101 HOTEL Taipei: Unbelievable Views & Luxury You WON'T Believe!
101 HOTEL Taipei: Views That'll Make Your Jaw Drop (And Maybe Your Wallet Too!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken diary entry." We’re talking about the 101 HOTEL Taipei – the one that boasts those iconic views of the Taipei 101. I'm here to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me caffeine.
First Impressions: Glamour…and a Touch of 'Whoa, Did My Credit Card Just Scream?'
The initial "wow" factor? Unquestionable. The lobby is all shimmering marble, echoing with hushed elegance. Checking in? Surprisingly smooth, actually. Contactless check-in/out – a definite win in these post-pandemic times. They even have a currency exchange for those of us who arrived a bit… unprepared. And the doorman? Absolutely on point, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Elevator access? You betcha. Though, honestly, the sheer height of the place made me a little nauseous at first. Seriously, fear of heights is a real thing, people!
Accessibility: I’m not mobility-impaired, but I did see evidence of thoughtful design. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely present (thank goodness!) and the elevator access is, well, essential.
The Room: Views, Views, Glorious Views…and a Few Gripes
Let's get to the good stuff: THE VIEW. Holy moly. It's like the Taipei 101 is trying to be your personal art piece. I mean, you could literally sit there all day just staring out the window that opens, and I almost did. I even took a million pictures, which I'll probably delete later.
The room itself? Luxurious, with air conditioning that worked miracles against the Taipei humidity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! And it was actually fast! I’m talking streaming movies without buffering fast. There was a desk, laptop workspace, and decent internet access – LAN. The mini bar was stocked with tempting treats, but be warned, the bottle of water situation wasn't as free-flowing as I'd hoped. You're getting it free at first, but after that, you’re paying, and it’s like… are we REALLY nickel and diming over water?
The bed? Heavenly. Extra long bed? Yes! Linens? Crisp and fluffy. The bathrobes? Soft and luxurious. The bathtub? Deep and inviting. (I may have taken a very long bath, complete with bubbles and a book. Don't judge.) The separate shower/bathtub was a bonus. Toiletries? High-end, but I secretly wished they had a stronger, more interesting scent. I'm talking hair dryer, slippers (these are a must!), scale… they've thought of everything.
One minor issue: the soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could sometimes hear faint noises from the hallway, but nothing that ruined my sleep, thankfully. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for my sleep schedule. And the daily housekeeping was efficient and discreet.
Now, for the tiny, tiny annoyances:
- The alarm clock was unnecessarily complicated. Seriously, why do they need five buttons?!
- My room didn’t have an additional toilet. (Maybe I just wanted a personal throne room from the view…)
- I couldn’t figure out how to work the bathroom phone. (Guess I didn't need to call anyone that bad…)
Food & Drink: A Culinary Adventure (and a Few Pricey Bites)
Okay, the restaurants… hoo boy. They have a LOT. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, buffet in restaurant, a la carte in restaurant, restaurants, a coffee shop, a bar, a poolside bar, and room service [24-hour]! So, yeah. Plenty of options.
The breakfasts? The Asian breakfast had some amazing congee. The Western breakfast was… well, Western. Delicious, but nothing groundbreaking. The buffet in restaurant was a sight to behold, but also a bit overwhelming. I maybe overate a little. The coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty decent (essential!), and they even offer alternative meal arrangement if you have dietary requirements.
The dinner situation was… interesting. I indulged in some of the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and it was fantastic – some of the best dim sum I've ever had. They also offer Western cuisine in restaurant. The desserts in restaurant were, as you'd expect, decadent and Instagram-worthy. (Yes, I took pictures. Stop judging me!) The happy hour at the bar was a fun way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. But… the prices? Let's just say, you might want to budget accordingly. The snack bar was convenient for a quick bite, and the salad in restaurant was a good healthy option.
One night, I ordered room service [24-hour], because, let’s be real, sometimes you just need a burger in your bathrobe. The food was good, but the price was… steep.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Luxury Overload
Okay, this is where the 101 HOTEL Taipei truly shines. They’ve got everything. I'm talking a spa. A swimming pool [outdoor] with that view. A pool with view. A gym/fitness room. A sauna. A steamroom. A foot bath! A massage menu that was longer than my arm. Seriously, I'm pretty sure they would have installed a personal masseuse for my room for a price.
