When approaching, we could see the Taipei 101 and the Grand Hyatt. Both are hard to overlook. The limousine transfer cost 2500 Taiwanese New Dollar (TND) or 61 Euro/88 USD in a Mercedes S-Class.
The Grand Hyatt is a massive complex with direct connection to the World Trade Center and the Taipei 101.
When entering, the lobby is a huge space with a fountain in the center and waterfalls to the sides. Numerous photographs were taken of the Roman inspired fountain. It's really romantic and the heart of the lobby. Materials used are loads of marble and gold. The hotel is over thirty years old and was there before the Taipei 101.
The hotel has a number of restaurants and bars Pearl Lian and Shanghai Court for modern and traditional Chinese Cuisine, Irodori, Japanese, Bel Air Bar and Grill for steaks and seafood, Ziga Zaga, Italian, Cafe for Asian and Western dishes, Cheers, the pool bar, Cha and Lobby Lounge, a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool on a roof top, allowing great views over the city with loungers and sun umbrellas. The fitness center was also interesting, because it wasn't one room, but numerous rooms containing different equipment.
Our own bed room was large with views over the World Trade Center and City Hall Park. It was kept mostly in brown and beige and very comfortable. There were two chairs at the writing desk. It had a large flat screen TV with international and local channels. Of course a safe was also available and the mini bar stocked with a wide range including an American soda that was too sweet to our taste. In room dining is available twenty four hours. I had my best ever chili con carne there. It was delicately flavored and served with different condiments. The spiciness of the dish could be regulated by adding onions, tomato ketchup or sour cream. The light could be regulated at a panel placed on the night table. We had in room breakfast as well. The pancakes were very satisfying and set us up for the rest of the day.
The bath room was medium in size, fully marbled and had Hyatt's own branded amenities. There we found a bathtub and a separate shower stall in comfortable surroundings.
When we stayed at the hotel a lot of meetings and conventions were going on.
The hotels restaurants and bars are located on the ground floor and first floor, together with the meeting rooms.
On the ground floor is also a gift shop.
Overall we liked the hotel very much. Everything was in working order and even if it has a lot of rooms the orientation is very easy and the staff is attentive, efficient and friendly. English is well spoken. Only once we had an amusing episode with the cleaning lady. We were just returning from exploring the hotel, when she was already in our bed room and cleaning. My fiancé told her, she could take her time, because we were going out again in five minutes. It seemed she did misunderstand us, working faster the more time passed and instead of us she was gone in five minutes. At the time it was slightly embarrassing for us, but now we can chuckle about it. A memory we won't forget so fast.
As mentioned the food is excellent and covers all needs for international travelers. The comfort of the room and bath room made it a heaven to relax after a busy day.
The location of the hotel is ideal for exploring Xinyi district.
After two nights at the hotel, we had booked the limousine back to the airport. It arrived on time and was charged to our room both ways. We arrived early. Traffic wasn't an issue. Please read the review of our flight with Cathay Pacific. We flew to Seoul Incheon International Airport to start the last part of our holiday, exploring more of South Korea. Please look out for the next part what we did in Taipei during our second visit.
©2011
No comments:
Post a Comment