Arrival/Check-In: The newly opened Mandarin Oriental is situated in the heart of the city. My midday flight and light road traffic meant I arrived from Taoyuan International Airport in just under 40 minutes. Set back on quiet, tree-lined streets, the hotel’s exterior is understated, but valets greeted me immediately in the large circular drive. Inside the lobby of white and black marble beneath a striking chandelier, it was clear this would be a memorable stay. There was no wait at the reception desk located in a spacious room to the left; I was offered tea and a warm towel while checking in. I was then directed to the guests-only bank of elevators and taken up to the fourth floor.
Guest Quarters: My deluxe room ranked among the finest guestrooms I’ve experienced. An entryway of dark wood paneling and light wood floors established a refined tone. The powder room was the first door along the hall — it blended so seamlessly into the soft-peach walls that it took a moment to spot. Further along, the bathroom on the left drew my attention: a gray-and-cream marble single-sink counter provided ample space for personal items alongside elegant Diptyque amenities. A crystal chandelier and bulbs framing the gold-framed mirror created abundant, flattering light. The bathroom included a stand-alone shower and a large spa tub with an open view into the bedroom, adding a luxurious, airy feel. Opposite, a generous walk-in wardrobe offered plenty of storage and a dressing area with a makeup table, additional mirrors and dedicated lighting—very practical for those who prefer to prepare in private.
In the main bedroom, an impressive chandelier provided elegant illumination while floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the courtyard gardens, flooding the room with natural light. A green chaise longue and club chair positioned by the windows made a restful spot for reading or relaxing. Deluxe 480-thread-count white satin linens dressed the king-sized bed and delivered an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep. Along the far wall, a 46-inch LCD television sat on a marble shelf that ran the room’s length and connected to a large marble desk with extra electrical outlets and converters—useful for work or charging devices.
Services/Amenities: The hotel provides a broad selection of services designed to make stays efficient and special. The property is expansive and at times feels like a small maze, but it houses six distinct dining venues suited to different occasions. The Jade Lounge is quickly earning a reputation as a destination for afternoon tea in Taipei, while Café Un Deux Trois offers French cuisine in an elegant setting with its own display of freshly made pastries.
For an evening drink, the M.O. Bar is a welcoming spot; the knowledgeable staff craft unique cocktails and provide attentive service. The Oriental Club on the sixth floor caters to club-level guests, offering an environment that suits both business and leisure travelers. During my stay the concierge kept me informed about my car service while I enjoyed an exceptional breakfast. Club members also benefit from complimentary garment pressing and WiFi access in guestrooms and in the lounge.
The Experience: Although the Mandarin Oriental is less than a year old, it manages to feel both fresh and elegantly timeless—an Old World refinement that enhances Taipei’s hospitality scene. The fitness center is state-of-the-art, and the restaurants are popular with locals and visitors alike. With its convenient location near the city center, attentive staff and refined Asian charm, this hotel is a standout option in Taipei. I’m already looking forward to returning.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
Turn-down service
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
158 Dunhua N. Road
Taipei 10548, Taiwan
tel 886 2 2715 6888
mandarinoriental.com