Mandarin Oriental Taipei, the expert opinion

10/28/2021

The Mandarin Oriental group opened this new address in 2014 which will delight travelers from all over the world with its high quality standards. It is on one of the main arteries of the city's business district, on Dunhua North Road, not exactly in the heart of the bustle nor of all the city's sites of interest - from the Shilin night market to the famous Taipei 101 tower - since it takes a 15-minute cab ride to get there that Mandarin Oriental Taipei opened its doors in a majestic and historic building. We stayed there for 48 hours, here is our review.

Mandarin Oriental Taipei

Taiwan's most luxurious hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Taipei, offers upscale services and gorgeous interiors. Exceptional service, wonderful staff, superb rooms and delicious restaurants. This is the hotel to go to if you want to have a perfect stay in Taipei. Thibault Duret - VISION's CEO

Where is the Mandarin Oriental Taipei Located ?

We are quite surprised by the location of the Mandarin Oriental Taipei. The hotel is located on Dunhua North Road in Songshan district, a busy thoroughfare in the business district. Within walking distance (or a five-minute cab ride) from Songshan International Airport – the smaller of Taipei’s airports, with regional services to China, Japan and South Korea, or a 40-minute drive to the larger Taoyuan International Airport. However, the hotel is off the beaten path from the lively tourist sites of Taipei city. Its location is ideal for businessmen, but not so much for tourists who will have to take a cab or the subway to reach the places of interest.

What can guests expect from the hotel decor ?

This is a truly beautiful hotel. The Mandarin Oriental Taipei is inspired by classic European architecture. In the lobby you will find a huge and glittering 4 meter high chandelier made of 50,000 crystal beads and amber fragments. The common areas are tastefully decorated with touches of hand-forged steel, bronze and vintage verdigris, the finish is perfect and the attention to detail exceptional. Art lovers also won't want to miss the more than 1,700 works of art that dot the property...

What are the rooms like ?

Walking into a Mandarin Oriental room is like opening a Christmas gift as a five year old. The hotel offers 256 guestrooms and 47 suites, starting at a very generous 55sqm – the most spacious in Taipei. All rooms feature marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, Illy coffee machines and every expected technological amenity. Decorative details abound here too – look out for floral reliefs laced with peonies (a symbol of good fortune) and nature-themed artworks. Suite guests have access to the Oriental Club Lounge on the sixth floor – a smart, spacious area with an adjoining outdoor terrace featuring a fountain. Breakfast (served until 10.30am or 11am on weekends) was an extensive affair, with a large buffet spread offering everything from stir fried noodles, dim sum and spring rolls to waffles, pastries and a honeycomb station, plus an a la carte menu of breakfast options such as eggs Benedict. Loose leaf tea was served in elegant chinaware. Champagne and cocktails are available from 5.30pm-7.30pm with light refreshments throughout the day. Other facilities include private meeting rooms, shoe shine service and garment pressing.

What services are offered by the hotel ?

First and foremost, and long before the infrastructure as a whole, we want to highlight the excellent service that meets your every need. This is a real asset that we find increasingly difficult to find in Europe. The facilities are also impressive: there is a full spa on two floors, a 20-meter outdoor pool and, for suite guests, a private lounge where you can enjoy complimentary cocktails and canapés or, at breakfast, unlimited glasses of Ruinart. You will also find a fitness area, open 24 hours a day, is equipped with TechnoGym and Kinesis technology, with the possibility of having coaches. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and Aerobics classes are also available upon request.

How is the food and drink ?

Taipei is one of Asia's top dining destinations, and Mandarin Oriental has intentionally raised its culinary standards. The hotel offers six F&B venues. The all-day breakfast buffet is excellent, while the Italian restaurant Bencotto offers an upscale take on traditional trattoria-style dishes. The Ya Ge restaurant is a showcase for authentic Cantonese dishes. A friendly setting awaits at the classically styled M.O. Bar and Jade Lounge, where afternoon tea is replaced by champagne and oysters in the evening.

Is the Mandarin Oriental Taipei good value for money?

Although relatively expensive compared to the average of other luxury hotels in Taipei, those looking for high infrastructure and service quality will get their money's worth. The only downside is the extra charge for wifi.