Mr. Lobster's Secret Den — a one-of-a-kind boutique hostel
If you're tired of hostels that all look the same and want a stay with "a story to tell" — Mr. Lobster's Secret Den belongs on your list. This isn't an ordinary hostel; it's a boutique hostel that plays with theme, lighting and design to create a warm, mysterious atmosphere that lives up to its "secret den" name — ideal for photo lovers and anyone who sees their accommodation as part of the trip's experience.
Mr. Lobster's Secret Den is a name that makes you curious — and that's the intention from the start. This hostel doesn't position itself as just a "budget bed"; it's a boutique hostel built around theme and storytelling. It sits in a well-connected central Taipei neighbourhood, close to an MRT station and surrounded by restaurants and cafés, so heading out or coming back is easy. It suits travellers who want to be in a spot that connects well with the city.
"Guests say the design is so good you want to photograph every corner — a warm, charming atmosphere unlike any hostel they've stayed in."
What gets Mr. Lobster's Secret Den talked about most is its distinct, characterful design. It uses warm-toned lighting, carefully chosen furniture, and styling that creates a real "secret den" feel — cosy, with light-and-shadow corners arranged with style. Every space looks designed to photograph beautifully. Travellers who love posting their accommodation on social media will adore it, and even those who don't usually find that an atmosphere like this makes staying in a hostel feel special.
On the rooms — design-focused as it is, Mr. Lobster's doesn't skip the basics travellers need. The dorms are clean, the beds comfortable, and many have privacy curtains, along with a power socket and reading light at each bed plus a locker. There are mixed dorms and female-only dorms. For anyone wanting full privacy there are boutique-style private rooms decorated just as beautifully as the common areas — great for couples or anyone wanting the full package of design and comfort.
The overall mood here is quiet and warm — not a party hostel. The common area is suited to sipping a drink, reading, or chatting easily with other guests. The team is praised for being friendly and attentive to detail; many reviews say the service rounds out the "secret den" atmosphere the hostel set out to create.
Worth knowing before you book — because Mr. Lobster's is a design-led boutique hostel, the price is a little higher than typical hostels. Travellers after the absolute cheapest option may find more budget-friendly choices. And since it leans on warm-toned lighting for atmosphere, some rooms can feel dimmer than brightly lit hostels — but for anyone choosing this place for its design, that's part of the charm they came for.
In short, Mr. Lobster's Secret Den is a top pick for design lovers who want their stay to be more than a place to sleep, starting at around NT$780/night. If you value atmosphere, beauty and a memorable experience, this place turns staying in a Taipei hostel into one of the trip's highlights — not just a bed along the way.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Beautiful, characterful design — great for photos
- ✓ Warm, quiet, comfortable atmosphere
- ✓ Clean dorms with privacy curtains
- ✓ Friendly staff, attentive to detail
- ! A little pricier than typical hostels
- ! Warm-toned lighting — some rooms feel dimmer
- ! Rooms fill up fast — book ahead
- ✓ Great for photo lovers and design fans
- ✓ Boutique-style private rooms, beautifully decorated
- ✓ Central location — easy to get around
- ✓ Female-only dorms available
- ! Design-focused — not the cheapest hostel
- ! Quiet vibe — not for party-goers
- ! Afternoon check-in — store bags if you arrive earlier
- 💡If you want the cheapest option — this place costs more than typical hostels because of its design focus → on a tight budget, look at Pillow Hostel or Sleep Box instead
- 💡If you like bright rooms — this place uses warm-toned lighting for atmosphere → choose a bed near a window, or bring a small reading light
- 💡If you want a party vibe — this place is quiet and calm → choose a social hostel like Meander instead