Historic alleyway houses reborn as art-infused hotel reviving old Taipei charm

▲Taipei’s first hotel designed as a “wall-less art gallery,” Folio Daan Taipei, will officially open in early August.

Reported and photographed by Intern Reporter Xiong Pei TD

Folio Hotel, the in-house brand of Fubon Group, will officially open its first property “Folio Daan Taipei” in early August this year. Housed within a renovated heritage building and themed around music and art,it is Taiwan’s first hotel to host artist residencies,with each room featuring photographic works by 55 celebrities including Xia S and Cai Kangyong, making it a new highlight in Taipei’s Da’an District.

The site of Folio Daan Taipei was formerly the dormitory of the Cooperative Bank of Taiwan. It has been transformed by architect Kuo Shu-yuan and designer Huang Mei-hui, who preserved the original exterior while reinforcing the internal structure for safety and integrating retro design elements such as exposed aggregate staircases and mosaic tiles, fully presenting the old Taipei vibe amid the bustling Da’an District.

▲The preserved row house design offers visual transparency and an open feel.

In collaboration with the Fubon Art Foundation, Folio Hotel has launched an artist-in-residence program, inviting two local or international artists to stay each month, creating a “wall-less art gallery” that allows guests to enjoy art integrated into daily life through viewing artworks and interacting with the artists.

▲The artists’ open studios are open to guests every Friday and Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm, with occasional small events also taking place.

Additionally, under the initiative of celebrity host Huang Zi-jiao and featuring a charity photography exhibition titled “Deep Taipei” by 55 artists including Xia S, SHE, Jolin Tsai, Cai Kangyong, Matzka, and Wu Bai, the works showcase Taipei through the artists’ eyes, displayed in every room to enhance both visual appeal and storytelling.

▲Photography work “What These Roads Taught Me” by Cai Kangyong.

▲Photography work “Peace” by Jolin Tsai.

▲Photography work “Zebra and the Sun” by Monster (Mayday).

The hotel features 57 guest rooms across four room types, with three floors decorated in three distinct color schemes—blue, yellow, and pink. The rooms’ windows let in abundant sunlight, offering spaciousness and great natural lighting. The hotel also provides guest toiletries infused with calendula fragrance, co-developed with local Taiwanese brands. The main clientele includes independent travelers and backpackers, ensuring visitors from around the world can enjoy a blend of retro artistry and the charm of old Taipei.

▲Each room enjoys ample natural light, with a simple and cozy design that gives a homely feel.

Folio Daan Taipei
Address: No. 23, Lane 30, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Tel: 02-66260658