RELAXING GETAWAY
Complete with secret passages, centuries-old stone lions and a mystery garden, the Grand Hotel remains of Taiwan’s most illustrious hotels.
Dating back to the 1950s, this grandiose hotel is a sight to behold with its striking vermillion columns, gilded tiles and exquisite rooftop. Long before construction began on Taipei 101, the 14-floor Grand Hotel was Taiwan’s tallest building. In the 60’s it was regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world; its threshold crossed by royalty and world leaders alike. The hotel even installed a secret tunnel so that foreign dignitaries could escape in the event of an attack or natural disaster.
QUIET OASIS
Although it has 500 guestrooms, the Grand Hotel still manages to feel like a quiet oasis in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes from Shilin Night Market. Its four restaurants serve classical Chinese cuisine as well as western and Japanese delicacies, all in elegant dining rooms or grand banquet hall settings. With its plum blossom-shaped caisson ceiling, the impressive lobby is a popular spot for afternoon tea.
GRAND HOTEL TAIPEI, TAIWAN
At a glance
- Taipei’s grandest hotel with an enviable location overlooking the Keelung River
- Originally built in 1952, with striking, classical Chinese architecture
- Nestled against Yangmingshan National Park
- Fabulous views over the flowing river and sprawling city
- 500 guestrooms ranging from comfortable Economy Rooms to vast Prestige Horizon and Prestige Corner Suites
- Choice of four superb gourmet restaurants offering a fusion of Chinese and international cuisines
For leisure and pleasure
- Within easy reach of Shilin Night Market, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the National Palace Museum
- Live music and performances in the lobby
- Fabulous afternoon tea
- 112m long ‘Mystery Garden’ filled with beautiful Taiwan cherry, French hydrangea and Japanese camellia flowers
- Olympic-size swimming pool and children’s pool
- Tennis court, table tennis area and aerobics classroom
- Sauna and steam room
- Well-appointed gym
The destinations were fabulous, but what really stood out was the care and patience Tania showed as she guided me and my sister through every question and hesitation. Nothing felt rushed or too much trouble. The result? A truly wonderful holiday. Thank you.
A hugely enjoyable nine-day trip, expertly organised from start to finish. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and do, with excellent guides, drivers and seamless logistics throughout. The documentation was clear and helpful, and the London office was consistently responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.
