Hotel Review: EPISODE Daan Taipei (King Bed, Sofa Bed)

For the longest time, World of Hyatt members travelling to Taipei had essentially one choice: the Grand Hyatt Taipei. While a venerable institution in its own right - located right next to Taipei 101 - it is a massive, traditional luxury hotel that has seen better days. The landscape, however, is shifting. While we eagerly await the opening of the Park Hyatt Taipei and Andaz Taipei (both slated to open in 2026), a new contender has quietly slipped onto the scene: EPISODE Daan Taipei. Operating under the JdV by Hyatt banner, EPISODE Daan Taipei is decidedly different. It eschews the grand lobby and chandeliers for a boutique, music-centric lifestyle approach. During my recent trip to Taipei, I decided to skip the Grand Hyatt to see if this new property could offer a more spirited, localised experience.

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Check-in
EPISODE Daan Taipei

The EPISODE Daan Taipei is located in the Daan District, a slightly more residential and laid-back area compared to the frantic energy of Xinyi or Ximending, yet undeniably central. It is a mere three-minute walk from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station, making it incredibly connected to the rest of the city. For this trip, I booked a private airport transfer via Trip to get me directly to the hotel from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Upon arrival, you will need to head up to the 5th floor to The SOCIAL by Lay Low, which acts as the hotel's lobby. The check-in process is designed to be informal and ostensibly tech-forward, featuring a row of self-service kiosks. However, the system isn't quite as intuitive as one might hope. In my experience, the staff ended up navigating the kiosk for me, rendering the self-service aspect somewhat redundant.

Bedroom
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

As a Globalist member, I was proactively upgraded at check-in to the best available room at the time: the 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed (which is the best room type available just under the suite). Stepping into the room, the design ethos is immediately apparent - moody, retro, and undeniably cool. The aesthetic leans heavily on mid-century modern influences, featuring warm wood tones, a statement pendant light, and that signature velvet sofa positioned at the foot of the bed.

Bedroom
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

While this room category is technically a step up from the standard rooms due to the slightly larger footprint and the inclusion of the sofa bed, there is a notable trade-off: it does not come with a balcony. Interestingly, the one category lower rooms at EPISODE Daan Taipei do feature private balconies. Depending on your personal preference, this is an important distinction to make. If you value fresh air and outdoor space over internal square footage and a sitting area, you might actually prefer declining this specific upgrade. However, for those who appreciate the extra floor space to spread out luggage, the Sofa Bed room is a comfortable choice.

King-size Bed
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

The centrepiece of the room is the king-size bed, which strikes a deliberate balance in comfort. It leans towards the firmer side which is something I personally appreciate for a good night’s sleep as I get older. What immediately catches the eye, however, is the textured faux fur throw draped casually across the bed. It brings a touch of tactile luxury and visual warmth that reminds me quite a bit of the EDITION brand’s signature aesthetic. Instead of harsh overhead downlights, the room utilises soft, warm mood lighting, including a stylish retro pendant lamp and bedside bulbs. This creates a calming, intimate atmosphere in the evenings, perfect for unwinding after exploring the city.

Music
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

Music is not just background noise at EPISODE Daan Taipei; it is integral to the property's identity. Every room comes equipped with a retro-styled CD player, but it is the curation of the music that truly resonates. In my room, I found a copy of Jay Chou's 七里香 - seeing that album cover instantly brought back a wave of memories. For anyone who grew up listening to Chinese pop in the 80s and 90s, this thoughtful touch is going to take you back to places in the best possible way. It transforms the room from a mere place to sleep into a personal listening lounge, offering a tangible connection to the golden era of Mandopop that digital playlists often fail to replicate.

Amenities (Chargeable)
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

The room scores high on practical comfort, particularly around the bedside area. You will find the usual intuitive light controls so you aren't left fumbling in the dark trying to figure out which switch turns off the entryway light. Beside the controls, there is a universal power outlet, ensuring you can keep your devices charged without needing an adapter. One interesting touch on the bedside table is the canvas EPISODE amenity bag. It contains a sleeping kit with items like eye shades to help ensure a restful night. It’s a thoughtful addition, though I am not entirely sure if this is a complimentary perk or a chargeable item.

Window with Limited View
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

One thing to be mindful of is the view (or rather, the potential lack of one) at the EPISODE Daan Taipei. If you are assigned a room on a lower floor, you might find yourself looking directly into the windows of the commercial building across the street. It creates a stark, industrial contrast to the room's carefully curated, warm interior. In fact, I found that the cosy vibe was somewhat shattered the moment the blinds were fully opened, exposing the close proximity of the neighbouring structure. To maintain that sense of a private, retro sanctuary, my advice is to keep the sheer curtains drawn. They filter the natural light beautifully while obscuring the less-than-inspiring concrete jungle outside, ensuring the mood of the room remains intact.

Small Desk
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

For entertainment, the 55-inch smart TV supports screencasting, allowing you to easily beam your favourite shows from your phone or laptop to the big screen. It is a convenient feature for winding down, but if you need to be productive, the in-room setup is arguably less ideal. The round table provided is quite compact, making it rather difficult to set up a laptop and a mouse for any serious work. However, there is a silver lining for World of Hyatt Globalist members. You can enjoy complimentary all-day non-alcoholic beverages and snacks at The SOCIAL by Lay Low on the 5th floor. This communal space offers a much more conducive environment for getting things done, effectively turning the potential downside of the small in-room desk into a good excuse to head downstairs and enjoy the hotel's social atmosphere.

