Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Howard Plaza Kaohsiung

31 Aug 2008 by business traveller

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This hotel won’t win any awards for architecture or cutting-edge interior design, but with the pleasant staff, plush furnishings and a generally laid-back atmosphere, it’s a relaxing place to stay.

The main interior theme is the ubiquitous Western-influenced 20th-century Chinese style that has its roots in 1930s Shanghai and can be seen all over Asia. There are muted classical Chinese accents on furniture, and matching paintings and ceramics throughout the hotel.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Kaohsiung’s clean and efficient subway. It’s also adjacent to one of the city’s vibrant night markets. The downtown area is about 10 minutes away by taxi.

HOW MANY ROOMS? Occupying most of a 30-storey tower, the property has 328 rooms and suites.

ROOM FACILITIES: Guestroom furnishings are sensible rather than flashy. Beds are firm, with down pillows. Thoughtful touches in the room include an electrical socket that can accept plug formats from any country as long as the device you’re connecting works with Taiwan’s 110-volt supply.

RESTAURANTS: European and Chinese, including Cantonese are offered. Moderation is advised for some of the delicious but rather oil-rich dim sum dishes.

BAR: There’s a cosy pub on the lobby level serving drinks and light meals.

BUSINESS FACILITIES: Executive floors have Wi-Fi throughout. Some room packages include free internet access. If not, Wi-Fi access is charged at a reasonable flat rate of NT$200 (about US$6) per day. Some suites are also available with a PC.

The well-equipped business centre is on the 29th floor. The helpful staff showed initiative in solving a couple of simple requests we tried. Meeting and conference rooms have space for up to 90 people.

LEISURE FACILITIES: On weekdays, the small outdoor pool is closed for three or four hours around midday. There’s also a small gym with modern equipment.

PRICE: Internet room rates start from US$100 for a Standard single.

VERDICT: Some staff speak English well, but many will have trouble understanding unless you speak clearly and simply. Kaohsiung locals are friendly and this admirable local character is obvious in the hotel team – although we did encounter one F&B server who clearly wasn’t in the right frame of mind for work that day. Cleaning staff can be noisy if they happen to be near your room.

CONTACT: 311 Chi-hsien Road, Kaoshiung, Taiwan, tel 886 7 236 2323, http://kaohsiung.howard-hotels.com

Simon Burns

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