Hi! I’m Mommy Pia from The Dioneses, and in this blog, I’ll share one of our most fun and surprisingly aesthetic hotel stays in Taipei, Taiwan — Hotel Papa Whale. 🎨🇹🇼
This hotel isn’t your usual hotel. It’s quirky, bold, artsy, and absolutely unforgettable. And if you’re traveling with kids, budget-conscious, and love taking nice photos, you’ll definitely want to keep reading!
Where is Hotel Papa Whale Located?
Hotel Papa Whale is located in the Ximending area of Taipei, just walking distance to night markets, restaurants, family-friendly cafés, and the MRT station.
Exact location:
No. 46, Kunming St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
✅ Near Ximen MRT
✅ Walking distance to Ximending Night Market
✅ Accessible to most Taipei attractions (Taipei Zoo, Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Shilin Night Market)
The location is really ideal if you’re exploring Taipei with kids. Everything is nearby and accessible by foot or train, which is super convenient if you’re traveling with strollers or small children.
What’s the Vibe at Hotel Papa Whale?
From the moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve entered a creative studio meets vintage industrial loft. The lobby is filled with repurposed items and eye-catching designs — old typewriters, vintage suitcases, and oversized furniture. It’s a whole experience!
There’s even a giant Papa Whale sculpture at the lobby, making it such a cool photo spot for families. Perfect for your family travel content or just fun photos with the kids!
The ambiance is playful and moody at the same time — dim lighting, steel staircases, brick walls, and murals. Even the elevator area is designed in such a way that it looks like a retro movie set. If you love taking Instagram-worthy photos, this hotel is for you!
Is It Family-Friendly?
YES! We were surprised at how accommodating they are to families:
- We booked a Deluxe Family Room, which came with two large beds — perfect for our family of four.
- The beds are comfy, linens are clean, and room design is super unique — dark-themed, moody, but warm.
- Each floor has a different vibe — themed hallways and artsy details.
- The bathroom is spacious, with good water pressure (important for parents with kids!).
They also provide basic toiletries, bottled water, and daily room cleaning. While there’s no in-house play area or pool, the location and comfort of the rooms more than made up for it.
Another bonus? The hotel staff was friendly and accommodating despite the language barrier. They helped us book a taxi and even gave directions when we got a little lost on our first day.
Room Rates (as of 2025)
- Standard Room: Around ₱2,000–₱2,500 per night
- Family Room / Deluxe Twin: Starts at ₱3,000–₱3,800 per night
We booked via Klook and were able to get a promo rate — highly recommended to check for deals!
You can also check AGODA for promos!
Considering the location and ambiance, the price is really affordable for families. Pro tip: Check for weekday stays or off-season promos to get the best rates.
Where to Eat Nearby?
So many choices! Ximending is one of the food capitals of Taipei.
Here are our family faves:
🍜 Hot Star Chicken – huge fried chicken cutlet, perfect for sharing
🍙 Ay Chung Mian Xian – a famous noodle stall (yes, toddler-friendly!)
🍓 Fruit shakes, fresh juices, and bubble tea galore
🍰 Cute cafés with pastries and drinks the kids enjoyed
No need for breakfast buffet (but they also have for free!) — just walk outside and you’ll be greeted by dozens of local food options! Plus, it’s fun exploring the night market and letting the kids try something new.
Kid-Approved Spots Near Hotel Papa Whale
Here are some attractions we explored while staying here:
- Taipei Zoo – giant pandas, fun train rides, and a cable car nearby
- Taipei Children’s Amusement Park – great for toddlers and preschoolers
- National Taiwan Museum – educational and interactive
- Elephant Mountain – for older kids who can hike, this spot has great views
- Ximending Night Market – toys, games, street food, and shows
The Ximen MRT makes it so easy to explore even with kids. Taipei is very stroller-friendly, and most stations have elevators.
Mommy Tips (Based on Our Experience)
- Bring your own slippers — room slippers are limited in sizes.
- Pack extra snacks for the kids — most local shops sell chips, biscuits, and milk options.
- Buy a SIM card or pocket WiFi in advance — you can pick it up at the airport (we used Klook)
- Choose a room with a window if you want natural light — some budget rooms don’t have windows.
- Don’t forget your power adapter! Taiwan uses a different plug (Shopee link here)
For Shopee finds, we packed:
✅ Portable travel organizer for kids’ clothes
✅ Reusable water bottles
✅ Compact stroller
✅ Wet wipes dispenser (a must!)
Overall Experience – Would We Stay Again?
YES, absolutely! We loved the location, the artsy vibe, and the budget-friendly price. Hotel Papa Whale is a great option for families who want to stay somewhere fun and different while exploring Taipei. It’s not a luxury hotel, but it has personality and heart. The kids enjoyed it, and so did we!
So if you’re planning a Taiwan trip with your little ones and want something new and exciting — give this hotel a try!
Don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and YouTube for more travel vlogs and family adventures. You can also check our Shopee Finds List and Klook Booking Guide for all the tools and links we use.
Thanks for reading, and happy family travels! 🧳✨
Love, The Dioneses
