Our choice was narrowed down to the Regent, Landis and the Sherwood. EW and I discussed what we really wanted. We had been dreaming for nearly ten years to go to Taipei and stay at a Leading Hotel of the World. My favorite had always been the Landis. It has left Leading Hotels of the World, though, and changed to Preferred. That wasn't the reason, why we haven't taken it. After gathering all data, we came to the conclusion, that the Landis wasn't the real deal and it was better to choose the Sherwood. We weren't disappointed.
When we arrived with the taxi at the Sherwood Hotel the bell captain opened the door for us and provided a warm welcome. Our luggage was taken care of, and we were directed to the reception. Our room type was confirmed. We were handed a real key and a letter from the club lounge concierge, detailing our benefits. It was a pleasant surprise. We had booked a Junior Suite and it doesn't say anything on the web page, that club lounge access is included.
The bell captain took us to our room and explained the amenities. The room was large with a living room, bed room and a bath room. The living room had a sitting area and a writing desk, the furniture was kept in white, brown and beige. There were two LCD Flat Screen TVs, one in the living room, one in the bed room. Each room had an individual controllable air condition unit. It wasn't very warm, so we switched it on, but instead of warm air it blasted only cold air. Turning it off made the suite warmer. Still it wasn't ideal.
There was a large wardrobe with not so much storage space provided in the hall way, leading to either the living room or bath room. The bath room is accessible through the bed room or the hall way. There is a sink, separate bath tub and shower, a weighing scale and Bulgari amenities.
Guests can buy stuff like bathrobes, bath room amenities or towels through house keeping. In room dining is 24 hours a day available.
The bed room had a large king sized bed and a cupboard with more storage space, a chair, and a safe. Turn down delivers free water every evening. Unless the guest hangs out a sign he/she doesn't want to be disturbed. Even being located on the higher floors I could hear still some street noise. It didn't disturb me, but other people could have problems sleeping, if sensible to noise.
TV channels are international and regional. Some regional channels show American TV series in English with the local language in subtitles.
The hotels intention is that all rooms should make you feel like you are in a Californian beach resort. I must say, the atmosphere was so mellow we could relax without problems.
Internet was included in our rate.
We only used in room dining. The quality of the food was very good. I had mostly local/Chinese dishes, for example Taiwanese fried rice or Dim Sum and a traditional Taiwanese beef soup. The staff assumes everyone can use chop sticks. Unfortunately I've never learned it, not even during this holiday. Sometimes it was a struggle and a little bit messy eating. I could have requested cutlery, but forgot and then didn't want to wait until it was delivered and somehow I always managed.
Of course the hotel also has restaurants. There is B1 for buffets, including breakfast, Toscana, as the name implies, Italian, Yi Yuan serves Chinese and Kouma Sushi. There is also Henry's bar.
The club lounge is on the 5th floor and serves refreshments through out the day. When we arrived in the evening, there was a selection of soft drinks, beer, tea and coffee, sandwiches, nuts and cookies available. The lounge feels very much British with big arm chairs and sofas. Reading material is restricted to business magazines only.
The lobby of the hotel is medium in size, but lavishly decorated in classic style. When entering one can't ignore the large tapestry. It shows a hunting scene. To the left are a restaurant and a stair case leading up to Yi Yuan or down stairs to B1.
On the right are the concierge desk and reception as well as the elevators.
The hotel offers also a spa.
We used the concierge to organize our transportation to the airport for 2300 NTD (ca 60 Euro or 85 USD) and bought pineapple cakes, very delicious.
The Sherwood is located at the business district and there are loads of international banks in the vicinity.
Outside the hotel is a Henry Moore statue, worth millions of dollars. The hotel is Taiwanese owned, and we can tell only good things about the staff and property.
The door man calls a taxi for you if you require it and hands you a business card of the hotel. The address is printed in Chinese and English, so that the next taxi driver can get you back, just in case he shouldn't understand English or doesn't know where the hotel is located.
Look out what we did in Taipei.
©2011
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