In the interest of transparency, I state at the outset that this review has never been published before, but is from October 2013. It is part of my Star Alliance Business Class Adventure in Europe and Asia report. I outline in that post why I post older flight and hotel reviews.
Arriving very late from Amsterdam, we checked-in and crashed for the night. We would be in Asia for the next week and a half and adjusting to the time difference (six hours ahead of Europe) was essential. Thankfully with a cool evening rain outside and crisp, cool linens, we fell asleep quickly.
The hotel is quite beautiful, with a spacious lobby fountains, trees, and massive floral arrangements. It definitely felt like the Grand Hyatt brand.
Grand Hyatt Taipei Guest Room
Our large room contained two twin beds. Slippers were waiting beside the bed and a note adjacent to a plate of apples welcomed me to the hotel. We used the wireless internet (it was fast) and did not use the minibar (it was expensive). The shower and bathtub were separated, but the entire bathroom was contained in a single room.
Grand Hyatt Taipei Grand Club
We slept in, but had breakfast in the Grand Club just before 10am. The Grand Club is beautiful, service is great, and the breakfast spread far better than many hotel restaurant buffets.
We returned that evening for a snack and ended up having dinner. In addition to a full spread of appetizers including favorites like bacon-wrapped dates, guacamole, and mini-quiche, a noodle bar offered delicious varieties freshly prepared noodles and dumplings.
Grand Hyatt Taipei Fitness & Pool
I did not use the pool due to rainy weather, but I did use the fitness center and note that the 2013 equipment I used is still quite modern. A full-service spa is also available.
Grand Hyatt Taipei Dining
One night was not enough to sample the hotel’s restaurants, but there are several including–
- Café – open kitchen / international cuisine / breakfast
- Irodori – Japanse
- Bel Air Bar and Grill – steakhouse
- Pearl Liang – Cantonese
- Yun Jin – Chinese
- Cheers – snacks / cocktails
- Cha Lounge – afternoon tea
- Lobby Lounge – coffee / tea
Of course, 24-hour room service is available.
Grand Hyatt Taipei Late-Checkout
We had a late evening flight to Kuala Lumpur and requested a late checkout of 7pm (Globalists are guaranteed a 4pm checkout). We knew that was pushing it, but the hotel was very accommodating and allowed us to remain in our room until 6PM then remain in the Grand Club as long as we wished after checkout. While I don’t think such a courtesy would be extended to all guests (Hyatt status always helps), it never hurts to ask. We arrived so late the previous night we still left the hotel less than 24 hours after checking in.
CONCLUSION
Taipei was essentially a long layover us. The purpose of our trip was to get to Malaysia and Cambodia and unfortunately we had only one night and one day in Taipei. The Grand Hyatt is centrally located near museums and other points of interest (like Taipei 101) and quite modern. Even since our stay, some rooms have been refurbished slightly (new headboards, furniture). I recommend hotel.
Incidentally, we paid ~$230 for this hotel. It is a Category 4 property, meaning if you wish to use points the cost is 15,000 points or 7,500 points + $125 with cash and points.
Any supernatural experiences? This is supposedly one of the most haunted hotels in Taiwan given it’s build on burial ground.
FWIW, I’ve found Asian/Indian star hotels to be pretty accommodating towards late check-outs/early check-ins due to the typical airline arrival and departure schedules. I’ve been granted both on several occasions, even without status.
Wow, I didn’t know they still had the older, pre reno style rooms available. Glad you enjoyed it