Arrival/Check-In: The newly opened Mandarin Oriental is located in the heart of the city. My flight arrived midday and, with little road traffic, I reached the hotel from Taoyuan International Airport in just under 40 minutes. Surrounded by quiet, tree-lined streets, the hotel appears unassuming from the curb, but valets immediately greeted me as I arrived in the large circular drive. Walking into the lobby of white and black marble beneath a beautiful chandelier, I knew I was in for a treat. There was no wait at the reception desk located in a large room off to the left, and I received tea and a warm cloth while checking in. I was then directed to the guests-only bank of elevators and set off to the fourth floor.

Guest Quarters: My deluxe room was one of the nicest guestrooms I have ever stayed in. An entryway with dark wood paneling and light wood floors set a sophisticated atmosphere. The powder room was the first door in the hallway — the door blended so seamlessly into the peach-colored walls, it took a minute to find it! Walking down the hall, my attention was first drawn to the bathroom on the left. The gray and cream marble single-sink counter left plenty of room for personal items alongside the Diptyque amenities. A crystal chandelier and bulbs surrounding the gold-framed mirror provided an abundance of light. The bathroom also featured a stand-alone shower and a large spa tub with an open view into the bedroom. On the other side of the hall, a large walk-in wardrobe offered plenty of space for clothes and room to dress, as well as a makeup table with extra mirrors and lighting, excellent for women.

In the main bedroom area, an impressive chandelier provided elegant lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the courtyard gardens offered great views and natural light. A green chaise longue and club chair sat in front of the windows, perfect for lounging or reading the newspaper. Deluxe 480-count white satin linens covered the king-sized bed and offered a wonderful sleep. On the opposite side of the room, a 46-inch LCD television sat on a marble shelf that ran the length of the room, connecting to a large marble desk with extra electrical outlets and converters.

Services/Amenities: The hotel offers a wide array of services to make your stay efficient and special. The property is large and a bit of a maze, but it boasts six dining experiences for every occasion. The Jade Lounge is quickly becoming the place for afternoon tea in Taipei, and Café Un Deux Trois serves French food in a unique and elegant setting with its own French pastries on display.

If you’re up for a nightcap, I suggest the M.O. Bar. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to serve unique crafted cocktails to guests. The Oriental Club on the sixth floor offers club-level guests an environment friendly for the business and leisure traveler alike. The concierge kept me up to date on my car service while I ate an amazing breakfast. Club members also receive free garment pressing and complimentary WiFi in guestrooms and in the lounge.

The Experience: As the Mandarin Oriental is just under a year old, everything is fresh yet holds an Old World elegance that I believe the city of Taipei has been missing. The fitness center is state of the art, and the restaurants are all the rage. With its close proximity to the city center, amazing staff and Asian charm, it’s a must-stay in Taipei. I am already looking forward to my next trip!

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

158 Dunhua N. Road
Taipei 10548, Taiwan
tel 886 2 2715 6888
mandarinoriental.com