I spent a glorious afternoon at the spa, and it was pure bliss. The body scrub was invigorating, and the body wrap was so relaxing I almost fell asleep. The spa/sauna was beautiful and the staff were super attentive. The pool with view? Divine. You could swim laps while gazing at the city below. I didn't check out the fitness center, because, well, vacations are for not exercising. But it looked well-equipped.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Cared For (Even in a Pandemic)
In these uncertain times, safety is paramount. And the 101 HOTEL Taipei seemed to take it seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. There was a staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms showed signs of room sanitization between stays. The staff kept physical distancing of at least 1 meter with me. The daily disinfection in common areas made me feel more comfortable.
They had a doctor/nurse on call. First aid kit. Anti-viral cleaning products, hygiene certification, and professional-grade sanitizing services are all positives. They also had individually-wrapped food options and the option to room sanitization opt-out available. The safe dining setup and sanitized kitchen and tableware items were reassuring. They even had a sterilizing equipment. Shared stationery removed… good riddance! Cashless payment service? Always a plus.
Internet & Tech: Seamless (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (I mentioned this, but it's worth repeating). Internet access – wireless? Yes. Internet access – LAN (for those who prefer a wired connection) – yes! Internet services? Yup. Wi-Fi in public areas? Naturally. It’s 2024, people! The audio-visual equipment for special events and the projector/LED display indicate potential for business uses like meetings, seminars, or even presentations during an on-site event hosting.
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, security [24-hour], and safety/security features give peace of mind. They also have a security [24-hour] and a front desk [24-hour], which made me feel safe.
Services & Conveniences: Above and Beyond…but Expect a Price Tag
They've got all the usual suspects: luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service, concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman, and car park [on-site]. Currency exchange, cash withdrawal, and a convenience store on site for those last-minute essentials. They also have facilities for facilities for disabled guests.
I used the laundry service, and it was efficient, but also a bit expensive. (Again with the prices!) They also offered a car park [free of charge].
For the Kids (And the Young at Heart):
I don't have kids, but I noticed they have babysitting service, so families are welcome.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer
Escape to Luxury: The Portcullis Hotel, Chipping Sodbury Awaits
Alright, here we go! My attempt to wrangle some semblance of a plan out of the absolute mess that is my brain and my upcoming Taipei trip, specifically centered around the glorious 101-s HOTEL Taipei. Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be a straight line.
Taipei Tango: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Noodles (and Possibly Get Lost… A Lot)
(Pre-Trip Anxiety Fuelled by Instant Noodle Packets and Questionable Online Reviews)
Okay, so, Taiwan. Taipei. 101-s HOTEL. This is happening. I've been stalking travel blogs for weeks, and now I'm pretty sure I know more about bubble tea than I do about, you know, actual historical facts. My pre-trip jitters are currently fueled by a diet of two-minute noodles (bad, I know, but comfort food!) and panicky Googling of "Taiwan travel scams?!" (apparently, even the friendly locals can be sneaky… gotta watch out!). This 101-s HOTEL looks… stunning in the pictures. Hopefully it doesn't just look stunning… if it's a letdown, I might actually weep.
(Day 1: Arrival and the First Slap of Humidity)
- Morning: Wake up at godawful o'clock (thanks, jet lag!). Drag myself to the airport. The flight is… well, a flight. Thankfully, no screaming babies directly behind me this time. Small wins!
- Afternoon: Land. Humidity. It hits you like a damp, warm hug. Or maybe a wet wool blanket. Either way, it's intense. Navigating the airport feels like a level in a video game, and I’m apparently playing on hard mode. Finding the MRT… a minor victory!
- Arrival at 101-s HOTEL (Fingers Crossed!): Okay, here goes. The lobby… breathes a sigh of relief …it's actually as gorgeous as the photos. Sleek, modern, and… air-conditioned. Bless. The staff is ridiculously polite (I'm immediately suspicious… is this genuine Taiwanese hospitality, or are they just waiting for me to accidentally offend someone?). The room has a view. The view! I can see Taipei 101! I could, if I wasn't currently paralyzed by indecision about what to do first: unpack, or stare at the building that cost more than I’ll make in the next five years?
(Day 1 Cont'd: The Quest for Food… And Possibly My Sanity)
- Evening: Okay, gotta eat. The hotel concierge suggested a night market. "Essential Taiwanese experience," they said. "Easy to navigate," they lied. Seriously, the night market is a sensory OVERLOAD! Lights, smells (some amazing, some… less so), sounds… people everywhere! I'm immediately swept into the chaos.
- Triumphant Noodle Feast: Found a small shop. Pointed randomly at a picture, crossed my fingers, and bam! The most incredible bowl of beef noodle soup I've ever had. The broth… the noodles… the tender meat… I almost cried (again, the jet lag is a contributing factor). This is why I came.
