Via Hotel Loft

Via Hotel Loft is on a busy street in the Shuanglian area, housed on the second and third floors of a 10-story commercial building. It's occasionally difficult for guests to find the hotel because its name isn't clearly marked. The boutique property's interiors are trendy with funky accents, like an urban loft space. Guests gather at the 24-hour cafe, which has industrial, eclectic decor, to chatter and nibble on free snacks. There's a very friendly, convivial vibe here, and the hotel tends to draw budget-minded international tourists looking for affordable, hip accommodations. The affable, multilingual front desk is generous with sightseeing advice. 

Via Hotel Loft is located in Shuanglian on a busy block, in a building with a convenience store and other shops at street level. A movie theater and numerous restaurants are a short walk away, but this area isn't the best for sightseeing or major shopping.  However, the hotel is close to several public transportation options, and to a few attractions. The Hua Tai Hotel bus stop is right outside, Shuanglian MRT station is about a five-minute walk, and Xingtian Temple MRT station takes about 14 minutes to reach on foot. Taipei Main Station is roughly a three-minute MRT ride (two stops) from Shuanglian Station. The north end of Linsen Park is about a seven-minute walk, and bustling Ningxia Night Market is about 12 minutes on foot. Taipei Fine Arts Museum is 15 minutes on public transit, and Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall is about 24 minutes by MRT. The famous Taipei 101 tower, which features sweeping views of the city and surrounding area from its observation decks, is roughly 35 minutes by MRT. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is a little more than a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

Guest rooms at the Via Hotel Loft have a simple look, but it's evident that considerable thought has been put into their presentation. Decor has neutral tones such as sand-beige and dove-grey dominating the palette, with colorful throw pillows as accents. Design-forward Eames-style desk chairs and modern pendant lighting completes the look, and some rooms feature striped headboards or fun wall murals. All units have Sealy Posturepedic mattresses, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electronic safes, electric kettles for free instant coffee and tea, and free bottled water and Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have sleek square sinks and wide vanities, plus roomy walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and glass walls with curtains for privacy. All come with hairdryers and toiletries. Rooms range from 172 to 355 square feet. Some guests have said they hear noise from neighbors and Minsheng Road's traffic and nightclubs. Noise-sensitive guests might consider choosing one of the rooms without windows. All units at the hotel are non-smoking. 

Via Hotel Loft has limited amenities, but offers a few nice features. There's no on-site dining for meals, but numerous restaurants are a short walk from the hotel. A highlight is the 24-hour cafe/snack bar with free food and beverages, including Chinese noodles, sandwiches, chips, baked goods, candy, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. There's also a self-service laundry room, and a business center with a rack of magazines and two iMac computers that are free for guests to use. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, and the hotel has an elevator. There's no on-site parking, but nearby public parking is available for a fee.