Imagine my surprise when I found a hotel in Ximending which I can actually earn points from! Taipei is notorious for not having chain hotels which causes hotel membership followers like me huge dismay when it comes to maximising our nights. I last stayed at Via Hotel and Westgate and while they were nice, I always thought it would be perfect if I can earn some points at the same time too.
So it was literally a no brainer when this property appeared in my Taipei Accor search – a partner hotel! Yay!
ADDRESS – Taipei City 108, No.107, Xining S. Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taiwan. Tel: +886-2-2375-3388. Website.
LOCATION -Located at Xining Nan road, the property is actually not as close to Ximen MRT as my last 2 choices and more alongside the parallel road within 5 mins walking from exit 6. I had my doubts about the walk being 5mins due to the sheer crowd at XMD but there is a choice to walk along the outlying streets if need be. Being at this location also meant it is closer to the Hotel amba side, the similarly happening side of XMD. I got used to it after a while and by the time I left, I agree that the location is really convenient. Anywhere in XMD means you can get anything you want a short walk away so nothing is far. Finally, Xining Nan road means you can stop right outside the hotel if you are cabbing!
PRICE – Not exactly the cheapest option in XMD at TWD 25,800 (SGD1,165) + TWD (SGD220) for their biggest room the VIP room with an extra bed + breakfast for 3pax for 4nights. But doesnt matter since I’m a hotel membership slave.
CHECK-IN – fast and fuss-free. They already had the extra bed set up in the living area so that was good. But no explantion about the guests’ lounge cum breakfast area on level 2.
ROOM – My VIP room, 408, stood at 50SqM and felt a bit tight for 3pax but adequate space. Cleanliness could be improved but furnishings were modern and clever use of most spaces. L’occitane toiletires were evidently missing but I also realised that the mention has been taken off their website.
But the strange design about the bathroom is that it has no doors!
Yup, you read it right. NO DOOR.
So from the foot of queen bed in the bedroom is the open rectabgular entrance into the bathroom. And you see the sink to the left, the shower to the right. And right after that is the toilet. And this means, whoever happens to be unfortunately sittiing / lying on the correct side of the bed gets to see the bathroom actions.
Now, for couples, sure, it can be lomantic. But for family of 2 ladies + 1 guy, it is really awkward. I wished they have this ‘unique design’ stated upfront of their website. So I asked the front desk about it and they said they see couples of 2pax booking this room type most times so no one voiced any issues so far.
But to their credit, they came by to offer me 2 large opague plastic sheets – they scotchtaped the sheets together and taped the entire thing to the ceiling of the entrance. It solved the issue for me.
WHAT TO DO / SURROUNDINGS – when in XMD, there’s pretty much nothing you can’t do. Everything is everywhere and the crowd is pure madness. It will take a while to orient amongst the weaving lanes and then you’ll be good to go.
BREAKFAST – served at the lounge area on level 2, there’s a decent spread of items for a simple breakfast but don’t expect an egg station. Some local touches like braised meat rice are available as well. But small area so do come by early!
SERVICE – Pleasant all round and thumbs up to their “toilet door service”.
CHECK-OUT – Fuss-free and swift.
I would probably try another hotel next time if Accor has another partner hotel as there are not enough draws for me to lure me back again. But a good experience nonetheless!