- The Stinky Tofu Trial: Okay, so the concierge warned me about "special" smells. They weren't kidding. I bravely endured the wafting aroma of… something… and took a bite of the infamous stinky tofu. Verdict: …interesting. Texture: questionable. It's definitely an experience. An unforgettable, possibly traumatic, experience.
- Getting Lost (and Loving It): Spent the next hour wandering, utterly lost, but somehow happier than I've been in months. Found a hidden tea shop and sipped oolong while watching the city light up. Pure magic.
(Day 2: The National Palace Museum and the Battle of the Bubble Tea)
- Morning: Museum time! The National Palace Museum. I’m not even that big on museums, but everyone raves about this place. The art is… breathtaking. The jade carvings are mind-boggling. I feel like I could spend a week there and not see everything. My brain is fried, but in a good way.
- Afternoon: Bubble tea. The holy grail. The quest begins. After reading a hundred articles, I know exactly what to order. Except, um, I don't. The menu is in Mandarin. The staff is, again, incredibly polite, but my Mandarin skills are limited to "Ni hao" and "Xie xie." I pointed, I grinned, I hoped for the best. And… I got the best. The perfect bubble tea. My life is complete.
- Evening: Dinner planned at a fancy restaurant in the shadow of Taipei 101. (Reservations? Check. Dress code? Double check. Avoiding falling flat on my face and/or spilling food down my front? Praying.)
(Day 3: Doubling Down On Taipei 101 – The Mountain, the Views, and the Shopping!)
- Morning: Okay, I had a thought. I had a vision. I am going to spend the entire morning doing only one thing: Taipei 101. I intend to ascend the building. I intend to stare out at the city. I intend to internalize the view and commit it to memory.
- Then I will go and buy a Taipei 101-branded water bottle. Because yes, I am that kind of person.
- Afternoon: Taipei 101. I did it. It was awe-inspiring. I took a billion photos. They probably all look the same, but I don't care. The city sprawling beneath me looked like a Lego set and I felt like a tiny, insignificant god. I lingered for hours, just soaking it in.
- Shopping! I needed to buy… something. What? I didn't know. But I needed to buy something. 101 offered high-end everything. I ended up buying… a very nice bag of Taiwanese tea (because I can't afford anything else. And it's practical).
- Evening: Dinner somewhere casual, closer to the hotel. I’m exhausted. My feet hurt. My brain is full. But I'm happy. This is Taipei. This is living.
(Day 4: Temples, Tea, and a Slow Fade into Reality)
- Morning: Temples! Seriously gorgeous temples. Intricate carvings, incense smoke, the quiet hum of chanting… a welcome change of pace from the bustling city. Just a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty.
- Afternoon: Tea ceremony. Learned about the art of tea brewing. Sipped tea. Contemplated life. Realized I don't actually know anything about life. Drank more tea.
- Evening: Packing. Saying goodbye to my beautiful 101-s HOTEL. Time to wrap up and get ready to leave. This trip was…transformative. A chaotic, delicious, wonderfully messy transformation. Taiwan, you've officially stolen my heart (and my appetite).
(Day 5: Goodbye Taipei (for now!) and the Post-Trip Blues)
- Departure: Back to the airport. Back to reality. The post-travel blues are already setting in. I'm already planning my return.
- Reflections: Still got my stinky tofu taste in my mouth (sort of). Still missing the noodles. Still dreaming of the view from the hotel. And already fantasizing about the next trip. Taiwan, you've officially got me hooked.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is probably a terrible plan. It's full of gaps, and I'll probably deviate completely. But I'm going, and I'm going to experience it, no matter what. Bring on the humidity, the crowds, the stinky tofu, and whatever else Taipei throws my way. Bring it on!
Bend, OR Getaway: Home2 Suites Luxury & Comfort Awaits!
101 HOTEL Taipei: Frequently Asked (and Probably Exhausted) Questions
Okay, seriously, is the view *really* as good as everyone says? We've seen the pictures...
Alright, buckle up. The short answer? YES. The very long answer? Okay, so picture this: you're sipping a ridiculously overpriced cocktail (worth it, kinda) on the *literal* top of the world. Or at least, the top *of something* that feels like the world. The Taipei 101 view? It's less "picturesque" and more "jaw-droppingly, existentially humbling." You see this entire sprawling city unfolding beneath you like a meticulously crafted origami, and you get this weird dizzying feeling like you're on the precipice of… everything.
