Nestled in the lively Ximending district, Rainbow Hotel Taipei is a 3-star property that travelers consistently praise for its proximity to public transit. The official site states the hotel is about a 2-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station via Exit 6, giving guests direct access to the city’s key sights, including Taipei 101. This review synthesizes verified platform ratings, guest feedback, and transport details to help you determine whether this budget-friendly base suits your itinerary.
Last checked: 2026-08-08
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Guest Rating: 8.6/10 · Number of Reviews: 93 · Starting Price: US$35/night · Star Rating: 3 stars
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-08.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, neutral review platforms (Trip.com, TripAdvisor, Traveloka), hotel booking aggregators (Expedia, Travelocity), and specialist travel editorial (Taiwan Obsessed).
This article is based on publicly available information and does not include an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification.
Snapshot: what we know for sure
- The hotel is about a 2-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station, Exit 6 (Rainbow Hotel official site).
- Check-in is after 17:00 (5 p.m.) (Trip.com).
- Officially a 3-star hotel (Trip.com).
- 8.6 out of 10 based on 91 reviews (Trip.com).
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Rating | 8.6/10 | Trip.com |
| Number of Reviews | 91 | Trip.com |
| Star Rating | 3 stars | Trip.com |
| Starting Price (lowest) | US$35 per night | Based on booking platform aggregates |
| Attribute | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Address | No. 36, Sec 2, Wu Chang Street, Ximending, Taipei | Traveloka |
| Star Rating | 3 stars | Trip.com |
| Room Count | 67 rooms | Trip.com |
| Check-in Time | After 5:00 p.m. (17:00) | Trip.com & Expedia |
| MRT Walk Time | ~2 minutes (Exit 6, Ximen Station) | Official site |
| Guest Rating (Trip.com) | 8.6/10 | Trip.com |
How far is Rainbow Hotel from Taipei 101?
The hotel lies in Wanhua District, approximately 5 kilometres north-east of Taipei 101. The most efficient public-transit route is via the MRT: from Ximen Station (Green Line) to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Red Line toward Taipei 101/World Trade Center station. The journey takes about 20 minutes, including the transfer.
Walking distance and MRT time
Ximen MRT is a 2-minute walk from the hotel. Once on the train, you’ll reach Taipei 101 in roughly 15 minutes of actual travel time, plus the transfer. Travelers without much luggage often find this route simpler than hailing a taxi in Central Taipei.
Taxi cost estimate
A direct taxi from the hotel to Taipei 101 typically costs between US$8 and US$10, depending on traffic. This estimate aligns with typical Taipei taxi fares for distances of roughly 5 km.
The bottom line: Rainbow Hotel’s location pairs extremely short MRT access with a 20-minute commute to Taipei 101, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
Does Rainbow Hotel Taipei offer airport shuttle?
The official website does not list an airport shuttle service. This is common for 3-star properties in Taipei, where public transit links are well developed.
Official website information
We reviewed the Rainbow Hotel official site and found no mention of airport transfers or shuttle arrangements. The property focuses on its urban MRT access rather than dedicated transport.
Alternative airport transfer options
From Taoyuan International Airport, the most affordable route is the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (about 35 minutes), then a short ride on the Green Line to Ximen Station. The total cost is roughly US$5–6 per person. A taxi directly from the airport to the hotel costs approximately US$40–50, depending on traffic and the exact drop-off point in Ximending.
What this means: You’ll need to arrange your own transfer from the airport, but the MRT option is quick, reliable, and budget-friendly.
Is Rainbow Hotel Ximending near MRT?
Yes – the hotel is a 3-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station, as confirmed by multiple guest reviews and the hotel’s own promotional material.
Closest MRT station
Ximen Station is on the Green Line (Songshan–Xindian line). Exit 6 is the most convenient exit for the hotel. Ximen is a major interchange station, providing direct access to Taipei Main Station, the airport line, and points east.
Walking distance
The official site says “about a 2-minute walk.” TripAdvisor reviews from as early as 2011 also describe a 3-minute stroll. Travelers consistently report the walk as “short” and “convenient.”
The implication: The MRT proximity is the hotel’s strongest asset, giving guests a head start on exploring Taipei without added travel friction.
What is the best location to stay in Taipei?
For first-time visitors, Ximending repeatedly appears on recommendation lists because of its walkable night markets, shopping, and public transit links. It’s not the quietest area, but it offers a vibrant base.
Why Ximending is a top choice
Ximending is a pedestrian-friendly district filled with affordable food stalls, fashion boutiques, and late-night entertainment. Its central position on the MRT network means you can reach Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and other landmarks within 20–30 minutes. For travelers who prefer a quieter base, Zhongzheng District near Taipei Main Station is a family-friendly alternative, while Da’an District offers more upscale lodging options.
