Hilton HHonors - Hilton Taipei

staying at the Taipei Hilton now...just found that they put a keyboard in the room today...it's something called "Aquila"...internet services on the tv...using it to type this message now...a pretty cool technology to be found in this really old hotel...don't know if it's only for suites or every room has it...the rate isn't that bad either...about US$3 for the first 15 minutes, and US$1 for each additional 5 minutes...is something like this found in other Hiltons, or other hotels ??

of course, I'm just trying this out...won't use this much in the future...still a bit too expensive...

That is a bit on the expensive side. It's like the Nintendo systems some hotels have in their rooms ... I stay at a Radisson in Huntsville, AL that has it a lot, and they charge like $6/hour! That's way too much ... If it were like $1/hour ... maybe $2/hour I'd use it ... but $6/hour ... forget about it!

As anyone stayed at this location? I have a business trip on January 1, & 2, 2000. Yes, and it really is a business trip on the first of the year!

I did and did not like it. The location is not so great. I tend to stay at the Grand Hyatt - it's a large hotel with a nice selection of restaurant, a great fitness center, outdoor pool (with underwater music). The hotel is right next to the convention center. Would also recommend to book a regency club room - it's only a little more but it gives you many more facilities (lounge with free meeting rooms, breakfast, cocktails etc.)

Confirming Dutchboy regarding Grand Hyatt as the place to stay in Taipei and it's an FHR Amex Plat property too.

Yet, having never stayed at the Hilton, I've generally heard good things about it. It's about half the size of the Hyatt and regarding location- well it's very close to the train station!

I have stayed at the Hyatt and the Sheraton (down the street from the Hilton). It surely depends on what you mean by location. If you are attending a convention or want to visit the Sun monument, then the Hyatt is well located. Otherwise, it is NOWHERE. If you want to sightsee or shop, the Hilton's location is perfect. The Hyatt is clearly VERY deluxe but Hilton, though small, is just fine. The Hilton is also near public transit. I stayed at the LaiLai Sheraton while my husband conducted business and I picked it so I could get around easily without needing a car. I loved the location since it is right downtown - restaurants, bakeries (visit one and see!), historic places...The Sheraton was also a good choice but a few blocks farther from the center of town. Take good walking shoes - the sidewalks are a jumble in spots.

DutchBoy, Doc, and Karen2:
Thanks for such great info and for being so straight forward about what you have encountered. I will give them all much consideration before I book something this week!
Thanks again.

Karen2:

I will stay in Sheraton Taipei next month. Is data port installed in rooms?
How long does it take a walk to Taipei rail station?

Thanks.

Netcat-
Sorry I can't help you with this one. I have never stayed at that location. Let me know is you ever come to Japan though, especially the western half!

Beieve the Sheraton Lai Lai is literally one block away but not more than two. I believe it is just across the street from the Hilton and the RR station.

netcat,

I stayed at Lai Lai Sheraton in Oct., in one of those SPG rooms on a higher floor. It had a dataport and I could access the internet.

The room, and the hotel itself, too, was old and their fitnesss room was less than perfectly nice. I also stayed at Hilton last year and the same thing can be said about the room.

While I do like their locations, I would dodge both Sheraton and Hilton and would try either Hyatt or the newly opened Westin in Taipei.

I stayed at the Taipei InterContinental when I went this spring on a United e-fare - it was very nice (although I didn't check out facilities like fitness or meeting rooms, so can't comment on them). In general, though, I would pick wherever is closest to your business.

Two sightseeing musts: The National Museum is spectacular - they took all the good stuff when they left the mainland! I spent the best part of a day there, and could easily have used more time. It's a cheap ($4-6 USD) cab ride from most of the hotels you're considering. And even if time is tight, just a few minutes at Lungshan Temple will be fascinating, with incredible sights.

I just did a search on this hotel and couldn't find anything reported in the past year. I'll be in TPE 4/4-8 and because I'm Gold would like to stay with Hilton but the reports I did get on the search were not that great. Anyone have anything new to say on it or should I look someplace else?

