For my stay in Taipei, I chose to stay in a second hotel to test it out, and that would be the Regent, in one of the brand’s historic hotels, recommended by a friend.
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
Booking
I booked this property two days before my arrival, on the advice of a close friend who warmly recommended it.
Given the difference between the standard room and the entry-level suite, I’d book the latter for just €250 a night.
Arrival
I arrived from the Kimpton, where I stayed the night before, using Uber (which still operates in Taiwan, the American group having sold its Southeast Asian presence to competitor Grab), and will arrive at around 2:30pm.
I’m greeted by the doorman and shown to reception. After checking my identity and filling in the COVID form, the receptionist tells me she’ll accompany me to the Club Lounge for check-in. Curious, I didn’t think IHG Ambassador Diamond members had access to it (maybe it’s because I booked a suite?).
I was welcomed by the lounge staff, who were adorable. The receptionist downstairs, who had accompanied me, takes leave of me.
I’m sitting in the lounge going through the formalities of arrival, sipping a cold tea accompanied by a fragrant hot oshibori.
After checking my passport and taking a credit card imprint, I’m invited to wait while my suite is inspected, and after about ten minutes, the lounge manager brings me my key.
The combination of Diamond Ambassador and Lounge Club benefits is impressive!
I am then escorted by the lounge attendant to my suite located 3 floors down.
Suite
My suite, 1619, was located on the 16th floor of the property, near the bank of elevators giving access to the rooms.
The spacious entrance hall leads through a small vestibule to the suite’s lounge.
The entrance to this lounge, on the right, has a desk and space for the minibar (not well-stocked) and espresso machine and kettle.
Then there’s the lounge area itself, with a comfortable sofa facing a TV, and a coffee table stocked with a welcome amenity, which incidentally comes complete with a bottle of what I thought was champagne… Which turns out to be a very good cold bubble tea!
The sleeping area is separated from the lounge by sliding panels: the king-size bed occupies the whole room and also faces a TV.
Strangely enough, there’s no bedside cabinet around the bed, with all connectivity positioned on the headboard.
The bed will be a little firm, however.
The bathroom contains a large dressing room, a bathtub, a toilet strangely not separated by a door, a large shower and a toilet basin. The jasmine toiletries are of excellent quality.
Finally, here is a video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel boasts a host of facilities, including a fitness room, spa and heated outdoor pool.
I won’t use any of the facilities, but I will take a quick photo in the rain.
Catering
I would not be able to visit any food and beverage outlets in the hotel due to my short stay. Nevertheless, I’ll use the Club Lounge for a light afternoon tea.
Club Lounge – Afternoon tea service
After checking in and getting settled in the room, I’ll head back to the lounge before taking a little nighttime stroll.
The food is light but very good, and the service is obviously perfect. The place will be surprisingly deserted.
Service
The service at this hotel is truly excellent, a true palace service from end to end.
Departure
Departure formalities are a bit laborious, and the Club Lounge receptionist doesn’t really know how to process my cash, so her colleague comes to help her.
When I arrived, I had booked a transfer to the airport: the lounge flight attendant will escort me to the lobby, where my driver will be waiting with a Mercedes S-Class, and will give me a bag containing a set of toiletries, black coffee and dried mangoes.
Bottom line
An excellent stay with an exceptional level of service.
