Thanks to its convenient location and proximity to the International Convention Center, the Grand Hyatt Taipei is a top pick among business travellers.
That’s not to say, though, that the hotel caters solely to suited-up sojourners with briefcases in tow. Taipei is equally alluring as a leisure destination – and considering that the flight from Hong Kong to Taipei is over before you can catch the end of Life of Pi, you don’t really need an excuse to visit.
Particularly for Hong Kong visitors, Taipei is a breath of fresh air – literally. Wider sidewalks, fewer people and a less dense city layout translate to more room to move about without having to worry if you’re in somebody’s way.
The Grand Hyatt Taipei – built in 1990 but renovated in 2014 – successfully mirrors the wide-openness and relaxed pace of its city surrounds. Suites measure between 645 and 2,379sq.ft and include a spacious living room and separate dining area. Even the standard rooms have a dining table, reflecting the Hyatt team’s desire to create a comfortable space suitable for business meetings or bonding time.
“This is a business-oriented hotel, so if guests don’t feel like eating in front of the TV, they’ll have a proper place to dine,” says Paul Ou, the hotel’s marketing communications manager.
Inside the Grand Executive View Suite – one of the more popular rooms on offer – the marble bathroom is divided into three parts: a toilet and a shower (each behind glass doors) and a bathtub up against the back wall. For those looking to treat themselves to some quality “me time”, the tub is one of the hotel’s best features (not to mention the Salvatore Ferragamo bath products that accompany it). It’s plenty deep to justify the support rail fixed to the floor. Grab hold when you’re ready to lift yourself out of the meditative trance you’ve probably fallen into.
In addition to the TV screen mounted on the bathroom wall, the bedroom and living room each have their own set. Out in the dining area, simpler joys reflect the Hyatt’s attention to detail. The mini bar and fridge are concealed behind sleek wooden cabinets, and some of the pottery pieces on the shelves were hand-picked from local markets.
The most impressive feature, though, is the view – or, more accurately, views. Guests are afforded vistas on three sides, including an unbeatable view of the neighbouring Taipei 101 landmark. The 250 suites which boast a “101 view” are in high demand for New Year’s Eve, during which fireworks are launched from Taiwan’s tallest building.
“During New Year’s Eve, this is one of the first rooms to be booked because every room is a party room,” Ou says.
The hotel has nearly 900 rooms in total, with the plushest offerings being the presidential suites on the 24th and 25th floors. Guests staying in a suite on the 18th floor or higher have access to the Grand Club Lounge, which serves a buffet-style breakfast and evening cocktails.
For other dining options, look no further than the Hyatt’s nine restaurants. One of the best offerings is Yun Jin, a Chinese/Taiwanese fine dining restaurant whose fish dumplings are to die for. Other restaurants inside the hotel offer European, Japanese and Cantonese fare.
While staying at the Grand Hyatt, a trip to Oasis Spa is a must. Located next to the hotel’s 24-hour gym, the spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, including a “caviar ultimate” facial, meridian healing massage and eucalyptus body scrub. We opted for a 90-minute full-body massage, which turned out to be a truly top-notch experience.
Our only complaint was having to take the hotel’s lift up one floor from the changing room to the massage room while stripped down to nothing but a robe. A slightly awkward set-up, but not a deal-breaker.
Those who want to get out of the hotel to do some sightseeing or shopping are in luck. The nearest subway station is a one-minute walk from the hotel, and nearby sites include the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Rainy day? Fret not. The hotel is connected to Taipei 101 via a sky bridge, which in turn links nearly a dozen department stores together.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape from Hong Kong, a launch pad for your weekend adventure or a hotel to meet all of your business travel needs, the Grand Hyatt Taipei is a fine choice for discerning travellers.
For more information and reservations, visit https://taipei.grand.hyatt.com.
Text: Emily Petsko
Images: Grand Hyatt Taipei