My friend and I had a pleasent stay at the Empress during our one week in taipei.

Location wise, its not exactly fantastic, a short 5-10mins walk from the nearest Jie-yun (train station, kinda like the MRT in spore) but the bus stop in front of the Da Tong university offers plenty buses plying the various streets of taipei; to Ximending, Shilin night market, Taipei main station, etc.. And its great to take a bus back, as it really is the cheaper alternative (as compared to the Jie yun). plus, it cuts down the walking (I really appreciated it while i was lugging my shopping bags!)

It was easy finding our way back as we could always ask around for the Datong stop.

The Empress has clean, neat rooms and is never too rowdy (much quieter than the hotels found in the Ximending area). Its great for budget travellers, given the conveniance and standard it offers. The two conveniance stores serve as great supper outlets. Staff at the Empress are not all too hospitable, save for the house keeping aunties. Still, the service rendered by the cafe across the street, together with its tantalising breakfast makes up alot for it!