Hotel Relax 3

With a jet-black facade and equally dark lobby accented with metallic detailing, Hotel Relax 3 initially looks more like a nightclub than a hotel. Thankfully, guest rooms are contrastingly bright and uncluttered, while the hallways, which are lined in wood paneling, fall somewhere in between. But decor isn't Relax 3's main selling point. Competitive rates and an even better location are what make it a popular choice for Taipei visitors. Rooms are small (some are tiny) and features are almost non-existent, but travelers here are more interested in an easy and appealing place to crash after a day spent exploring the city. Free breakfast and a welcome basket of snacks help sweeten the deal.

Hotel Relax is conveniently located in Taipei’s central business district, Zhongzheng. There’s a 7-Eleven right across the street, and plenty of restaurants within walking distance. This busy area is one of Taipei’s main transportation hubs, making the hotel a practical base for excursions around the city. The Taipei Railway Station and the Taipei Main station are both less than 10 minutes away by foot. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Taipei Bus Terminal, and it’s a 30-minute drive to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

It’s less than a five-minute walk to 2/28 Peace Park, a pretty green space dotted with pavilions, pathways, and historic monuments. Other nearby attractions include the Ximending shopping and entertainment area, which is a 15-minute walk away, and Ningxia Night Market, which can be reached in 20 minutes by foot. 

Guest rooms at Hotel Relax 3 are done up in black-and-white color schemes with pale wood floors and frosted glass accents. Flat-screen TVs are the only decoration adorning the blank white walls. Free Wi-Fi is standard. All rooms have cushy wall benches, and most also squeeze in small tables and plush chairs. Open wall units hold mini-fridges, kettles, bottled water, and a selection of tea and instant coffee. There are also a few hangers as well as magnifying mirrors. Welcome baskets of Taiwanese snacks are a lovely welcoming touch.

Although there are six room categories, increasing size and number of beds are the only real difference between each. Rooms are small overall, but the Standard Rooms in particular are extremely cramped, laid out with beds touching the walls on three sides. Standard Rooms have a single, tiny window, but most other rooms have more generously sized windows, with some overlooking city views. Sleek bathrooms have tiled white walls and high-tech toilets. Square sink areas, which offer limited counterspace, feature small baskets of free extras like toothbrushes and combs. Glass-walled showers include off-brand bottles of shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner. 

On-site features at this no-frills hotel are minimal, catering to guests who spend little time on the property. Free breakfast, included in the room rate, is one of the few perks. It’s served at the hotel’s sister property, Hotel Relax 2, which is less than a five-minute walk away, and guests must book a time slot for dining at check-in time. Guests are also given a set a la carte meal and, although the dish changes regularly, some complain about the lack of alternative meal choices. There’s no restaurant on-site, but free coffee is offered in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the lobby and guest rooms. The front desk is open 24/7, and coin-operated laundry facilities are available.