Thanks.

Chris

Is yours a business trip? Asking because I'm there on same dates and wondering where to stay, what to do.

I stayed at the TPE hilton 5 times in 1999-2000. Nothing great about it except reasonable fares ( 115-120 USD per night), but very central location (in front of Taipei station), neighbouring a major shopping center (Shinkong Mistukoshi) where there is a good food court ( there is one as well below the hotel). The hotel itself is OK, nothing fancy but on the whole, good value and I prefer staying there. Have been upgraded to a suite (nothing fancy either; just a 2-room place )for the above rate by putting forward my loyalty towards their hotel ( am not quite sure there is a real executive floor)

TPE can be rewarding if you forget the huge highway that cuts the city. It's safe and the national musuem is a must ( and several times are better; do got the last floor where there is a chinese tea house with birds singing in their cage while you drink your tea and eat some buns-great!)

LordLuck

Just a reminder: If you are indeed staying at the Taipei Hilton, there's a promotion on getting a free HP Jornada if you stay there (along about 200 other hiltons worldwide) for four days or more.

I wish I have the url, but much like my car keys, I can't find it!

Hope this helps you out. By the way, if you are allergic to pollution, be forewarned. It could get ugly.

/d

Hi,

LordLuck: Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to go for the Hilton. I like a hotel that's convenient and I'm working on enough stays to make Gold the legitimate way. This year I did it through the program Olafman told us about on this board. I was planning on going to the national museum as well as a couple of other touristy places.

hedoman: This is a mileage run. With this trip I'm Platinum again thru 2/03. I wanted to get it over with early in the year because I don't want to be rushing around in December wailing about having to spend all my travel time in airports trying to get enough mileage for Platinum again. I'll be at the Hilton and going touring. E-mail me and maybe we can get together for a drink or a meal or something. If you're not in the Hilton program do join it on the special. I can't remember the link but it surfaces so often on this board you should be able to find it without a problem. I'm sure someone much better organized than me will post the address.

danlo: Thanks for the tip about the HP Journada. I'll check it out. I know what you mean about the pollution. I've been to Hong Kong and Bangkok. I guess this is really a problem all over Asia. My husband had a real problem in Bangkok. He wound up with bronchitis. I survived it okay myself but it can get ugly as you say.

Again, thanks all. I'll let you know how things go. If I'm really ambitious I may even do a trip report although I'm still saying that about my trip to HKG last month.

Chris

I'm doing a Taipei run in mid-May and am considering staying at the Taipei Hilton. Have any Hilton Honors Gold VIP members had any luck at getting upgraded accommodations?

I stay there 5-6 times a year and usually I get either the Executive floor upgrade or a suite if available. When are you going to be there in May. I should be there around the 7th to the 11th maybe we can hookup for a drink or dinner. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif


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Cheers Scott

Scott,

Thanks for the info. I'll be there around the 20th to 22nd. Let me know if your plans change.

As an aside - I stayed there last november on a 6 night award (and I'm Diamond) and was upgraded to a room on the executive level.

The place needs some serious rennovation - the room and the hotel in general was very tired looking and worn.

However, the staff was friendly. Good breakfast buffet - but strangely very western (with some japanese stuff) and very little chinese food (besides porridge). Lots of good fruit.

You can eat in the executive lounge or down in the main restaurant <-- seems better selection, fresher food.

Location is fantastic. Two big department stores next door, zillions of tiny shops in the surrounding area, subway station right outside. etc.

If you don't mind sacraficing the points, I would not stay at the Hilton Taipei. Last November I stayed at the Regent Taipei (associated with Four Seasons)...one of the finist hotels I have ever stayed in. It is rivaled only by the Conrad London or Conrad Hong Kong. Try to get what they call their Junior Suites...absolutely huge with a great bathroom. Service is great, has three or four restaurants, and is right on top of a huge Duty Free shop.

that hotel is extremely old and worn out.....probably 3* standard if i were to rate it, i would consider other hotels if at all possible.

however, if you dont mind about quality too much. it is t a very good location, right at the old center of Taipei and next to the train station. also, because it is so old, it is very eady for them to give you upgrade into suite (i.e. 2 rooms with one room filled with couch and dining table)

other hotels in taipei: rannked in price/quality:
Far eastern Shari-la, Grand Hyatt, Sherwood are the top tier
Regent, Intercontinental, Sheraton the second

I have to agree here that this place needs serious remodeling! I stayed twice last year and while the staff was good, I felt like I was staying in my grandmothers house.

