really* as friendly as everyone says? I'm awkward. Will I die?
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, the staff are incredibly friendly. Like, *ridiculously* friendly. I'm talking genuine smiles, helpful advice, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a friend's apartment, not a sterile hotel. (Speaking of sterile hotels, I *hate* those.) As for your awkwardness... look, we've all been there. I'm a masterclass in awkward, and I survived. They seem to have a superpower for sensing when you just want peace and quiet versus when you're craving a chat. If you're feeling shy, they'll leave you be. If you're up for it, they'll happily tell you the best places for ramen (hint: they’re good!). Also, you won't die. Unless you eat too much street food, which, let's be honest, is a distinct possibility in Taiwan.
The rooms... are they shoeboxes? I need space to, like, *exist*.
Look, they're not going to rival a luxury suite. It's a guesthouse. But the rooms are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to maximize space. You won't be doing cartwheels, but you'll have enough room to unpack, breathe, and generally not feel claustrophobic. My room had a surprisingly comfortable bed, good air conditioning (essential in Taipei humidity!), and a small desk which was perfect for writing my travel journal (okay, mostly just scribbling "eat more noodles" repeatedly). Honestly, after a day of exploring, a cozy room is all you need. Besides, you'll be spending most of your time *out* exploring, right? Right?! (Please say yes, otherwise, what's the point?)
What about the common areas? Do I have to socialize? (I'm also socially anxious)
Okay, this is where Ichigo Ichie throws you a soft curveball. There's usually a common area – often a relaxed living room/kitchen combo. The good news? You *don't* have to socialize. You *can* hide behind a book, guilt-free. The staff, bless their hearts, are pretty good at gauging people's comfort levels. Sometimes there are communal dinners, sometimes not. I remember one night, I was feeling particularly introverted after a rather disastrous attempt to order a shaved ice (language barrier, a LOT of sugar, and a slightly judging look from the vendor...). I just sort of slunk into the common area with my book, ready to disappear. And do you know what happened? Nothing. No pressure, no probing questions. Just quiet, comfortable…existence. Bonus points for the free tea and coffee!
The location... is it really *that* good? I'm lazy. How far to the shops and food?
Are you kidding me?! The LOCATION is the best thing about Ichigo Ichie! You are *smack dab* in the middle of Ximending. Okay, not smack dab. But, literally, seconds away from shops, restaurants, street food stalls, and the MRT station. I swear, I could roll out of bed, stumble down the street, and be face-to-face with a delicious bowl of beef noodle soup in under five minutes. (Yes, I timed it. Don't judge.) Everything you could possibly need for your Taiwan adventure is right there. Want to shop for quirky clothes? Boom. Want to grab some bubble tea? Boom. Need to catch the MRT and explore the rest of Taipei? Boom! It's perfect for lazy people (like me!) and adventurous people alike. Prepare your wallet and your stomach. You're gonna need them both.
Let's talk about the WiFi. Is it, like, painfully slow? Cause I need my Insta-fix.
Honestly? It's fine. It's not lightning-fast, but it's perfectly adequate for checking emails, browsing the web, and, yes, posting those super-cool Instagram photos of your noodles (because, let's be real, that's half the fun). I was able to stream videos without issue and even managed to do a video call with my mom (who, by the way, was *very* jealous of my beef noodle situation). It's not the fastest WiFi in the world, but it gets the job done. And hey, maybe being slightly disconnected will encourage you to, you know, *actually* experience Taiwan, instead of just watching it through a screen? Just a thought...
Are there any downsides? Seriously, there *must* be a catch!
Okay, yes, even paradise has a few imperfections. My biggest gripe? The walls aren't soundproof. You *will* hear your neighbors. Late-night chatter, the occasional snore, the symphony of a hairdryer. I highly recommend bringing earplugs if you're a light sleeper, because, trust me, you don't want to miss out on the next day of exploration because you were up listening to a stranger. Also, it's not a five-star hotel. Don't expect a swimming pool or room service. It's a guesthouse, remember? But honestly? These are minor inconveniences. The charm, the location, and the genuinely lovely staff more than makeup for it. The *real* downside? Leaving. Saying goodbye to Ichigo Ichie felt like saying goodbye to friends. Consider yourself warned.
What's the best thing about Ichigo Ichie, in your wildly unprofessional opinion?
Hands down? The people. No, wait…THE STAFF. Okay, it’s both. The staff are so, so helpful. One day, my phone stopped working (long story, involving a spilled bubble tea and a questionable charging cable). ISmart Traveller Inns
