Arrival/Check-In: The Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is among my favorite hotels and feels like a destination in its own right. It sits roughly 40 minutes from Taoyuan International Airport by taxi and about 10 minutes from the city center and Taipei 101. I have visited Taipei throughout my career and the city has evolved significantly; this property reflects the polished transformation of the city.
We were welcomed by a bellhop who opened our taxi doors and handled our luggage. Check-in at reception was efficient, and we were promptly escorted to our suite, where a quick in-room check-in was completed. My colleague stayed on the floor above in a similar suite, and both rooms were outstanding.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in suite 1227. From the moment I entered, it felt like one of the most elegant suites I’ve experienced in Taipei: tasteful décor, impressive chandeliers and a refined sense of design. The entry led to a short hallway and a discreet butler pantry, useful for shoe shining and clothing care. The butler has access to this pantry from outside the suite, which preserves guest privacy.
The living area featured an upscale bar with coffee and tea facilities and a small dining area with a round marble-topped table. A ready ice bucket at the bar was a thoughtful touch. Opposite the bar was a comfortable seating area with sofa and chairs; the coffee table displayed a chocolate-sculpted welcome amenity that looked like a museum piece and was delicious. Bookshelves lined the wall, and I enjoyed a welcome drink while browsing a few volumes.
Double doors opened onto a lovely bedroom with a king-sized bed and an exceptional bathroom—heated bathroom floors added a luxurious finishing touch. My suite overlooked the front of the hotel, where a Ferrari car show was taking place during my stay. A spacious dressing room was located off the bedroom.
Services/Amenities: Dining options at the Mandarin Oriental, Taipei are plentiful. Club-level guests can use the Mandarin Lounge for a full breakfast and evening cocktails. The duck liver pâté served with evening drinks was a standout starter. The M.O. Bar is worth a visit for its entertaining and knowledgeable mixologists; during my stay I sampled Taiwanese single malts. Bencotto serves Italian dishes, Ya Ge offers traditional Chinese cuisine, Café Un Deux Trois presents contemporary plates, and The Jade Lounge is known for its refined high tea service. Several other connected restaurants and a bakery provide additional dining choices and convenient options for gifts.
Our schedule was busy with meetings, so the spa visit will have to wait for another trip. The hotel is also well suited for grand Taiwanese weddings, featuring two ballrooms—one accommodating up to 1,200 guests and a smaller one for around 600.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ I truly wished this visit had been for leisure rather than business.
◆ Small details stand out here: I admired the hotel’s elegant green pens at checkout. The staff kindly offered several for me to take, and I reciprocated with a pen from Global Traveler as a friendly gesture.
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
158 Dunhua North Road
Taipei 10548
Taiwan
tel 886 2 2715 6888
mandarinoriental.com