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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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An older hotel well past its prime, the Taipei Fortuna offers some of Taipei’s most reasonable prices given its location on Zhongshan North Road. Service is generally friendly if not always competent or efficient. Food quality is nothing to crow about from a gourmet’s point of view, but is solid and well prepared. Across Zhongshan North Road lies Shuangcheng Street, the city’s former redlight district, which is also well past its prime. That said, the “combat zone” offers a bit of character, albeit somewhat seedy and down-in-the-mouth.
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An older hotel that offers great value for money, the Leofoo is centrally located in Taipei’s former business district, and is right off important streets like Nanjing and Songjiang. Service is adequate. The Western restaurant is uninspired but the Chinese restaurant used to be one of the top dim sum places in town.
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