Contents
- Why did we stay in two different configurations?
- TL;DR
- Check-in process
- Deluxe Double Room (12th floor)
- Superior Double Room (6th floor)
- Hotel facilities
- Location
- TL;DR
1. Why did we stay in two different configurations?
We had originally made plans to spend our first two nights in Hualien before moving to the Sotetsu in Taipei. After we received news of the earthquake in Hualien, we decided to cancel our Hualien booking. For simplicity, we rebooked for two more nights at the Sotetsu. As they had run out of the room type we had booked originally, we booked the Deluxe Double Room instead.
I’ll be sharing my thoughts of the hotel and rooms in general. With two nights in each room, I hope to share some differences and the price breakdown so you can decide which room is more worth it for you.
2. TL;DR
- 💅 Amenities: There is a self-service amenity bar in the lobby
- 🧳 Facilities: 24/7 check-in counter, 3 small lifts, laundry facilities, free luggage storage
- ✨ Aesthetics: Japanese, wood, calm
- 🏨 Room: Spacious, clean, comfortable
- 💵 Price: On the pricier side for Taipei accommodations
- 📌 Location: Excellent access to the subway and right across from Ximending
- 👨👩👦 Clientele: All types of travellers (e.g. Families with young children, persons using wheelchairs, groups of adults, and couples)
🌟 Overall verdict: Very new hotel opened in April 2024. Would definitely come back and any other accommodations would be judged against this for value.
3. Check-in process
We touched down in Taipei very early but check-in was only at 3pm. In the meantime, we kept our luggage in the free storage lockers in the hotel lobby. After a long few hours, it was finally time to check-in.
The process was smooth and the staff were friendly and helpful. We spoke in Chinese but I think the staff can speak English and some Japanese as well. For a hotel originating in Japan and based in Taiwan, I had no doubts about their standard of hospitality.
4. Deluxe Double Room (12th floor)
Our room for the first two nights was the more expensive deluxe double room at ~290 SGD per weekday night. When we first entered the room, there was a long entryway with the shelving on the left. There was plenty of space for us to open each luggage side-by-side.
The separate shower and toilet were on the right of the entryway. The essentials were provided in-room but other frills were available at the self-service amenity bar in the lobby.
In the bedroom, we used the narrow ledge below the TV to put small items like day bags. For entertainment, the TV was internet-enabled so we could stream from our phones. It made the experience of unwinding after a long day even more relaxing. Another major plus point for me was that the room had international plugs and USBs. We didn’t have to use our travel adaptor!
The room was extremely spacious with more than enough room to walk on both sides of the king bed. Next to the large window was a long couch, a round side table, and an ottoman. It’s a great place to eat some street food while watching the TV.
Out the window, we had a great view of Ximending and its famous rainbow crosswalk. It was fun to watch the area come alive at night from the comfort of our room. Overall, I loved the room and felt very sad that we had to leave it on our third day. 😿
5. Superior Double Room (6th floor)
After our first two nights in the Deluxe Double Room, we checked into the Superior Double Room for our next two nights. I’ll point out some differences that may explain its lower price point at ~245 SGD per weekend night.
The room is largely the same as the Deluxe in that it was neat, clean, and comfortable. For all intents and purposes, I would have had no complaints about this room. BUT, I had been spoiled by the Deluxe configuration.
When we first opened the door to the Superior room, we got a bit of a fright as the lights from Ximending were dancing across the walls. The biggest thing we missed from the old room was the long couch! This room had a little seat but you couldn’t lay down on it.
The layout of the Superior room was smaller and more disjointed, perhaps due to the constraints of the building. Most noticeably, there was an awkward space connecting the toilet, shower, and bedroom. At night, we had to close the door in between the bedroom and the empty space as it felt a little odd.
The big window in the bedroom had a good view of Ximending like the Deluxe, but we were on a lower floor facing a busy crosswalk. While walking back to the hotel at night, I realised that I could see very easily into the Superior rooms, even with the day curtains drawn.
In terms of the entryway, there’s still plenty of space, but we had to set up one luggage on the floor (Sorry Mr Bao 🤭). There was a glass fluted panel separating the bed and the front door which was the last odd thing about the room. It made sense as it helped block the “chi” coming from the entrance, but looked a little creepy at night.
6. Hotel Amenities
I used the laundry room on our fourth night. It was convenient to pay to use the washer and dryer with our Easycard. Still, I would try washing in the morning or afternoon instead as it gets busy at night. There was a vending machine in the laundry room but alas, it wasn’t working. 😪
7. Location
The location of the hotel was a big draw. It was located right outside an MRT station exit and right across from the famous Ximending rainbow crosswalk. There was a convenience store downstairs, several bus stops around, and was only a 10 minute walk from the Taipei main station. As foodies, we were also within a 30 minute walking distance from many good food spots.
One drawback of being so close to the action was the noise at night. Still, it was only noticeable on the weekend and when we were staying on a lower floor.
8. TL;DR
If my budget allows, I would choose to stay here again if I ever go back to Taipei.
You may want to consider other options if:
- You have a smaller budget for accommodations. Though, you can still save by booking early and staying on weekdays.
- You are ok with smaller rooms. I think the Just Sleep Taipei hotel down the road is quite a popular choice.
- Your itinerary involves more things located in the Xinyi district (e.g. Taipei 101), as the Sotetsu is a 30 minute train ride away.
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Travel Series: Taipei, Taiwan – May 2024
In May 2024, Mr Bao and I went on our biggest trip yet to the land of bubble tea! It was a mostly food-focused trip but we also did some sightseeing and a tea tour. I may be posting more about our trip, so watch this space.