Arrival/Check-In: The Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is probably one of my favorite properties and in itself is a destination. The hotel is located about 40 minutes from Taoyuan International Airport via taxi and about 10 minutes from the city center, where Taipei 101 stands. I have been coming to Taipei my entire career, and the city has changed dramatically. This property is a reflection of the “beautification” of Taipei City.
We arrived and were greeted by the bellhop, who opened our taxi doors and took our luggage. From here we were swiftly taken to reception and then whisked to our room, where we were checked in. My colleague was on the floor above in a similar suite, and I can only say they were spectacular.
Guest Quarters: I was in suite 1227, and from the moment I walked in I felt I must be in one of the most beautiful suites in all of Taipei: tastefully decorated with magnificent chandlers in every room. The door opened to a small hallway and a nifty little butler pantry where I was able to leave my shoes to be shined and clothing to be cleaned and pressed. Butlers access this pantry from outside the room, which adds to a guest’s privacy.
The living area comprised a rather lavish bar (complete with a coffee and tea maker) on the right followed by a dining area with a small, round, marble-topped table. A nice touch at the bar was a full ice bucket at the ready. On the left sat a sofa, chairs and a coffee table which held a chocolate-sculpted room amenity; it looked like a museum piece but tasted delicious. Bookshelves lined the left wall, and I reviewed some volumes while enjoying a welcome libation.
Through a set of double doors, the beautiful bedroom featured a king-sized bed and a bathroom to die for. Heated floors in the bathroom added the finishing touch to getting everything right, and then some. Views from my room overlooked the front of the property, where a Ferrari car show was taking place. A large dressing room was located at the back and to the left of the bedroom.
Services/Amenities: There is no lack of eateries at the Mandarin, and club guests can partake of the Mandarin Lounge for a complete breakfast and happy hour cocktails at the end of the day. The duck liver pâté was a delicious appetizer with evening drinks. Please stop at the M.O. Bar, where the knowledgeable mixologists provide wonderful entertainment; the staff offered me a taste of Taiwan scotches! Bencotte offers Italian cuisine, and Ya Ge answers your cravings for classic Chinese. Café Un Deux Trois offers contemporary cuisine, and The Jade Lounge serves the city’s best high tea. A host of other restaurants are connected to the hotel and offer many dining options, including a lovely bakery where we purchased a client gift for a meeting.
As we were busy with meetings, we were unable to do everything and must return for the spa. The Mandarin is the place for elaborate Taiwanese weddings, with two ballrooms, one that can seat 1,200 and a smaller one for up to 600.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ Honestly, I wish I were not visiting on business!
◆ The hotel has lovely green pens, which I complimented at checkout. The staff offered me several to take home, and in exchange, I offered a Global Traveler pen as a sign of friendship.
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
158 Dunhua North Road
Taipei 10548
Taiwan
tel 886 2 2715 6888
mandarinoriental.com
Read This Next
Wine Tasting in the Finger Lakes
August 2017
Aug 1, 2017All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2025
Mar 15, 2025Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.
Airlines
Mar 14, 2025Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan
All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary
Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.
Thiou Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 12, 2025eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia
India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels
SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.
ShareThis