Traveling from Kaohsiung to Taipei  —  a "capsule-style" hotel is located in Banqiao alleyway

▲ Taipei has another new "capsule-style hotel" to try out.

Reported and photographed by You t
ru / Taipei
 
Attention travelers heading to Taipei: there's a new "capsule-style hotel" to experience. Avoiding the prime, high-demand hotel zones of Greater Taipei, this "capsule-style hotel" that came up from Kaohsiung is nestled in an alley near Banqiao Fuzhong MRT Station. For just NT$980 per person per room (breakfast included), the place features Muji-style bedding. Starting this autumn, it will also offer onsen bathing services in a large bathhouse, making it a hit with many foreign guests.


▲ Hidden away in an alley, the exterior is quite simple.

Originating in Japan, the "capsule hotel" culture has gained considerable popularity in recent years. Emphasizing a sense of personal space while maximizing efficient use of limited area, the earliest capsule hotels were designed to offer only a single-person sleeping pod. After smart modifications, "capsule-style hotels" have expanded the space, providing guests with enough room to stand, turn around, and store luggage — all while still making the most of every square inch. The "Single Inn" in Banqiao is a prime example.

In truth, "capsule-style hotels" have their downsides: poor soundproofing and basic materials, to name a few. But for travelers wanting reasonable prices without sacrificing privacy, they’ve become an ideal option. "Single Inn Taipei Branch," located just a five-minute walk from Fuzhong MRT Station, is housed in a renovated former Water Resources Agency building. Though the outside looks plain, the interior is divided into 140 capsule-style rooms.


▲ Elevators are also separated for male and female guests.
% Adds a unique charm.


% Its compact design still manages to offer some practical amenities.
 

Zhao Wanting, a staff member at the front desk, said that just like the Kaohsiung branch, the Taipei location also uses Muji bedding sets. Each room is 1.5 meters wide, with around 60 rooms for women and about 80 for men — all single occupancy. Even guests traveling with friends can enjoy their own private space after returning to their room. The hotel has a common lounge offering meals and complimentary drinks, as well as coin-operated washing machines, ensuring all necessary facilities are available.

Though compact, the single-occupancy spaces don’t feel cramped. The beds are quite comfortable, allowing guests to easily watch TV while lying down. The only thing to note is that while the design ensures each guest has their own private space, there’s no soundproofing. As such, guests are advised to keep their voices down. Those who want to watch TV can ask the front desk for headphones, and mobile phones must be set to silent after 10 PM. Earplugs are also available for light sleepers.


▲% The interiors are small but efficiently laid out, allowing guests to relax easily. The lighting and furnishings are similarly minimalistic.




The single rooms not only provide personal privacy but also promote a modern sense of respect for individual space. Like its counterpart in Kaohsiung, the Taipei branch adopts concepts from Japanese capsule hotels and Korean jjimjilbangs. A new large bathhouse is currently under construction and is expected to open after autumn, offering guests the choice of standard showers or a traditional Japanese/Korean onsen experience.

% Enjoy a relaxing soak.
 

Single Inn Taipei Branch
Address: No. 6, Fuhou Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)29691777
Room Rate: NT$980 per room. Occasional promotional deals are available online, with rooms sometimes bookable for around NT$800.