Surrounded by lush mountains and hot springs, Taipei is a bustling, modern city. While many think of China when they think Taiwan, the country is a very different travel experience to mainland China. Taiwan is unique thanks to its mix of cultural influences from other countries including Japan, America and, of course, China.
We enjoyed a weekend break at the recently renovated Grand Hyatt Taipei, a fantastic base from which to get a taste of the city’s rich culture and history and modern day urban attractions.
Room for two
After benefiting from a US 100 million-dollar renovation, the Grand Hyatt Taipei holds the distinction of being both the oldest and the newest luxury hotel in this flourishing metropolis. All the of the guest rooms have been re-imagined and boast the perfect combination of East and West design influences. Understated, modern and luxurious, the guest rooms are equipped with the latest communication technology. Choose a Club Room for access to the hotel’s slick Club Lounge which is the perfect place to relax with a glass of bubbly and canapés after a big day of sightseeing.
Venturing out
Taiwan boasts the most exciting street food scene in Asia with around 20 streets dedicated to food stalls in Taipei alone! Taipei’s Shilin Night Market is a popular tourist stop, but for a more local experience, head to Ningxia Night Market. Beyond the affordable food stands, be sure to visit one of the many CoCo or bubble tea shops, try a spicy hotpot, and visit the original and now famous Din Tai Fung for soup dumplings. For an easy and unique half-day trip that is doable on a 48 hour stopover in Taipei, take the MRT – regularly voted one of the best in the world, clean and easy to navigate – to the beautiful spa region of Beitou, around 40 minutes from the city. Places of interest in the city include the National Palace Museum, the Confucius Temple and the Peace Memorial Park.
Couples will love
The location is second to none. Just across from the Grand Hyatt Taipei is the famous Taipei 101– the world’s tallest structure before the Burj Khalifa in Dubai took that mantle and it’s a must see. Here you will also find an MRT station connecting you to almost anywhere you wish to go in Taipei and beyond.
Discover more at the Grand Hyatt Taipei’s website.