Coffee Machine
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

For your caffeine fix, the room comes equipped with a Nespresso machine, making it incredibly convenient to grab a quick coffee before heading out or upon returning from a long day of exploring. Below the coffee machine, you will find the minibar fridge. It is worth noting that the fridge is left unstocked. personally, I find this to be a practical arrangement as it leaves plenty of space for you to chill your own beverages, leftover fruits, or snacks picked up from the nearby convenience stores or night markets.

Bathroom
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

The bathroom continues the room's moody, retro-modern aesthetic but introduces a splash of vibrant colour. The space is dominated by dark stone tiles that create a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere, contrasted sharply by a striking feature wall of vertical blue and purple mosaic tiles behind the bathtub. The vanity area features a round vessel sink sitting atop a black granite counter; while stylish, the counter space is somewhat limited, so you might need to be strategic with where you place your personal toiletries.

Bath Amenities
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

Unlike many modern hotels that are phasing out bathtubs in favour of showers, this room features a deep soaking tub - perfect for relaxing after a day of walking around Taipei. The bath amenities are by Malin+Goetz - known for high-quality, gender-neutral scents (specifically the Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Conditioner).

Welcome Amenity and Globalist Benefit
1 King Bed, Sofa Bed - EPISODE Daan Taipei

As mentioned earlier, Globalist members are handed a special orange redemption voucher. Unlike typical drink coupons which are often one-time use, this voucher acts as your all-access pass for the entire duration of your stay until check-out. It entitles you to complimentary drinks (including wines and beers) at The SOCIAL by Lay Low.

For me, this perk creates an interesting dilemma when comparing it to the Grand Hyatt Taipei. The spread here is nowhere near as extensive as the Grand Club, which often serves enough food to constitute a light dinner.

THE SOCIAL by Lay Low
EPISODE Daan Taipei

However, the trade-off here is superior flexibility. At EPISODE Daan Taipei, you are not confined to a strict two-hour Evening Cocktail window. This freedom makes it incredibly easy to pop in for a midday beer or a casual glass of wine whenever the mood strikes, rather than having to schedule your entire evening around a hotel lounge's timetable.

Globalist Perks at THE SOCIAL by Lay Low
EPISODE Daan Taipei

This space completely redefines the traditional hotel lobby experience, and it is very much a shapeshifter. As it changes from day to night, it morphs from being a somewhat relaxed co-working space into a more upbeat, chic lounge in the evening. It feels less like a hotel facility and more like a neighbourhood destination you would actually choose to hang out in.

THE SOCIAL by Lay Low
EPISODE Daan Taipei

For Globalist members at the EPISODE Daan Taipei, the all-day menu is a significant step up from the usual generic lounge offerings. The hotel has partnered with Coffee Stopover (a highly respected roaster from Taichung) to provide excellent coffee for no charge. The alcoholic selection is straightforward but sufficient, featuring Taiwan Beer and Heineken, alongside house red and white wines.

Evening Drinks and Snacks at THE SOCIAL by Lay Low
EPISODE Daan Taipei

What I particularly enjoyed were the snacks. Instead of stale cookies, the menu features curated bites like LOUU Popcorn (a trendy local brand known for unique flavours) and a Small Cheese Platter. It is perfect for grazing while you catch up on emails or unwind before dinner.

If there is a chink in the armour of the EPISODE Daan Taipei experience, it is arguably the breakfast. However, in a gastronomic capital like Taipei, this is hardly a dealbreaker. I did not fly all the way to Taiwan to eat hotel eggs when some of the world's best street food is just around the corner. That said, for those who value the convenience of a hotel morning meal, the setup here is quite unconventional. There is no sprawling international buffet. Instead, Globalist members (and guests with breakfast included) have a choice between two distinct venues, both located on the street level of the building.

Breakfast
Texas Roadhouse - EPISODE Daan Taipei

The first option is Texas Roadhouse, which offers a proper sit-down experience. The menu here is unapologetically American and hearty. It is not a buffet - you simply choose one set meal which includes a fruit yogurt bowl, a designated drink (juice/milk), and a refillable coffee or tea.

Breakfast
Texas Roadhouse - EPISODE Daan Taipei

The second option is a collaboration with CAFE!N, a hip local coffee chain. This serves as a quick, lighter alternative - mostly geared towards takeaway or a rapid bite. The menu focuses on sandwiches like the Smoked Beef Croissant or Vanilla Chicken Burger with Yuzu Sauce, paired with a side and a higher-quality coffee.

Outdoor Patio
EPISODE Daan Taipei

The most baffling aspect of the breakfast programme is the complete absence of local options. It feels strange for a hotel that prides itself on local culture to serve American bagels and croissants while ignoring Taiwanese staples. If you want a taste of Taipei in the morning, you are definitely better off stepping outside the hotel.

THE SOCIAL by Lay Low
EPISODE Daan Taipei

Overall, I was genuinely impressed by the EPISODE Daan Taipei. While the retro-modern hardware is undeniable eye candy, it is the generosity of the property that truly sets it apart. The recognition for Globalist members (specifically the flexibility of the all-day drinks and snacks benefit) goes above and beyond the rigid happy hour constraints found at many other hotels. For seasoned travellers to Taipei who do not need to be right next to Taipei 101, the location is unbeatable. The Daan District offers a more authentic slice of the city, placing you within striking distance of some of Taipei's most exciting restaurants and subterranean bars. It is rare for a new hotel to win me over so quickly, but the proof is in the pudding: I have already booked two more upcoming stays at the EPISODE Daan Taipei, and I honestly cannot wait to be back.

EPISODE Daan Taipei
No. 219-2, Section 1, Fuxing S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
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