Minsu Guide | Unique Homestay Experiences in Taiwan

Many travelers seek immersive experiences when it comes to their accommodations and local adventures. That’s why Taiwan’s minsu have remained a vibrant part of the country’s tourist scene. Not all travelers seek luxury resorts or multi-story hotels. Many prefer to reserve a stay at a Taiwanese minsu, which is rather like the Asian version of an English B&B or country inn. If you prefer personable accommodations that allow you to witness firsthand what it’s really like to live in Taipei City, Taichung City, Kinmen City, or any other Taiwanese cities and towns, consider booking your stay with our Minsu Guide. Agoda makes it easy to book your stay in Taiwan minsu, boutique hotels, budget-friendly hotels, or luxury resorts.

What Is Minsu?

Although many minsu in Taiwan are family-owned and operated, a stay there is not quite like renting a room in a family’s home. Minsu are more like small inns. They usually have between 5-10 rooms and a very small staff. Travelers who have stayed in B&Bs will find that minsu are very similar except they are culturally reflective of Taiwanese life. Guests are welcome to dine with the minsu’s operators and other guests. Naturally, the setting is more personable than one finds at a large hotel, and the accommodations, decor, and meals reflect a very authentic cultural experience.

What a minsu lacks in upscale amenities (i.e. luxury spas, infinity pools, swim-up bars, etc…) they make up for in their concierge-style support for guests. Many minsu help guests by coordinating guide services or directing them to the best local restaurants, shopping venues, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that will provide them with a more immersive and culturally rich travel experience.

How to Enjoy the Minsu Experience and What to Expect

If you want to experience Taiwan up close and personal, you’ll want to book a stay at a minsu. First, you can expect to pay less for a minsu than an upscale hotel. Many travelers choose minsu for their budget-friendly costs as well as their local ambience. Expect your minsu to provide you with home-cooked meals if you choose to dine with other guests–and expect to meet other guests. The minsu experience is less anonymous than one finds at a large hotel, but guests also enjoy the privacy of their own rooms. Many travelers find that minsu are quieter and more relaxed than what one finds at hotels or resorts.

You can also expect the staff of your minsu to direct you to natural, cultural, and scenic attractions in the area. They can tell you about the best ways to reach these destinations and how to enjoy the attractions like a local. Many minsu feature unique or thematic decor that reflects its owner’s aesthetic, which is to say, there’s nothing corporate about the atmosphere you’ll find in these local establishments.

Best Minsu in Taiwan

Travelers choose Agoda when searching for minsu in Taiwan. Agoda makes booking minsu easy. Use the site to find your ideal accommodations no matter where you intend to travel in Taiwan. Minsu are located throughout the country. Here are some of the best Taiwanese minsu to consider as you are making your travel plans.

Green Inn

Located in Kenting near the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, the Green Inn boasts the charms of a boutique hotel, but more personable and relaxed. Many of the rooms feature air conditioning and free internet. Guests can expect to find beautifully furnished rooms that are spacious and clean. The 4-star property also features an onsite car park and rooms with extra beds to accommodate children. Expect the attentive staff to help you access the city’s best attractions like the Hengchun Night Market, Hengchun Old Town, and Kenting National Park.

Moon Deer

Wonderfully cheerful with its bright decor and welcoming ambience, Moon Deer is located in Taitung and features a convenient location that’s just a few kilometers away from Taitung Forest Park, which is noted for its enchanting wilderness attractions like Pipa Lake and resident aquatic wildlife. Guests of Moon Deer will find comfortable rooms, some of which have terraces or balconies that offer picturesque views of the city. Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen as well as air conditioning, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and televisions. During your stay at Moon Deer, be sure to ask the staff about the best ways to enjoy nearby attractions like the National Museum of Prehistory, Chu Lu Ranch, the Taitung Railway Art Village, and Beinan Cultural Park.

Minsheng Art Homestay

Located in Tainan City near an eclectic array of attractions, Minsheng Art Homestay is a 3-star property that brims with local flavors. All of the minsu’s rooms are outfitted with Wi-fi and comfortable furnishings. Guests will find all the ambience of a boutique hotel with the more reasonable prices of a minsu. The homestay is conveniently situated just a few kilometers from the airport as well as popular attractions like the Tainan Museum of Fine Arts, Confucius Temple, Koxinga Shrine, and Wenchuang Plus-Creative Tainan. The minsu’s location is also known for its dynamic range of restaurants and cafes.

1350 Hostel

Newly renovated with modern facilities, 1350 Hostel is a charming place to hang your hat when you’re visiting the Cingjing area of Nantou. Select rooms of this 3-star property feature terrace access and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Rooms are bright, airy, and cleaned daily during guests’ stays. Some of the rooms are oversized in order to accommodate multiple queen-sized beds for vacationers who are traveling with kids. Pets are also welcome at 1350 Hostel. Rooms feature air conditioning and streaming services like Netflix. The minsu’s staff are available to help guests locate transportation and learn about the best ways to enjoy nearby attractions like Cingjing Veterans Farm, Hehuan Mountain, Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, and Small Swiss Garden.

Prime Inn A/B/G

Located in Hualien, Prime Inn A/B/G is a 3-star property that’s located near many of the city’s attractions. The minsu features a shared kitchen for guests who enjoy cooking their own meals as well as air conditioning in public spaces. Each room is comfortably furnished and has Wi-Fi and blackout curtains. Like many of Taiwan’s minsu, this venue organizes city tours, helping guests access the best area attractions. Taxi service is also available at the minsu. Guests will find many nearby landmarks and things to do, including Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park, Chi-An Chinghisu Temple, and the East Gate Night Market.