Rainbow Hotel as a budget pick in Ximending
Specialist travel publisher Taiwan Obsessed calls Rainbow Hotel its “top budget pick in Ximending” while noting it is not the absolute cheapest. The hotel’s value comes from the combination of MRT proximity, consistently high location scores (9.5/10 on Trip.com), and affordable starting rates.
The pattern: If you value walk-to-transit convenience and don’t mind a modest room, Ximending – and specifically Rainbow Hotel – offers strong all-round value for a Taipei stay.
Pros & cons of Rainbow Hotel Taipei
Pros
- Exceptional location: 2–3 minute walk to Ximen MRT; location subscores above 9.0 on major platforms.
- Consistent guest satisfaction: Trip.com shows 8.6/10 overall; Traveloka shows 8.4/10 with strong staff-friendliness praise.
- Budget-friendly: Starting rates as low as US$35 per night, with many reviews calling it good value.
- Positive editorial review: Taiwan Obsessed rates it the top budget pick in Ximending.
Cons
- Late check-in: Check-in is after 5:00 p.m., which may be inconvenient for early arrivals.
- No airport shuttle: Guests must rely on public transit or taxis for transfers.
- Compact rooms: Some Traveloka reviews note limited room space, though exact dimensions aren’t published.
- Limited amenities: As a 3-star property, on-site facilities are minimal.
Best for these traveler segments
- Budget travelers: Starting at US$35/night, the hotel fits tight budgets without sacrificing MRT access.
- Solo female travelers: Reviews consistently mention friendly staff and a safe, central location in a well-lit pedestrian zone.
- Travelers seeking Ximending location: The hotel sits on Wu Chang Street, steps from the shopping and nightlife core.
- First-time Taipei visitors: MRT connectivity makes it easy to explore the city without needing a car or multiple transfers.
Pricing overview
Rainbow Hotel typically falls in the budget to mid‑budget band for Taipei. We found listings ranging from approximately US$35 (lowest observed on aggregator sites) to around US$150 per night on Travelocity for standard rooms. Prices vary by season, advance booking, and room type. Compared with other 3-star properties in central Ximending, this hotel holds a competitive price-to-location ratio.
Location and getting there
The hotel is at No. 36, Section 2, Wu Chang Street, Wanhua District, right in the heart of Ximending. From the airport, take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station and transfer to the Green Line for Ximen Station – total travel time about 40 minutes. Once at Ximen, use Exit 6 and walk to the hotel on Wu Chang Street.
Alternatives to consider
For travellers who want a similar location but need an earlier check-in or larger rooms, consider exploring other budget-friendly hotels near Taipei Main Station, only one MRT stop from Ximending. If you prefer luxury amenities and are willing to pay more, the top-tier options in Da’an District offer a different price-value equation. Within Ximending, Rainbow Hotel remains a strong contender for its transport access and consistent guest satisfaction.
Our recommendation
For budget-conscious travellers, solo female visitors, and first-timers who want to be in the middle of Ximending’s action, Rainbow Hotel Taipei is a reliable and well‑rated choice. Its primary strength is the near‑doorstep MRT access, backed by strong guest‑rating evidence across multiple platforms. If you can work around the late check‑in (after 5:00 p.m.) and don’t need on‑site frills, the hotel delivers solid value in one of Taipei’s most convenient districts.
“2 min Walking Distance to Ximen MRT Station.”
— Rainbow Hotel Taipei, official hotel
“Best location in the heart Ximending.”
— Trip.com listing, booking platform copy
Frequently asked questions
What do guests say about Rainbow Hotel Taipei?
On Trip.com, the hotel scores 8.6/10 from 91 reviews, with location rated 9.5/10 (Trip.com review page). Traveloka gives an 8.4/10 and highlights staff friendliness. TripAdvisor’s summary shows 389 total reviews, with 275 rating it “Very Good” or “Excellent”.
How much is a taxi from Taipei airport to the city?
A taxi from Taoyuan International Airport to Rainbow Hotel in Ximending typically costs between US$40 and US$50, depending on traffic and route.
Is Rainbow Hotel Ximending near the MRT?
Yes – the hotel is a 2‑ to 3‑minute walk from Ximen MRT Station (Exit 6). The station is on the Green Line, offering direct connections to Taipei Main Station and the rest of the network.
How far is Rainbow Hotel from Taipei 101?
The hotel is roughly 5 km from Taipei 101. By MRT (Ximen → Taipei Main Station → Taipei 101/World Trade Center), the journey takes about 20 minutes. A taxi costs around US$8–10.
Does Rainbow Hotel Taipei offer an airport shuttle?
No – the official website does not list any shuttle service. The most practical alternative is the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then one stop to Ximen Station on the Green Line.
Sources cited
- Rainbow Hotel Taipei – official site
- Trip.com – Rainbow Hotel listing
- Trip.com – review page with subscores
- TripAdvisor – user review (2011)
- Traveloka – Rainbow Hotel listing
- Expedia – Rainbow Hotel information
- Travelocity – pricing example
- Taiwan Obsessed – Ximending budget hotel guide