I remember the first time I went. I took, like, a thousand photos (which, spoiler alert, none of them *quite* capture the magic). I even tried to take a selfie, but I just looked like an idiot squinting into the sun, desperately trying to capture the immensity. My friend, bless him, just stood there silently, eyes wide, occasionally muttering, "Wow... just... wow." Which, honestly, sums it up pretty perfectly.
So, is it good? It’s not *good*, it’s an experience. You'll be glad you went - I promise.
Is it actually luxurious? Like, legitimately *luxurious*? Or just "fancy-ish"?
Alright, let's be real. I've stayed in places that *claimed* to be luxurious and ended up with a leaky faucet and a suspicious stain on the carpet. This place? No, no, no. It's the real deal. Think: fluffy robes you could get lost in, and beds so comfortable that you'll actively *regret* having to get up in the morning.
They pay *attention* to the details, you know? Like, my room - yeah, I got a sweet upgrade - had a Nespresso machine (important!), a pillow menu (WHAT), and, get this, a *speaker system* that worked *perfectly*. I blasted some of my favorite cheesy guilty-pleasure tracks, and it’s hard to describe the luxurious feeling as a result.
And the staff? They’re not just polite; they’re genuinely helpful. I once asked them for a tailor to fix a slightly ripped shirt (don’t judge, it was a good shirt!), and they had someone there within the hour. It felt like living in a movie. A *very* expensive movie.
The food? Is it as overpriced as the cocktails (and the rooms, let's be honest)?
Okay, so the food situation is...a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Prepare to be *tempted*. It's a glorious spread of everything you could possibly want, from fresh fruits and pastries to made-to-order omelets. My inner glutton was *thrilled*. My wallet, not so much.
Lunch? Decent, but you're paying for the view. Dinner? Look, I'm not going to lie, some of the restaurants are *heart-stoppingly* pricey. I remember this one time I got a tiny piece of Wagyu beef that cost more than my train ticket to Taipei. Was it delicious? Absolutely. Did I secretly wish I'd just ordered a pizza? Maybe a little.
My advice? Splurge on the breakfast, find some good, local restaurants outside to save some money, and budget for one truly unforgettable meal. Balancing the experience with the cost is part of the fun, right?! (Right?)
Is the location convenient for actually *seeing* Taipei? Or are you just trapped in a fancy tower?
Okay, this is actually a huge plus. The hotel is right in the heart of the Xinyi district, which is this buzzing, modern area. Getting around is super easy - there's a metro station practically at the doorstep. So, yes, you can absolutely explore Taipei.
You're near the shopping, the restaurants, the night markets… you name it. I wandered around for hours, got hopelessly lost (as is my habit), and still enjoyed the city. And when my feet were screaming for mercy? Back to the hotel for a luxurious soak in the tub, ah, heaven!
The point is: you are not confined to the hotel. You are in the *perfect* position to experience Taipei.
Are there any hidden costs or unexpected charges we should be aware of?
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Hidden costs? Well, "hidden" might be a strong word – everything's pretty up-front, but let's be honest, luxury comes with a price.
The mini-bar? Yeah, don't even *think* about it unless you want to wince at the final bill. The laundry service? Expensive, just like every hotel laundry service ever. And that "free" Wi-Fi? It's usually fast, but make sure you are careful how you used the data.
My advice? Read the fine print, ask questions, and plan to be ready for some unexpected fees. It’s part of the experience, if you ask me.
How's the pool? Gotta know about the pool!
Okay, the pool. It's not the *biggest* pool, but it’s designed well. It's on the roof, with incredible views (surprise!). It's also usually fairly well-maintained, which is always a plus.
The problem? It can get crowded, especially during peak season. I spent a whole hour trying to find a spot for my towel one day. I felt like I had to *fight* for my tiny little patch of sunshine. And it got REALLY awkward when that lady kept splashing me by accident.
Ultimately, the pool provides a nice break if you can find a spot. Just maybe bring a good book so you don’t have to make actual small talk - a good book and a stiff drink is the way to go.
Is it worth the price tag? Be honest!
Alright, the million-dollar question. Is it worth it? That depends. If you're on a shoestring budget, probably not. You could see the Taipei 101 views on a budget, but you'd sacrifice all of the luxury. It depends on your priorities, and how big your wallet is.
But IF you’ve saved up, or if you're celebrating something special, or if you just want to treat yourself... then yeah, I'd say it's worth it. Because it’s an experience. Not just a hotel stay. You're paying for the viewsRooms And Vibes
