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Right across from the Taipei main train station, this former Hilton could use a facelift but is still a solid choice. Traffic along Zhongxiao West Road can be hectic given ongoing construction work. Service is courteous and efficient. The hotel’s Trader’s Grill, located on the second floor, benefits greatly from chef Abu, who is famed for his innovative approach to fusion cooking. The area around the train station quiets down pretty quickly after business hours and there is a dearth of restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity. The hotel is fairly close to Ximending—a popular hangout for high school and college students. While Western business people may find it worth a look, it is unlikely to appeal for lengthy or return visits.
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An older hotel conveniently located near the Taipei Main Train Station, the Cosmos is a bit tired and serves mainly Taiwanese business people visiting from the South. Prices are very reasonable given the location and although the Western food is less than inspired, the Chinese cuisine generally passes muster. Given that the hotel charges only half the prices of the Caesar Park, guests will have sufficient savings to spend at the Caesar Park restaurants if Western food is desired. Service standards are friendly if lacking in professionalism.
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The Far Eastern Plaza Hotel is located in one of two towers between the business and financial district on Dunhua South Road and trendy Anhe Road, with its chic lounge bars and just down the road from the bawdily popular Carnegie’s. Service is excellent and food is top-notch. While its Italian restaurant, Marco Polo, is deservedly famous, try to eat when the executive chef is actually working in the kitchen. The hotel’s basement restaurant, Hollywood Underground, serves simple, tasty meals, but never managed to make it as a bar or disco. Finally, the two rooftop pools are an excellent venue for wiling away the afternoon.
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The Grand Formosa Regent has recently installed two special floors to provide guests with uniquely themed, ultra-comfortable décor and services. While food quality has slipped somewhat over the past few years, it still offers some of Taipei’s best, especially Robin’s Steakhouse on the second floor. Rooms are some of the largest in Taipei and the hotel is conveniently located between two major shopping streets: Zhongshan with its boutiques and Linsen with its watch and jewellery shops. Service is generally excellent and the hotel is popular with Japanese tourists.
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The Grand Hyatt Taipei is located smack bang in the centre of the Taipei World Trade Centre, International Convention Centre, next to the International Trade Building and 101 skyscraper and shopping centre. What the Grand Hyatt lacks in personal charm—its massive, marble interior hints at Grand Central Station—it more than makes up for with efficient, courteous service and some of Taipei’s top dining venues. The Bel Air restaurant is certainly very impressive. Ziga Zaga, an Italian-inspired pizzeria and pasta joint, serves up some excellent cuisine. Though staff really push the bottled water, tap water is available too, though you will have to demand it. After 9.30pm, Ziga Zaga becomes a popular disco with live music.
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