Set in the heart of Taipei, in the Xinyi district and not far from the Taipei 101 tower, the W Taipei is a sexy, modern luxury hotel that caters to affluent business and leisure travelers. While some chain hotels default to a generic style that feels like it could exist anywhere, the W Taipei retains its signature W Hotel style without feeling completely out of place in the bustling Taiwan capital.
With 405 rooms, the W Taipei is no boutique hotel; from the grand entrance to the high-ceiling lobby, arriving here feels like an event. In the main entrance, purple ambient light reflects from the polished floors to the silver-accented ceilings and stylish black-clad staff mill about, checking guests in and out.
There’s a ground-floor bar dotted with the kind of large circular leather banquettes that models seem to drape effortlessly over (while us normal people always looked awkward sitting upon), though during the day it’s so quiet as to be a peaceful place to relax. I actually found myself a bit worried up arrival–I feared I looked out of place and tragically un-hip–but if that was the case, the staff never made me feel that way.
The pool is equally Zen, with a line of white chaise lounges and striped umbrellas flanking each side, and a gorgeous view of the surrounding skyline. On the day of my stay, it was empty accept for a family and one couple soaking up the sun.
Rooms are swanky and uber-stylish as well–but not to detriment of comfort or function. I found my bed fabulously soft and the hotel’s signature orange color scheme (orange rugs, chairs, doors, and accent furniture) surprisingly soothing. Most rooms include full length tri-fold mirrors and two-way-open closets so there’s plenty of storage space, 42” flat screen LCD TV, additional seating like a chaise lounge, a fully-stocked mini bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows (and in some, floor-to-ceiling views of the Taipei 101 tower). Corner rooms and suites have additional living space.
In the W’s typical playful style, there’s a “mixologist laboratory” with glasses for in-room cocktails with style, and in nod to the hotel’s location, each room features a sculpture of an animal on the Chinese zodiac.
In addition to the pool and lobby bar, there’s a signature AWAY® spa, Fit gym, and five drinking and dining spaces. YEN Chinese offers fine dining with a city view; upscale Chinese dishes get a gastronomic twist, such as the dessert “mushrooms” which look like their namesake, but are in fact delightfully sweet, light buns dusted in cocoa powder. Other menu standouts include mushroom and black truffle dumplings, hot and sour seafood soup, and crispy Peking duck.
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The W Taipei stays true to the W brand, but fits in flawlessly in the local cityscape. With comfortable rooms, great restaurants, a relaxing pool and spa, an excellent location, and sophisticated style, it’s a great option in Taiwan’s capital city.
If you go: Room rates start at around $270 per night. Compare rates at Hotels.com or other booking sites.
I was a guest of the W Taipei but all opinions are my own.
