While some folks may think of Taipei as a place to change planes, attend a conference, or stop for some business meetings, it has plenty of culture and lots of great dining. The National Museum is fantastic and on a different scale, I recommend the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan. The hotels may not be at the same level as Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok, but you will definitely find something to your taste.
1. Mandarin Oriental Taipei
2. Grand Hyatt Taipei
3. Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
4. W Taipei
5. Regent Taipei
6. Villa 32
1. Mandarin Oriental Taipei
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Located on tree-lined Dunhua North Road in the heart of the city, the exquisitely designed Mandarin Oriental, Taipei has a prime location, spacious rooms, a large spa, and a bevy of dining options. While it’s a top choice for both business and leisure travelers, the luxurious Taipei stay is also a hit with international celebrities such as Madonna, Will Smith, Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, Jun Ji-hyun, and Jacky Cheung. Mandarin Oriental is known for opulence, and this regal hotel does not disappoint.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “It’s all about decadent accents (acres of marble and silk), a stunning art collection…and a big lineup of dining options, ranging from Italian to Cantonese to French. Don’t miss afternoon tea in the Jade Lounge, which has already become a hit with locals.”
Presidential Suite
The 4,400 sq. ft. Presidential Suite has a large dressing room and walk-in wardrobe; the bathroom features a spa bath and steam shower. The suite also boasts a living room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, gym, Oriental Club access, and butler service.”
More suites at Mandarin Oriental Taipei.
2. Grand Hyatt Taipei
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The first international hotel to touch Taipei 25 years ago, Grand Hyatt Taipei just emerged from a round of extensive renovations. With a new look and the same fantastic service, the American brand continues to draw a loyal following of international business and leisure travelers visiting Taiwan’s capital. It’s not difficult to see why, with nine restaurants and bars, an expansive fitness center, a salon and a heated outdoor pool and lounge. The opulence of Grand Hyatt Taipei greets you as you enter the white marble lobby and open atrium, which is centered around a gorgeous gold and marble fountain. It’s classic luxury that’s matched by the brand’s famously personable service and attention to detail.”
The Telegraph writes, “The hotel’s excellent location in the shadow of the Taipei 101 puts it smack in the middle of the city’s Central Business District. A handful of high-end malls can be reached within minutes from the lobby, and the nearest subway station is an easy three-minute walk away. With the Taipei World Trade Center and multiple conference halls just next door, it’s a choice spot for business travelers.”
Diplomat Suite
The 2,024 sq. ft. Presidential Suite provides the feel of a modern apartment and is perfect for conducting business meetings and hosting guests.
See more suites at the Grand Hyatt Taipei.
3. Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
The Telegraph writes, “Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel – the tallest hotel in Taipei – is all about its sprawling city views and slick operation of facilities, including a rooftop pool, a jet-lag banishing spa, and no less than nine eating and drinking options.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The tallest hotel in Taiwan’s capital, Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei recently emerged from a massive $50 million renovation that added a sleek, contemporary look to the classic luxury hotel originally built in 1994. It is Taipei’s tallest hotel with a glass and stone exterior; it naturally caters to business travelers due to its location in the city’s business center, but it is also an appealing stay for those traveling on leisure — six restaurants, a rooftop pool on the 43rd floor and a Shiseido-branded spa lure guests of all kinds.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,432 sq. ft. Presidential Suite offers 180-degree views of Taipei from its top floor location through floor-to-ceiling windows.
See more suites at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei.
4. W Taipei
According to The Telegraph, “Buzzy W Taipei is the embodiment of work hard, play hard with mostly business travelers staying during the week, and a mix of city-trippers and local in-crowds visiting on the weekends. Entry to the lobby by way of a disco-lit lift sets the mood from the off.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “When it opened in 2011, W Taipei elevated its surroundings with a bright, young feel and a free flow of energy. Years later, it’s still an electric beacon in Taipei’s burgeoning Xinyi business district — comparable to New York’s Manhattan — pumping cool vibes out of every door, hallway, and open window. Designed by London-based G.A. Design International, the aesthetics aim for “nature electrified.” The result is a funky, fashionable, and functional atmosphere. Throughout the 31-story hotel, you’ll find natural elements on all sides, including timber check-in counters, green walls by the 82-foot-long outdoor pool, and the glass water droplets at the spa — all filtered through a high-voltage lens.”
Extreme Wow Presidential Suite
The two-bedroom 3,927 sq. ft. Extreme Wow Presidential Suite is a wow with a separate living, dining room, and full kitchen with spectacular views of the city.
More suites at W Taipei.
5. Regent Taipei
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Regent Taipei has been a stalwart address for both well-heeled leisure and business travelers since it opened in 1990. Although it is centrally located near shopping, museums, and entertainment venues, the hotel is a bit of a draw itself — it houses the boutique-laden Regent Galleria shopping center, seven restaurants, a luxe spa, and a rooftop pool. At the entrance, a doorman clad in a crisp white uniform stands at attention, tall glass doors stream sunlight over the black marble floors, and a piano flutters in the background. Designed by Chhada Siembieda and Associates, the lobby has an Art Deco feel that wouldn’t look out of place in 1920s New York, with central elevators and an enormous open atrium that looks up at the hotel’s dining establishments.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,259 sq. ft. Presidential Suite on the 19th floor features two-story panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Taipei. There is a separate living room, dining room, kitchen, and study. Two connecting rooms are available.
More suites at The Regent Taipei.
6. Villa 32
The Telegraph writes, “The story starts with the opening of the first hot springs resorts in the area at the end of the 19th century; fast-forward to the late 20th century, when financier Ming-Houng Chiu splashed out TWD 600 million ($20 million) on developing the property, initially as a private club and then in 2004 as a boutique hotel. It’s certainly one of Taiwan’s most distinctive hotels with just five suites, its own hot springs and extensive grounds traversed by stone-flagged paths and wooden walkways. Fans of designer labels won’t be disappointed, with Hermès cutlery, Bang & Olufsen stereos, and Boffi bathrooms garnished by Salvatore Ferragamo.”
Sakura Suite
One of two Japanese-style suites, the 1,050-sq.ft. Sakura Suite echoes that of a Zen Garden based on the designs of the renowned interior decorator Shobu. Taiwanese cypress is used for the indoor design and the outdoor hot spring tub.
More suites at Villa 32.
