Staying at a Taipei hotel allows you to explore the beautiful and lively surroundings of a modern and aged metropolis. Since Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, it is no surprise that it is also the cultural and financial center of the region. It is estimated that there are approximately 7 million people who live in Greater Taipei, over 2.5 million living within the central city area. Taipei has a remarkable combination of old temples and 21 century skyscrapers, trendy shopping malls, productive street markets, and an amazing arsenal of delicious cuisine. Although Hong Kong and other major Asian cities are often more popular as a tourist destination, Taipei still remains to be a fascinating and unique place to visit. The moment that you step out of your Taipei hotel, you will notice the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds you.

Taipei Hotel Accommodation Options

If you are staying within East Taipei, it is more than likely that your Taipei hotel is one of the major international hotels in the area. The city is divided into two main parts, with the modern East side featuring the best in shopping malls, entertainment venues, and top hotels. East Taipei is considered to be a major destination for shopping and cuisine. West Taipei features the older side of the city where you can find much of the beautiful older architecture and narrow alleyways of the past amidst modern skyscrapers. There are also many government buildings in this area. If you choose to stay in a West Taipei hotel, you will discover that there are plenty of small shops, street markets, food courts, and local restaurants right outside of your doorstep.

Many of the top international chains are available as 4 and 5-star Taipei hotel accommodations. Business travelers will enjoy staying at The Grand Hyatt Taipei, which is only walking distance away from the historical Taipei 101 building. For a high quality luxury experience, the Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel is another option. This hotel is located near an array of major tourist attractions such as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and is an ideal choice for staying at a 5-star hotel. Another wonderful option which is close to major points of interest within the city is the Le Meridien within the Xinyui region. Staying at Le Meridien ensures that you will be within walking distance from some of the most intricate and fascinating parts of the city.

An accommodation which has been present for many years within Taipei is the Sheraton, which is located in the center of the Zhongshan area and near many major points of interest. Like countless other 4 and 5-star accommodations in the area, the Sheraton offers numerous amenities such as restaurants, bars, and swimming pools. Yet, one of the most well-known hotels to stay at in all of Taiwan remains to be the Grand Hotel. It has been repeatedly voted as one of the best hotels in the world and can also be seen in the movie Eat Drink Man Woman by Ang Lee. The 5-star Grand Hotel is located near Yuanshan and is one of the top choices for accommodation at a Taipei hotel.

Choosing A Taipei Hotel Near Major Tourist Attractions

Visitors that are staying in an East Taipei hotel are within a short distance from a large amount of tourist attractions in the area. The Taipei International Financial Center, or Taipei 101, is a skyscraper that features 101 floors. Since it is one of the tallest buildings in the world, you may want to consider taking an elevator up to the observation deck on the 89th floor for viewing the rest of the city or gaze on the outdoor deck found on the 91st floor. A nearby shopping mall features numerous stores, quality restaurants, and memorable cafes.  The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is also nearby and is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who is considered to be the Father of the Nation. This area offers a beautiful park where you can stop and relax for a while. Inside of the hall, you will discover a statue of Sun Yat-sen and some fascination art exhibitions. There are also concerts which are held in this area, and if you would like to attend one, your Taipei hotel can help you book your tickets in advance.

If you choose to stay at an East Taipei hotel, you will also have an opportunity to visit another famous building in the area known as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The national flag is raised here on a daily basis, and many celebrations and national events are held outside within the gardens. Many of the locals come early in the morning to practice tai chi on the lawns. The National Concert Hall and National Theatre Hall are also present on the Memorial Hall grounds. If you want to visit this area while you are staying at your Taipei hotel, you can take the MRT to the Chiang Kai-shek station for easy transportation.

Since many of the Taipei hotels feature a spa with hot springs, you may want to consider trying out this wonderful local pastime. Wulai, Beitou, and Yangmingshan National Park all feature public hot springs as well. Another fun activity to enjoy during your visit is to spend time at the street market. Most tourists love the Shilin Night market and you will likely need several hours to be able to explore all of the stalls that sell bags, clothing, accessories, and delicious cuisine. You can experience a great amount of Taipei's street food while visiting markets, and the Shilin market cuisine stalls are known for their hygienic and delectable options. In fact, anywhere that you stay while in Taipei will offer you a plethora of affordable street food or gourmet cuisine within 5-star restaurants. You can explore some of the varieties of Chinese food that are available or enjoy numerous types of Asian cuisine, including Thai, Japanese, and Korean. The Golden Dragon Restaurant in the Grand Hotel is world renowned for its remarkable culinary options.

Tips On Traveling To And From Your Taipei Hotel

The MRT, or Mass Rapid Transport, is one of the easiest ways that you can travel between your Taipei hotel and the numerous attractions within the city. Taipei's metro is easy to use and is the most convenient option for getting around. All of the stations have tourist information and maps available in English. Stations can be found near many of the major tourist attractions and the metro system covers most of the city. Yellow taxis are nearly everywhere within the city center, which makes it easy to find if you prefer taxi travel. If you need to get around, you can use one of the official taxi stands, stop a taxi on the street, or even ask your Taipei hotel to book the taxi for you.