Don't get me wrong, I love my grandmothers house, I just don't think that is what to expect from a hotel chain!

I know the thread is on the Taipei Hilton, but don't forget about the Westin Taipei when looking at up-scale. Its a very nice, brand new hotel in the downtown area. I have stayed there several times and have been impressed with the service and the overall facility. Just my 2 cents worth.....

The owner of the Taipei Hilton, Tuntex group, is in serious financial trouble. They have been trying to sell it for a while, an auction for Taipei Hilton in March was cancelled at the last minute for lack of serious bidders. It probably will not be remodeled until it gets a new owner.

I stayed at the Taipei Hilton from 4/4-4/8 this year and was upgraded to a suite. However, I was not given access to the Executive Lounge. I was told that as a Gold member this was not a perk. I know this is not true but I got breakfast at the buffet included in my room so I didn't get too bent out of shape over it. The hotel definitely does need a facelift but the staff were great to me and I would recommend it for convenience (MRT just next door).

Funny thing, I filled out one of their guest surveys and mentioned, among other things, that they were wrong about access to the Executive Lounge for Gold HHonors members. I received a letter from the manager the other day thanking me for filling out the survey and apologising for not allowing me access to the Lounge. The manager also said "it was made clear during our recent regional meeting that from now on this benefit will be available." I imagine Adam came through again. I had the same thing happen to me at the Conrad Hong Kong and sent an e-mail to Adam about it at the suggestion of some other Flyer Talkers. Adam told me the hotel was wrong and he would bring it to their attention. I guess it's a regional thing and now it's been corrected. Thank you, Adam. I did wonder if it had to do with being a woman traveling alone but heaven forbid I think that in this day and age, right?

Chris

I just stayed at the at the Hilton Taipei for 3 nights. It has a great location next to the main rail station, but there is construction going on (as of 4/24/01) at the front of the station that may keep you from sleeping in on weekdays. I can't really sugggest staying here unless you are a die hard Hilton fan. But even then you will be disappointed with the room quality. Even the "renovated" rooms smell like mildew beause of the area's high humidity. My first night, after a 13.5 hour plane ride and a one hour bus ride, was almost sleepless because of the bedsprings poking through the paper-thin mattress padding. The next nights were a little better after switching rooms. If finances improve, however, I was told a terrific renovation will be undertaken. Ask for Assistant Manager Jim Hu. He's a great guy and will do his best to rectify any problems which may arise. Actually, the entire staff was very courteous and helpful. If their renovation goes through, I'll stay here on a future trip to Taipei.

One thing I haven't seen posted is that there's an excellent cyber cafe in the building next door to the east (it takes up an entire floor and is open 24HR).

By the way, I just received my Jornada.


[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

Hi, GaryLA,

Thanks for your input. I'm glad to hear about the renovation. It's badly needed. I stayed there on my trip April 3-8 and I agree with what you said. The staff was great. I had no problem with the construction because it only went on during the day and I was out. I also had a suite with no view which probably helped no end. No view, no noise.

I probably should have posted something here when I got back but I'm very lazy. I think we should mention that the internet cafe is on the last floor the escalator goes to. Once you get inside the building it's not advertised and it can be confusing.

I don't have an Amex card any more so didn't qualify for the Journado promo but I'm glad to hear someone got one. I gave up my Amex card to concentrate on my AAdvantage card for (what else?) more AA miles.

Chris

If I can get some free time, I'll submit a detailed trip report. I'm wondering though, is it best to post that in the airline's board or the hotel's board. Or, perhaps both?

