Hualien isn't just about homestays anymore—capsule hotels have arrived too, and they're super trendy with a foreign flair

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive Report

When traveling to eastern Taiwan, you’re not limited to hotels or homestays. Now, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you can also find the urban-style capsule hotels that were once exclusive to big cities. Downtown Hualien has recently welcomed two design-savvy capsule hotels, both situated near Hualien Railway Station—offering easy transport access, solid functionality, and a small-but-mighty, fully equipped stay.Beehive Capsule InnandAries Capsule Backpackersboth merge the backpacker experience with capsule lodging. Their designs incorporate exotic elements, born from the owners’ creative ideas gathered during overseas travels, giving the capsule hotels a more polished style.

▲ First-floor common area (Photo / Provided by Hualien Beehive Capsule Inn)

1. Beehive Capsule Inn
Located near Hualien Railway Station, Beehive Capsule Inn is just a 2–3 minute walk away, situated in the city center and about a 10-minute stroll from the station. Asked about the origin of the name "Beehive," the owner, Chen Yixuan, shared that she’s been traveling abroad since she was 19, visiting one new country each year. With a dream of becoming a barista, she traveled to learn from masters and hone her craft overseas—“The beehive represents a group of people working hard, just like diligent little bees, which is how Beehive came to be.””

The inn’s main entrance was originally a 30-year-old house, which was renovated and painted in a bright canary yellow, paired with a slightly rugged metal flooring. The overall style blends eclectic European and industrial aesthetics. Aside from the typical bunk-bed setup, there are also double-bed rooms. On the second floor, a bar area has been set up where the owner, Chen Yixuan, has teamed up with Hualien’s top bartender, Aize, to host occasional mixology events. Regular offerings include international beers, sodas, and crafted cocktails. The public space also features a lounge where travelers from all over can mingle freely.

▲ Bunk beds designed with an industrial style (Photo / Provided by Hualien Beehive Capsule Inn)

The rooms are small but well-appointed, featuring safes, luggage lockers, foldable desks, universal power outlets, reading lamps, and more—everything you’d need in a single-person capsule space. They even offer imported shower cabins, such as space-capsule-style shower rooms. The owner believes bathing is an important experience, and these shower spaces are practically hotel-grade, equipped with rainfall showerheads and water sprays. Plus, they boast a unique feature: Taiwan’s only capsules where you can listen to the radio while showering.

▲ Space capsule shower room, complete with radio function.(Photo / Provided by Hualien Beehive Capsule Inn)

Guests staying at Beehive Inn might even meet Doucai, touted as the inn’s first backpacker. Chen Yixuan explained, “Doucai was brought back by the owner, Wu Kexing, when he was a child. The person who raised Doucai had him take the train to Hualien Railway Station on his own, and Wu Kexing picked him up—so Doucai became a backpacker who traveled by train alone when he was just a month old.” Nowadays, any guest staying at Beehive Inn might have the chance to meet Doucai.

Chen Yixuan said, “Beehive is meant to be a home for every bee. ‘Nest’ means home—we provide a clean, comfortable, home-like social space where every little bee can have their own nest in Hualien, their home in Hualien.”

▲ First-floor lounge filled with Argentine-style decor and color schemes. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aries Capsule Backpackers)

2. Aries Capsule Backpackers 'Hualien Aires Hostel
Nestled in the alleys around Hualien Railway Station, Aries Capsule Inn sports a bold and distinctive facade. The owner, Eden, a millennial with Argentine family ties—his relatives all work in Argentina—has infused the hostel with Argentine elements. Most of the color schemes are vibrant and lively. Eden shared, “I wanted the homestay to stand out, so I incorporated Argentine touches. Even the name is inspired by Argentina’s capital.”

▲ (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aries Capsule Backpackers)

Eden said, “Traveling solo doesn’t mean being lonely—you’ll have a whole group to hang out with.” Aries Capsule Backpackers has a lounge on the first floor where guests from all over can come together, creating an atmosphere akin to international backpacker hostels. In terms of rooms, Eden prioritizes quality—the bed frames are made of sturdy H-shaped steel to ensure no shaking, guaranteeing a comfortable night’s sleep.

Aries Capsule Backpackers also offers thoughtful services, such as bike and scooter rentals (since Eden runs his own rental shop), solving guests’ transportation worries. For those interested in river tracing, the hostel partners with certified professional guides. There are also firefly tours—if you want to see fireflies, you can stay here. The hostel also provides licensed vehicle pick-up/drop-off services and even has a barbecue area.

Beehive Capsule Inn
Address: No. 1, Guomin 10th St., Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: 0937168173 / 038342999
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/HIVEbnb.com.tw
Services: Accommodation, bar on the first floor.
Rates: Bunk bed pricing, NT$600 per bed.
Room types: 8-person male dorm, 8-person female dorm, 8-person mixed dorm, double bunk beds, double room

Ailisi Capsule Backpackers
Address: No. 123, Guosheng 8th St., Hualien City (about a 10-minute walk from Hualien Railway Station)
Phone: 0975208335
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/aires.hl
Services: Bicycle, scooter, electric bike, and car rentals; adventure activities such as river tracing, rafting, whale watching, paragliding, surfing, firefly tours, and barbecue trips can be booked.
Rates: Bunk bed pricing, NT$500 per bed (except during Chinese New Year or major holidays, booking must be made directly with the hostel); double room / NT$1200 on weekdays.
Room types: 8-person mixed dorm, 4-person female dorm, double room.