Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A temple of gastronomy, the W Taipei is one of the latest jewels to pop up in the capital of Taiwan. It is an ultra stylish establishment that got our attention for its spa, its comfortable and stylish rooms and its panoramic views of the Taipei 101 tower from its terraces boasting an infinity pool. One of our favourites in Taiwan.
W Taipei - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
W Taipei - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
In the lively commercial and financial district of Xinyi, ideally located for going shopping in the clothing boutiques nearby and experiencing the nightlife in Taiwan's capital. Underground passageways lead directly to shopping centres and the Taipei City Hall metro station. The international airport is 34 miles away and it takes around 60 minutes to reach. The domestic airport is only 15 minutes away by car.
Right away you will notice the panoramic view of Taipei and its surrounding mountains through the large bay window: it's simply breathtaking! Of course, the higher the floor, the better the view. Next, you will be impressed by the design, starting with the red hallway leading to the bedroom (in fact, this striking style starts in the lobby and just continues), and then the mini-bar fridge: with everything placed in plain sight on the desk, you can't help but be tempted... As for the television, it's basically a home cinema with a very large flat-screen LG television, stereo speakers and DVD player, not to mention twenty or so channels. There is no doubt that you will be really comfortable in this 45m² studio, with a mix of parquet and marble flooring topped by a rug, not to mention plenty of stylish mirrors. When it comes time to sleep, choose your pillow from the pillow menu. If your shirts are wrinkled, don't panic, everything you need to iron them is here. Room service is available 24 hours a day of course. There is a charge to use the Wi-Fi Internet access and you can keep your laptop, and other valuables, in a large digital-code safe (which is free to use). The stylish marble bathrooms decorated in shades of orange feature a bathtub, a large tropical and flexible shower, a stylish wash basin, a make-up mirror, a hair-dryer, bathrobes and slippers, sophisticated hospitality products (from the New-York brand Bliss), tissues and a scale. There is a separate toilet with a telephone: for fans of the latest technology, you might be interested to know that the toilet seat lid opens automatically!
This trendy urban hotel from the American group W Hotels (a branch of Starwood), will impress you as soon as you enter the ultra stylish lobby, which brings to mind a dance floor with its disco ball-like ceiling! Have a seat on one of the imposing circular cushions and admire this first room, your initial taste of what is to come on the 31 floors of this glass-covered skyscraper that opened on 14th February, 2011, St. Valentine's Day. Six very stylish lifts (fluorescent neon lights, infinity-style ceiling) that might make you think of a sort of spaceship take you up to the 405 guest rooms of the W Taipei, a futuristic establishment which does not fail to arouse curiosity. The centre of activity is on the 10th floor, as this is where you will find the Olympic-sized infinity pool (1m20 deep and open from 6:00am to 10:00pm), surrounded by a panoramic wooden terrace offering views of the Taipei 101 tower (rising 508m, it is the second tallest in the world) but, unfortunately, also of some cranes and building sites. Towels are placed directly on the wooden deckchairs equipped with mattresses and sheltered by parasols. The ambiance (and even the chairs!) at the lounge bar by the pool, where laidback music is played and the decor includes a fireplace and a plant-covered wall, changes between day and night. The swimming pool-terrace area is also decorated with some basins and various sculptures, including large atom balls reflecting the W Taipei skyscraper.
The food in this hotel is one of its strong points, one may even use the word 'gastronomic', particularly for its à la carte Yen restaurant (on the 31st and top floor) which proposes Chinese specialities prepared by a chef from Hong Kong. With a capacity of 220 guests, it boasts an open kitchen and beautiful panoramic views of the Taipei 101 tower. The Peking duck is particularly famous. The wine cellar offers a large choice of wines from around the world, including a few grands crus. A magnetic card system allows you to taste different wines. A bar adjacent to the restaurant affords superb views. Located near the swimming pool on the 10th floor, the second restaurant, The Kitchen Table, can hold up to 120 diners and offers a buffet with a large variety of dishes (sushi, cooked meats, cheeses, salads, fish, seafood, Indian cuisine, pizza, etc.) and features show cooking. The pastries created by a French chef are a delight.
Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm, the Away spa has all the facilities you would expect to find, including the traditional whirlpool bath, sauna and hammam, all free for guests to use. Not to mention a spacious air-conditioned gym (420m²), accessible 24/7, with a view of the Taipei 101 tower. Treatments and massages, using products from the Australian cosmetics brand Vitamin, are available in three different rooms, including one for couples. Wi-Fi Internet access is free in the lobby but comes at an extra charge in the rooms.
hammam, sauna, spa, wellness, massage, keep fit, beauty salon
aerobics, fitness, sports, gym
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