[This message has been edited by GaryLA (edited 04-26-2001).]

Gary,

Post the report under "Flyer Talk Trip Reports", rather than under Hilton or American Airlines. As your report will likely cover flights, the hotel, and Taipei sights, more FT users will get to view it.

Craig

Gary, I too would love to read your trip report. I'm making my first trip to Asia this September with stops in Taipei and Tokyo. I plan on using Hyatt points for three nights at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei.

Ahhh yes, the Grand Hyatt Taipei.

What a place. Bring your swimsuit and try out the underwater stereo in the pool.

Regency Club here offer plenty of food for breakfast and pre-dinner snacks.

I just love this location!

Considering Hilton Taipei as part of my Taipei mileage run. Any updated information? Is the hotel renovated yet?

Thanks.

Does Hilton Taipei provide transportation to/from the CKS airport?

Hi,

The hotel definitely was not renovated when I was there in April and there were no signs of them starting anything. I was upgraded to a suite but it really wasn't anything to write home about as my sainted mother used to say. The help was great and the breakfast was always good with a fairly large selection.

And no, there is no free shuttle to the hotel. The bus isn't terribly expensive and you can arrange for the trip back from the hotel. There's an internet cafe just across the street, to the right as you leave the hotel. It's on the fourth floor if I remember rightly.

I would have to say when I stayed there the hotel was adequate but definitely not in the category of the Hilton in Tokyo and absolutely nowhere near the Conrad in Hong Kong.

Have a good trip.

Will be staying there for a night...wondering if anyone else has stayed there before.



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Albert

Why are you wondering?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/001954.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/001608.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/001360.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/000289.html

A few days ago I made a reservation and noticed they have airport "shuttle bus" service to and from CKS. Today, the Tokyo reservation people called me after they called the hotel directly and have confirmed my pickup at CKS by "limousine car." The cost was quoted at $56US.

Can anyone confirm what exactly this will be? Should I expect a sign with my name on it or look for something with Taipei Hilton on it?

Thank you

You can expect someone holding a placard with your name on it. The car is usually a Mercedes or Volvo, quite nice. There is, however, a shuttle van available at a much lower cost, $10-$20 range. But it runs on a schedule.

Take the bus....

NT90 ($10.00)

No different than the airport limo in japan except these guys drop you off curbside....

I usually take the bus on arrival and the car to the airport..... (just my preference)

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DL PM, UA Plat, Marriott PM, Hyatt Gold

In fact NT$90 is about US$3.

Thanks for the info. Three bucks is pretty cheap, but I get in just after the bus leaves and I don't want to wait 90 minutes for the next one so I will go by car. Sounds nice!

90 Minutes????

I have never waited twenty minutes there....

now, in Narita... that is a different story...

oooooo never mind..... I was thinking about the airport bus service in Taipei.....

As you exit customs/security, it is on the left side of the airport terminal building, the "car/limo" zoo is on the right......

sorry for the confusion....

I dread posting this as I know how many of you, including myself, have not had too many pleasant things to say about this location. However, I need to make a reservation for November 7-9 and would like to ask for some opinions.
Should I take the-
1) $136 rate with no breakfast
2) $150 rate with breakfast
or
3) $195 rate and go up to an exec. floor
I am guessing that would be more than just breakfast up there.

Any ideas?!
Thank you

Do you REALLY have to stay at the Hilton? Might I suggest the Westin Taipei. I have stayed at both hotels and would recommend the Westin over the Hilton. Rates right now for your dates at the Westin are around $150-60 per night w/o breakfast. The Westin has a wonderful breakfast buffet, small cafe next to it and access to the metro system is close by, 2-3 blocks I believe. BTW, as a Gold HHonors member, I was "upgraded" on my last stay there.... very unmemorable and the executive floor room had really no ammenities other than free water. Drop me a note if you would like more info.

The MRT near the Westin works, but you can get to most of Taipei, since the connecting line is closed for a long while, and Main Taipei MRT under the Hilton is closed due to the floods.

