EPISODE Daan Taipei - JDV by Hyatt

EPISODE Daan Taipei, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, offers a distinctive "next generation of luxury lifestyle hotel" experience in the heart of Taipei's vibrant Daan District. While it has garnered significant praise for its modern design, prime location, and attentive service, it's important to note that, despite initial perception, EPISODE Daan Taipei was not among the four Taiwanese hotels selected for the inaugural Michelin Key awards in October 2025. The Michelin One Key recipients in Taipei were Capella Taipei, Kimpton Da An Taipei, and Mandarin Oriental Taipei.

Here's a comprehensive review of EPISODE Daan Taipei:

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

EPISODE Daan Taipei generally receives highly positive feedback, often described as a "hip and smallish" boutique hotel with a "retro-modern" design and a "nostalgic/lounge type vibe." Guests frequently commend its excellent location, comfortable accommodations, and the friendliness and efficiency of its staff. Many consider it a refreshing alternative to more traditional luxury hotels in Taipei.

2. Key Highlights

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are consistently praised for being friendly, efficient, and proactive. They are known to offer thoughtful gestures such as late check-out and complimentary coffee.
• Location: The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "central" location in the Daan District, just a 3-minute walk from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station, which connects to both Blue and Brown lines. This makes it incredibly convenient for exploring Taipei's shopping areas, restaurants, and attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: Guests love the "cool design," "sleek designs and stylish touches," and a general "boutique feel." The aesthetic leans into mid-century modern influences with warm wood tones, unique custom-designed furniture, and soft mood lighting, creating a calming and intimate atmosphere. The "The SOCIAL by Lay Low" area, functioning as a bar, lobby, and hot desking space, contributes to its vibrant social atmosphere.
• Amenities: A standout amenity is the complimentary daily "manager's reception" or "happy hour" at "The SOCIAL by Lay Low," offering free beer, wine, and snacks to all guests, with enhanced options for World of Hyatt Globalists. The hotel also provides free in-room WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, a coffee shop/cafe, and a charming terrace. It's also pet-friendly, offering amenities like a latex mattress, food bowls, and toys for furry companions.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 136 stylish, spacious, and comfortable rooms and suites.

• Comfort: Beds are described as "super comfy," featuring premium Sealy mattresses and luxurious imported linens, along with a choice of two pillow types.
• Design: Rooms showcase modern decoration with a distinct "moody, retro" aesthetic, incorporating warm wood tones and a signature faux-fur throw. Soft, warm mood lighting creates a relaxing ambiance.
• In-Room Amenities: Each room comes with a large flat-screen TV (with English and Japanese channels), a Nespresso machine, a kettle, and an in-room minibar. Bathrooms feature MALIN+GOETZ bath amenities, bath salts, facial masks, and separate milky glass cubicles for the shower and TOTO toilet. Blackout curtains ensure a restful sleep. Some rooms offer city panoramas, including views of Taipei 101, and select corner or deluxe rooms may include onsen-style tubs or balconies. A unique touch is the retro-styled CD player with curated music, adding to the hotel's distinctive identity. Guests appreciate the universal power outlets by the bedside, though some note the absence of USB ports. A thoughtful sleeping kit with eye shades is also provided.
• Housekeeping: The hotel operates on a reduced housekeeping service model, with full cleaning occurring twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) and "eco-service" on other days, which includes replacing consumables and towels.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at EPISODE Daan Taipei offers unconventional options.

• Breakfast: There is no sprawling international buffet. Instead, breakfast is available at two distinct venues on the ground floor. Guests can opt for a sit-down American-style set meal at the Texas Roadhouse, which includes a fruit yogurt bowl, a drink, and refillable coffee or tea. Alternatively, CAFE!N, a local coffee chain, offers quicker, lighter options like breakfast sandwiches, geared towards takeaway.
• Critiques on Breakfast: A common point of criticism is the "disappointing" and "average" breakfast, particularly the lack of local Taiwanese cuisine, which some guests find strange for a hotel emphasizing local culture. Many suggest exploring Taipei's abundant local food scene for breakfast.
• Other Dining: "The SOCIAL by Lay Low" on the 5th floor serves as a bar and lounge. Room service is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at EPISODE Daan Taipei consistently receive high marks for their "friendly," "efficient," and "competent" service. Guests appreciate the proactive approach, with staff offering late check-out and complimentary coffee benefits. Even with self-service check-in kiosks, staff are often on hand to assist, ensuring a smooth process. A 24-hour front desk provides concierge services, free luggage storage, and currency exchange.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant draw.

• Neighborhood: Situated in the Daan District, it offers a "central" yet "slightly more residential and laid-back" atmosphere compared to more frenetic areas like Xinyi. It's a popular neighborhood with numerous restaurants and bars nearby, and close to attractions like the Jianguo Flower and Jade Market.
• Transportation: Exceptional accessibility is provided by its proximity to Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station (Blue and Brown lines), just a 3-minute walk away. This allows for easy travel across Taipei. Taipei Main Station is a 10-minute drive, and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is approximately a 40-45 minute drive away, with Ubers readily available. Nearby landmarks like Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Taipei 101 are also easily accessible by car.
• Accessibility Features: The hotel is committed to accessibility, featuring elevators, wheelchair-accessible parking, a wheelchair-accessible lounge, and even wheelchairs available on site.

7. Value & Pricing

EPISODE Daan Taipei is considered a good value for its offerings and prime location.

• Pricing: Cash rates typically range from approximately $142 to $250 per night.
• Loyalty Program: As a Category 3 hotel within the World of Hyatt program, it offers good redemption value, with award nights starting from 9,000 (off-peak) to 15,000 (peak) points per night. It is also eligible for booking with a Category 1-4 free night certificate.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include:

• Breakfast Quality and Variety: The most frequent complaint is regarding the breakfast, which is often described as uninspired, lacking local Taiwanese options, and not worth the cost.
• Room Size & Luggage Space: Some guests find the standard rooms to be on the smaller side, particularly if a sofa bed is in use, leading to limited space for luggage.
• Noise and Water Pressure: Isolated reports mention loud exhaust fans and shower drainage, along with average water pressure.
• Views: Lower-floor rooms may offer uninspiring views directly into neighboring commercial buildings.
• Room Temperature Control: Some guests have experienced issues with the air conditioning, finding it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Common Area Crowding: The compact common space, which serves multiple functions, can become loud when busy.
• Self Check-in: The self-service kiosks, while available, are not always intuitive, often requiring staff assistance.

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