Literary vibe oozes out of these 5 pet-friendly old-house homestays in Tainan

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Tainan’s food, culture, and historical atmosphere are incredibly appealing. Is it hard to find accommodation if you want to bring your furry friend along on a Tainan trip? Based on content from “Traveling with Your Dog: 101 Pet-Friendly Parent-Child Homestays,” we’ve selected 5 old-house homestays in Tainan, all of which welcome pets. Why not plan a little Tainan getaway this holiday and explore the local cuisine together with your pet?

▲ The white architectural design of Jin Hua Inn gives the old building a brand-new look.

▲ The public space is elegant and comfortable. Though it’s an old house, the daylighting in this single-story building is excellent.

▲ The pet-only rooms at Jin Hua Inn are located on the first floor.

Jin Hua Inn

Located next to Anping Fort, Jin Hua Inn is a modern-style homestay renovated from an old house. Its pristine white exterior is based on the original structure, offering a sense of pure freshness and straightforward comfort. Although it doesn’t have the luxury of a five-star hotel, it’s filled with the warmth of home. The simple, unadorned decor and ample lighting make it very comfortable for travelers.

It currently offers pet-only rooms on the first floor, where you’re welcome to enjoy the warm sun of southern Taiwan in comfort.

Address: No. 35, Lane 35, Guosheng Rd., Anping District, Tainan City

▲ SUMU Small Homestay is a warm and unique century-old Tainan house, transformed by the owner’s craftsmanship into a space full of Japanese flair. The first floor is the owner’s studio, while the second floor houses the guest rooms.

▲ The inner courtyard, a hidden gem, is a lush green yard—perfect for letting your dog roam and stretch.

▲ The room can accommodate up to six guests, is very spacious, and includes a small living area with plenty of natural light.

SUMU Small Homestay

Located in the West-Central District of Tainan, right next to a large archway, SUMU Small Homestay is a well-preserved century-old Tainan house. It was turned into a homestay by an interior designer based on their own dream—a space with distinctive decor that blends retro simplicity with strong Japanese charm.

The old house has been converted into a dormitory-style space with two floors, offering plenty of room and cool tatami mats.

The homestay only accepts one group of guests per day, ensuring complete privacy. There’s also a shy mascot dog named Lele who will greet you, plus a small yard for dogs to play and relieve themselves.

Address: No. 55, Xinyi St., West-Central District, Tainan City

▲ Two Meter Alley is renovated from an old house, with both the courtyard and building exuding an old-world vitality.

▲ The large bed is extremely comfortable, and soft and firm pillows are available for guests to choose from, just like in a hotel.

▲ The spacious common area is perfect for friends to chat and enjoy meals together.

Two Meter Alley

Located in North District, Tainan, Two Meter Alley is an old house that has been transformed into something completely new. While the exterior retains the original appearance of the old structure, the inside has been redecorated with light wood tones and white walls, creating a fresh and minimalist Nordic style that’s very comfortable—ideal for a group of friends to rent exclusively.

Address: No. 293, Lane 293, Qingnian Rd., East District, Tainan City

▲ At the end of the corridor is a lush little garden, one of our and our furry friends’ favorite spots.

▲ The old brick walls show weathered marks, each telling stories of the years gone by.

▲ The interior space is uniquely furnished without compromising the overall feel, giving off a nostalgic vibe.

Jian Zai Cu (Kids’ House)

Located in the West-Central District of Tainan, Jian Zai Cu is a 60-year-old old-house homestay tucked away in a quiet alley in the bustling city center. It’s peaceful and secluded, a world apart—yet just a step out of the alley leads you to the busy Haian Rd.! Its location and transportation are very convenient, with plenty of late-night snack options nearby.

The Jiannzicuo homestay has a small courtyard, with two floors each featuring an independent one-bedroom, one-living-room unit, suitable for exclusive group bookings of 2 to 16 people. The host, Hank, rents this historic old house full of stories, preserving its original exterior appearance. The rooms are furnished mainly with nostalgic vintage furniture.

Through Hank’s renovation and decoration, the abandoned old house, unused for sixty years, has been brought back to life, with the entire yard now lush and green. There is a beautiful old tree in the yard called the Daily Blooming Cherry, which is stunning when in bloom.

Jiannzicuo is also a pet-friendly homestay. Dog-loving Hank himself keeps three French bulldogs, so pets are very welcome here.

Address: Dadie Street, West Central District, Tainan City

▲ The rare courtyard space in this old house is perfect for relaxing and chatting in the shade.

▲ The blend of brick walls and green-painted surfaces is very natural. This wooden house is said to be very sturdy and earthquake-resistant.

▲ The long corridor is designed like an art gallery, making full use of every inch of space.

Yisu Homestay

Yisu Homestay is a renovated 70-year-old building, not only blending colors, vintage charm, and modern art, but also being a pet-friendly family homestay. The overall space is filled with the beauty of an old house — Japanese-era roofing, terrazzo flooring, and Chinese antiques such as the "diǎozhēng" and "bānpí jí" all carry their own fascinating stories.

Yisu Homestay has a total of three floors. The first floor was originally the Jinxiangfa Trading Company, a food ingredients shop. The spaces on the second floor and above were once used by Ah Chun’s family, but after they moved out, only Grandma remained. With the long and narrow layout of the old house, the unoccupied spaces felt vast yet somehow empty. So after discussing with his mother, Ah Chun transformed the old house into three uniquely themed rooms, sharing them with guests who come to Tainan for fun and delicious street food.

The homestay is located on bustling Xinmei Street and Guohua Street in West Central District, Tainan, surrounded by skewer shops and izakayas. It’s also great for an evening stroll and drink.

Address: No. 75, Xinmei Street, West Central District, Tainan City

The above images and text are excerpted from "Traveling with Dogs: 101 Pet-Friendly Family Homestays," written by Rocky Xiaoyu’s Mom, published by Morning Star Publishing.