There is also an local rate at the Hilton NT$3000 (US$85), see if you can get that ?

Is it really all that bad ?

I am thinking of staying there on a PointStretcher in December. Would I be wasting my points ?

I do not have enough Starpoints to consider the Westin, and since this is for leisure, I will probably not be staying at anything far above US $100 a night.

Also, what is their track record on upgrades/breakfast for award stays ?

Yann, I was on an award stay, as a Gold, got the "upgrade" and use of the executive lounge for breakfast. It was an ok stay, but IMHO not worth the points.

Yes, unfortunately I need to stay at Hilton since all the other friends I am meeting are staying there. Don't really feel like I can be the one to stay at a different location or ask them all to move.

As for my original question above, I have sort of answered my own question since I am not a huge breakfast eater, but I do like to have snacks, drinks, etc. during the day and evening. That IS all available there isn't it?!

Thanks again

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Taipei:
The MRT near the Westin works, but you can get to most of Taipei, since the connecting line is closed for a long while, and Main Taipei MRT under the Hilton is closed due to the floods.

There is also an local rate at the Hilton NT$3000 (US$85), see if you can get that ?</font>

Any chance that this will be reopened by mid December ? I heard the floods were pretty bad during the typhoon.

Also, do you know if other chain hotels have this kind of local rate, and what are the specifics ?

Well, the "local" rate would be nice, but everytime I am with my friends they have to show there Taiwan National ID card. They (hotels) are always more than willing however, to give me a rate 2 or 3 times that since I am not native! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Well you could have your friend check in for you (but you not get miles/points ), Westin sometimes has local rates, but not sure now ?

I didn't think the property is that bad. Actually, ppl were super friendly, and my room was huge eventhough i did not get a suite,a Gold took my Suite! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif



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Albert

We have a Flyer talk/Taiwan club mini dinner with some Flyer talk, and local college student travel club, see the MileageRun Board for more details .

Also with GOLD Honors, they sometimes will upgrade you to a suite, as they have upgraded me in the past, twice in the past year, if you have been upgraded before, its noted in your profile, along with an favorite room, so in future stays they try to get you the same room !, kind of nice system !

The MRT running from Taipei Station to Hsinpu is running now, the north/south line to Tamsui is running but does not stop at Taipei Station, only the Eastern stations are still flooded.

Boysmap, have time to join us for a flyertalk dinner staurday, pete from texas is there and me comming in from California (via NRT)

Boysmap,

Right now the Expedia.com is showing Hilton Taipe with a value rate of $88 a night for 11/07-11/09.

This is the same rate I took when I went on a Taipei mileage run recently. The hotel upgraded me to a very large room based on HHonors Gold, and access to the lounge where I had free breakfast.

Since your friends will be there, I think you should go for the $88 rate. Nearby is a cluster of shops and restaurants. Found a cheap internet place nearby as well. Although the metro is closed, it's still easy to get a taxi.

Enjoy your stay!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Boysmap:
As for my original question above, I have sort of answered my own question since I am not a huge breakfast eater, but I do like to have snacks, drinks, etc. during the day and evening. That IS all available there isn't it?!

Thanks again</font>

When we were there in September, they had a nice selection of appetizers and munchies as well as drinks available in the Executive Lounge until 7 pm. IMHO, the snack selecton was better than I've seen in domestic Hilton lounges.

I'm not sure about snacks at other times of the day, but we found the minibar prices to be quite reasonable (comparable to US hotel vending machines).

The breakfast spread, btw, is incredible. Even if you aren't a breakfast eater, I would suggest making it up there.

Also... the rooms aren't bad. I've stayed in domestic Hiltons and Sheratons that were much worse! In our group, the Golds all got suite upgrades and the Diamonds got rooms on the Executive Floor (and believe it or not, the Executive Floor rooms were nicer than the non-Executive Floor suites).

There is a full trip report from the mileage run that Taipei mentions above posted in Trip Reports under the header "Eighteen Hours in Taipei".

Enjoy your trip!

