Last updated on November 6th, 2024
I had really big plans for eating copious amounts of local food while making my first journey to Taipei. However, between all of the food that we ate at the hotels and the wet weather we only really had time to visit a couple places on my list. We arrived in the evening and took a combination of an airport bus and subway to arrive at the W Taipei hotel. After we arrived we went up to the 10th floor to check in and it felt like we were entering a nightclub. Just next to the check-in counter is the famous Woo Bar which even though the weather wasn’t good this place was packed. As you other hard-core travelers and food eaters know Anthony Bourdain also stayed at this very same hotel on an episode of The Layover. I think he knew I was planning to come so he wanted to be like me and stay there. Wink.
Click HERE to check out the W Taipei!
The whole theme of the hotel is in-your-face from the way it’s designed to the music playing throughout. This place is definitely not for the older boring crowd who prefers complete silence. After a fairly funny conversation with the quick witted woman at the check-in counter it was time to see the room.
We entered our room on the 30th floor which had a fairly good view and was quite comfortable. Shout out to the hotel staff who put a couple beers on ice and some snacks for our arrival. Pierre loves his snacks. The room has tons of electronics including a fancy noise machine so you can pretend you’re stranded on a deserted island. They also have one of those legendary Japanese toilets that’s completely automatic so you don’t have to touch anything. Not having to touch the seat makes me happy and fuzzy in my heart area.
Pierre has stayed at some nice hotels but even though the W Hotel isn’t focused on the super high-end luxury segment the bedding was definitely top-notch. When you lay down you sink into this beautiful pillow abyss. I almost got lost in the bed. After the incredibly hard 2.5 hour flight (har har) it was great to relax for a little while and prep my stomach for food intake.
After a little resting in the room we decided to walk outside around the hotel to see what we could scrounge up for food. It was raining so once we filled our stomachs with some noodles we grabbed some local beers and headed back to the room. It was bath time for Pierre to get clean as a whistle and ready for his handsome sleep.
The next morning I knew I would be eating a lot so I headed to the gym to prepare. For a hotel gym it was super well equipped. I mean even for a regular gym it was super well equipped! This is a bonus indeed. I got my my 5km run in and then got my swole on with the extensive set of free weights. After I was sufficiently swollen I headed back up to the room to prepare for ginormous amounts of food to replenish the guns aka my biceps.
We made our way down to the breakfast which was located on the 10th floor. This breakfast was big and I nearly ate everything! I’m sure I gained a few kilos in the process. They had a very big selection and there were many hotel guests eating there. From western items to dim sum along with a fresh juice bar they had everything. The food looked really pretty but didn’t completely blow me away. However, I think everyone could find something that they enjoy with so much selection.
Just when I thought I couldn’t get anymore full I realized I only had a few hours and then it was time for an epic lunch at their Yen restaurant. Now, compared to breakfast this place completely knocked my socks off and I really enjoyed their grub but you will have to wait to read that in a separate article.
Overall, this hotel is definitely targeting a younger more energetic crowd. At my ripe old age of 26 sometimes the music was a little bit much and the designs were a little intense but overall I must say I enjoyed myself. For all that they offer the value is quite good for the price. So next time you’re in Taipei and you’re debating on where to stay, don’t think twice about staying at the W Hotel!
Hotel
No. 10, Section 5, Zhongxiao E Rd, 信義區台北市 Taiwan 110
Phone: +886 2 7703 8888
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