The Best Hotels in Taipei

The global hotel brand synonymous with glitz doesn’t disappoint. In the middle of the Xinyi central business district, adjacent to the iconic Taipei 101, this playful hotel is housed in a gleaming skyscraper dotted with dazzling neon lights. Wood-lined Wonderful rooms have mountain views and inside terraces. Savour modern Cantonese fare at YEN before well-shaken cocktails with a view at the hip YEN Bar, perched on the 31st floor.

If you love contemporary architecture, you’ll love the designs by acclaimed Taipei-born architect Ray Chen at this hotel where trendy wood and iron elements dominate. Despite its location in the bustling Dunbei business district, it never feels noisy or claustrophobic thanks to minimal yet colourful interiors and well-considered spaces. Be sure to try the small plates and cocktails at the on-site 333 Restaurant & Bar, which has the look and feel of a Moroccan kasbah (fortress).

This sprawling 688-room hotel is such a mainstay in the capital city that locals often use it as a landmark for meeting up and celebrating special occasions. While it’s over 30 years old, the hotel features newly refurbished guest rooms decked out with all the mod-cons you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including soft lighting. Book the roomy Diplomatic Suite for a separate lounge space. Hungry? Sample all seven places to eat, including the Szechwan and Yang Zhou cuisine.

Art aficionados, you’ll want to stay at this swanky establishment, with its eclectic, expansive collection of paintings and sculptures from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and ​​Gao Xiao Wu. Even the hotel’s interiors appear to be works of art, with outsized chandeliers and opulent velvet furnishings dressing up the space. Entry-level rooms still wow with polished wood floors and glamorous mirrors. Throw in the hotel’s 24-hour butler service, and the royal treatment is guaranteed.

This five-star offers all the trappings of a luxury hotel, from spacious rooms with plush furnishings – book the balcony deluxe for a foliage-filled decked patio – as well as top-notch dining options. Feast on Cantonese and Taiwanese classics at My Humble House before heading to Latitude 25 for creative cocktails. If you want to keep up your daily workout, there’s a fully-equipped fitness club and an indoor heated pool.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, you’ll love this discreet and intimate bolthole tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of the Chung Hsiao and Dunhua shopping and entertainment districts. The rooms are decked out with a soothing palette of earthy colours, with wooden accents that add to its subtle charm. All room bookings come with a hearty breakfast and freshly ground coffee to perk you up at all times of the day.

Bringing together a variety of cultures in one space, this glass-fronted tower blends Neoclassical European architectural elements with contemporary Asian art pieces. As you wander the space of this modish hotel, you’ll feel like you’re strolling through an art museum. Places to eat include the exquisite Le Palais, a three-Michelin-star Chinese fine dining establishment, a Western grill restaurant and an Italian trattoria. A seven-minute walk from Taiwan High Speed Rail Station means exploring further than the city centre.

Live in the lap of luxury at this upscale urban retreat topped by a rooftop pool with city views. Elegant camphor wood furnishings and private balconies are par for the course. With eight restaurants, including a Western-style teppanyaki restaurant, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food options. Shopaholics will also get their fix at the Regent Galleria, better known as the Home of Fashion, where international labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès have set up shop.

Take a break from downtown Taipei and escape to Beitou, a mountainous district known for its natural hot springs and lush greenery. This adults-only hotel features beautifully furnished Japanese and European-style suites bathed in natural light with futons and intricately laid-out gardens. Choose a hot spring room or to take a dip in the public hot spring, but for next-level relaxation, book yourself into the SPA at Villa 32, which marries Asian healing techniques with classic European aromatherapy.

While it boasts the country’s largest hotel spa, this palatial hotel housed in a French Renaissance-style mansion has other show-stopping features. Step into the lobby to worship the stunning chandelier centrepiece occupying practically half the ceiling. Rooms are equally impressive, decorated with contemporary, nature-themed artwork and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Splash about in the mosaic-tiled outdoor pool before picking modern Italian gastronomy at Bencotto or classic Chinese cuisine at Ya-Ge.