Tried & Tested

Hotel review: Regent Taipei

29 Sep 2016 by Valerian Ho
Regent Taipei's renovated lobby

BACKGROUND

Regent Taipei was one of the first international luxury hotels in Taipei when it opened in 1990. The hotel underwent a refurbishment of all guestrooms in October last year.

WHERE IS IT?

Located in the city’s commercial Zhongshan district, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the Zhongshan MRT station and a 50-minute drive from Taoyuan International Airport.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The hotel’s luxury status is immediately evident thanks to the logos of Louis Vuitton and Chanel emblazoned on the entrance. Inside the grand lobby, front desks are located on both sides, with more than enough staff to assist guests. As I was staying in a Club room, I was directed to the Tai Pan Lounge on level 19 to check in.

ROOM FACILITIES

The property offers a total of 538 guestrooms, including 60 suites. My revamped Tai Pan Club room was a spacious 45 sqm in size.   

I was amazed to be offered an actual door key to my room – a novelty in the modern age. However, after fumbling with the lock in a dim corridor, I have to say a key card is probably more convenient.

The view from my room was very pleasant, encompassing a park and a great city vista that includes the iconic Taipei 101 tower in the distance.

Regent Taipei Tai Pan Room

An oval glass desk is located next to the TV, with plenty of space for a laptop and work documents, and universal sockets nearby. Four sockets were also located on either side of the firm, comfortable king-size bed.

The new design incorporates a mix of dark wood and neutral tones, creating an intimate, homey atmosphere. By contrast, the bathrooms are very bright with marble walls and floors, a shower stall, large bathtub and Wellspring Spa bath amenities. The room service menu offered an extensive choice. I tried the signature beef noodles, which arrived promptly and were delicious.

LOUNGE

The 24-hour Tai Pan Lounge is located on level 19. It offers a cosy environment thanks to comfortable armchairs and a warm colour scheme, yet still feels spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of seating. It was particularly busy during afternoon tea (2.30-5.30pm), no doubt due to the magnificent spread that ranged from macarons and egg tarts to parma ham and sandwiches. Business-friendly facilities include private computer rooms equipped with Apple desktops, as well as four meeting rooms.

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

The hotel has eight restaurants. Highlights include Mihan Honke, a Japanese restaurant offering traditional cuisine such as shabu shabu (hotpot), robatayaki (barbecue) and yakiniku (char-grilled); Robin’s Grill for prime steak and seafood; and the Silks Club, a fine-dining Shanghainese restaurant exclusively for hotel guests and club members. All-day dining is available at The Brasserie, which provided an incredible choice for the breakfast buffet.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The 888 sqm Ballroom on level 3 can host a reception for up to 1,000 people, while nine function rooms (spread between levels 3, 4 and 19) can cater to events ranging from conferences to cocktail receptions.

A Business Express area on level 5 provides computers with internet access, a printer, copier, fax and a business reference library.

LEISURE FACILITIES

The health club is located in Basement 3 and features a large gym (open 6am-10.30pm), a Jacuzzi and sauna. A heated swimming pool is located on the rooftop. The Wellspring Spa on the top floor is a tranquil sanctuary with an Oriental design, offering a full line of spa treatments. My 30-minute back massage was very relaxing.

The hotel also houses the Regent Galleria shopping arcade, which boasts haute-couture boutiques, including Chanel, Cartier, Christian Dior and Hermes. 

Wellspring Spa at Regent Taipei

VERDICT

Regent Taipei has stood the test of time, and after last year’s refurb is still one of the best hotels in Taipei, blending nostalgia with modern amenities and great F&B choices.

FACTFILE

  • PRICE Internet rates for a Tai Pan Club King room in mid-November start from NT$10,800 (US$344) per night.
  • CONTACT No 3, Ln. 39, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan; tel +886 2 2523 2828; regenttaipei.com
Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls