Hotel Review: Just Sleep Linsen (Superior Twin Room)
During my last trip to Taipei, I stayed at the allegedly haunted Grand Hyatt Taipei and the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Taipei. Travellers who have been to Taipei will know that the city only has a handful of international luxury hotel brands and as a result of that, the prices are often very high (the average rate is approximately twice of what you will expect to pay in Singapore at a similar property). Between my two luxurious accommodations, I stayed in a budget friendly boutique hotel that is expanding all over Taiwan (even outside of Taipei!).
Just Sleep belongs to the FIH Regent Group who acquired the luxurious Regent brand from the Carlson Group in 2010. While the Just Sleep brand is evidently not as luxurious as the Regent brand, it prides itself in providing 5-Star service and modern amenities while being located near MRTs for easy transportation.
While there are a handful of Just Sleep properties in Taipei alone (with the most popular one being located at Ximending), I chose to stay at the Just Sleep Linsen which is not as convenient comparatively but the rooms are nicer and it is located to a night market that is famous for food - Ning Xia Night Market (宁夏夜市). There are three main room types in Just Sleep Linsen - Superior, Deluxe and Superior Twin (in ascending order of size and price).
The room is approximately 20 sqm in size and it is the biggest room in Just Sleep Linsen. Even though the room is small in size on paper, the layout is actually really great - there's space between the two Wellspring beds, a separate working table, space to hang your clothing and a bathroom (without a bathtub of course). The functional wall that separates the bedroom from the bathroom is cleverly designed to hold things like complimentary water, tissues, mugs, bathroom slippers as well as coffee and tea bags. There is also a decent-sized TV with international channels for your entertainment.
In order to minimise wastage, bathroom amenities are refilled on a regular basis and they can be dispensed from the shower area. I really like the quirkiness of this boutique hotel (even though I am generally not a fan) - the design is minimalistic and yet slightly contemporary.
As mentioned earlier, there is neither a bathtub nor a rain shower at Just Sleep Linsen and with that being said, the water pressure is great and it still offers a pretty decent shower experience.
Complimentary WiFi is provided throughout the whole hotel so you can remain connected throughout your stay here. There are also a number of power sockets that can be found around the room for all your power-hungry devices. I'm not too sure what that dollar sign logo is for on the wall since coffee is complimentary in room (and in the lounge). There is also a big-enough safe for you to store all your valuables (even your laptop and DSLRs).
Also, you do not have to worry about bringing an adapter unless you are traveling from USA where a transformer may actually be required for your devices.
Breakfast is served daily in the lounge (located on the top floor) and it is accessible only by stairs. Firstly, do not get overly excited when I say lounge as this is not a place where you will be pampered with complimentary afternoon tea and champagne in the evening. Think of this more of a pantry where you are welcome to make yourself a cup of coffee or tea (and some tidbits). With all that being said, basic breakfast is still being served in the morning and I do believe every guest should have access to this regardless of the room rate you pay but please do check with the friendly staff when you are checking-in!
Laundry machines are located on the same level as the lounge and they are available for your usage. Laundry is free of charge and laundry detergent is also provided if you do not carry your own. If you wish to use the ironing facilities, check with the staff to see if the main is switched on - they often off it to conserve electricity.
If you are taking the Taipei Metro, alight at Zhongshan Station and Just Sleep Linsen is located approximately 10 minutes walk away (under 1km). The Just Sleep Linsen offers affordable accommodation away from the crowd and it is surrounded by great food options and night markets. The Best Available Rate (which is inclusive of breakfast) for the Superior Twin Room often hovers around NT$ 3,900 (approx. S$170) after applicable taxes but advance purchase rates apply.
Just Sleep Linsen
104, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Linsen N Rd, 117號3樓
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