Staying At Both Of Taiwan’s Shangri-La Hotels
Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Erin Donahue
Taiwan and Taiwanese people are known for their hospitality and I got to experience that at not one, but both Shangri-La Far Eastern’s. Each visit reminds me of the deep cultural roots that tie me to this island nation. During my most recent trip back, I finally had the chance to do some solo travel and experience Taiwan on my own terms, free from the usual family obligations. Taiwan is the one country I never seem to be able to do my own thing, mainly because my whole family is there so I’m usually caught up spending time with them. What better way to immerse myself in the country’s rich heritage than by indulging in its finest hospitality offerings?
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Taiwanese Luxury Hospitality
This wasn’t my first trip back after the pandemic hiatus. I went back to Taiwan right after Taiwan lifted the pandemic restrictions, and this time when I returned, I was eager to indulge the luxurious side of Taiwan. For those planning a trip, check out my review of EVA Air’s Premium Economy cabin. As I stepped through the doors of these beautiful properties, I entered a world of elegance and Taiwanese charm. From the meticulously designed interiors to the attentive staff, every aspect of my stay was a celebration of the island’s captivating culture and hospitality.
Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei
Address: 201 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2, Taipei 10675 Taiwan
Nestled in the Da’an district, Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei is a 5-star luxury hotel. This 43-story building stands on the city’s skyline’s outskirts and is the town’s tallest hotel. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, an aura of sophistication enveloped me. There are antiques from the Song dynasty adorning the spaces on every floor, lending an unmistakable air of timeless sophistication.
Yet, it was the breathtaking view from my room that left me truly speechless. Upon entering my Horizon Deluxe Room, the Taipei 101 skyline unfolded before me, a panoramic masterpiece that instantly became the highlight of my stay. Watching the sunrise through my windows fulfilled a long-held item on my bucket list! I wouldn’t need to wake up before sunrise and hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan 象山步道) to avoid crowds for a photo spot. My room was the photo spot!
The best views in Taipei
The hotel’s prime location in the so-called ‘egg yolk neighborhood’ offers guests a coveted vantage point, akin to enjoying the iconic views of Central Park in New York City. If you’re staying at Shangri-La Taipei, you have to get a room with a view of Taipei 101, otherwise, what’s the point?
For those seeking an even more elevated perspective, the hotel’s rooftop outdoor swimming pool provides an impressive vantage point, allowing guests to soak in the full grandeur of Taipei’s skyline as the ultimate urban oasis. With over 400 rooms and suites, complemented by nine restaurants and bars, the Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei, is a true embodiment of luxury and sophistication.
i-Ride Taipei: See Taiwan Without Leaving Taipei
During my stay, Shangri-La Taipei invited me to experience i-Ride Taipei, a 5D motion-simulated immersive flight at the nearby Breeze NanShan in the heart of the Xinyi district. Breeze NanShan is essentially a giant luxury mall area, and You’ll find i-Ride Taipei on the sixth floor. Street performers fill this mall’s square, reminiscent of Times Square in New York. When booking your stay at Shangri-La Taipei, you can add the i-Ride experience as an optional package. You can also experience i-Ride as a stand-alone activity without staying at the hotel.
If I’m being honest, this ride isn’t something I would ever pay for out of my own pocket. It’s about $20 to sit for 20 minutes in front of a large TV screen. However, if you like these kinds of interactive activities, then go crazy. As the special effects enveloped me, I found myself transported across Taiwan’s scenic vistas. Despite having traveled to the island for over 30 years, the i-Ride unveiled destinations and events that I’ve yet to explore, a testament to Taiwan’s richness and diversity.
Shangri-La Far Eastern, Tainan
Address: 89 Section West, University Road, Tainan 70146 Taiwan
While Taipei’s urban allure is undeniable, to truly immerse oneself in Taiwan’s rich tapestry of history and culture, venturing beyond the capital is an absolute must. Heeding this call, I traveled southward to the historical city of Tainan, once the island’s capital before the government moved it northward. It was here that I stayed at Shangri-La Tainan, another oasis that seamlessly blends modernity with the region’s storied past.
Conveniently located next to the Tainan TRA train station, this elegant property welcomed me with a grand lobby that had garnered accolades for its award-winning design.
4-Star Hotel, 5-Star Amenities
My deluxe room, one of the hotel’s 331 generously proportioned accommodations, offered a panoramic view of Tainan’s cityscape. With rooms starting at around $100 per night, the Shangri-La Tainan offers an exceptional value proposition, allowing guests to indulge in luxury without compromising on affordability.
Beyond the comfort of my room, the hotel’s culinary offerings proved to be a gastronomic delight. The breakfast buffet is a lavish spread of Taiwanese and Western food.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Horizon Club Lounge extends a privileged sanctuary, complete with separate check-in facilities and exclusive amenities. And for those seeking rejuvenation, the hotel’s wellness center beckons with its heart-shaped pool, an endearing touch.
Shangri-La Tainan is near a college so there are a plethora of dining options within its vicinity, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culinary scene. Alternatively, the hotel’s five on-site dining venues provide an array of cuisines, satisfying every craving without ever leaving the premises.
My time experiencing these two Shangri-La properties revealed two distinct faces of Taiwan – Taipei’s cosmopolitan energy and Tainan’s historical charm. For travelers seeking to experience Taiwan’s legendary hospitality at its finest, these Shangri-La properties offer more than just a place to rest – they provide a gateway to understanding the heart of this beautiful island nation.
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