There is this restuarant called Jakes Country Kitchen. It is frequented by many resident Ex-Pats and they will cook you the best american breakfast. Their Pancakes (all different kinds) are terrific!

When you are away from the States for a while, places like this are quaint, and the food is very good, in a casual atmosphere. BTW, their homeade fruit pies are great too! I will get the address from home and post it - it is on the main street, I just forget the name of it.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Mmmmmmm! Pancakes! I can't tell you how long it has been since I have had REAL pancakes. Ah yes, the little things about living in another country.

Thanks for the added points of info and news.

And Flying Rev...any names address would be MOST appreciated!

Thank you all again!

Here is a link to the thread mentioned by techgirl. It was a very interesting read.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/002126.html

Thanks a lot to all the people taking the time to share their travel experience with the community.

By the way, does anybody have additional information about the 20th floor rooftop garden and hot tubs ? Just curious.

[This message has been edited by yann (edited 10-31-2001).]

I have not stayed there but Techgirl might know who has information on those hottubs on the roof. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I stayed at the Hilton Taipei on a Point Stretcher award in December, which was a decent value at 10k points per night.

As a Gold member, I was upgraded to a 10th floor Executive room (not a suite, but very nice nonetheless).

Since the lounge was closed, I was also offered completary breakfast (buffet or room service), tea in the afternoon, and a pre-dinner drink in the evening. Staff was very friendly and accomodating.

I unfortunately forgot to check out the top floor, so I can't comment on the hot tubs, but they were probably closed anyway.

As was said before, location is excellent, right next to the central subway station, which is open again. I believe that the nearby cyber-cafe has now been replaced by a gym.

Overall, a good experience. This was definitely much better than some people made it sound, and even exceeded my expectations.

BTW, I also stayed at the Lai-Lai Sheraton during this trip, and although I'm Gold there as well, I didn't get comparable treatment at all.

In Taipeh, I recommend you to stay in the Grand Hyatt. This is for sure the no. 1 place in Taipeh. Just redecorated to fight the Westin.
Rooms and Exec Lounge are great as are all the hotel restaurants and clubs.
Basis room rate might be high but for some lousy hyatt points they upgrade you to a "corner suite" which is really fantastic.

The rooftop hot tub garden is very nice. There are officially posted hours for the roof (very limited) but we went up to look around after the posted hours and the door was unlocked.

There is quite a bit of foliage and the view is fabulous (the Hilton is one of the, if not THE, tallest buildings in the city). There are a couple of tables and benches and in the corner, elevated a bit, is a hot tub. I would imagine you could sit in the hot tub and look out over the whole city if you so desired.

I would recommend this as a decent property if you need Hilton stays. If you are flexible on where you stay, however, the photos from those in our group who stayed at the Westin looked MUCH nicer IMHO.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by underpressure:
bus service
As you exit customs/security, it is on the left side of the airport terminal building, the "car/limo" zoo is on the right......
</font>

If I will be staying at the Hilton, which "bus" do I get on? Thanks, and is it $3US or $10US per person, and about how long time-wise is the trip from the airport to the hotel. Thank you again.

You could take the bus that goes to the Taipei train station. Last time I was there in December, the ticket cost $NT 110 (divide by 35 for $US). The trip takes about 45 minutes.

Here's a link for more info:
http://www.cksairport.gov.tw/E/t2-1-1.htm

You can then just walk to the Hilton, as it is less than 5 minutes away, unless you really have too much luggage.

Edited to add that the easiest way to find the Hilton, once at the train station, is to go down any of the many MRT (subway) entrances and look for Exit 6 - Hilton.

[This message has been edited by yann (edited 03-20-2002).]

Thank you Yann.

Crankyusi

I recommend you should take limousine bus service.
Cheap,fast,but pretty old.

i used to live in taipei when i was little.. most people take the bus 'cuz it's more popular (and cheap)..

good luck..

How does one know which bus to get on? Also, how frequently does it run?

Many thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pynchonesque:
How does one know which bus to get on? Also, how frequently does it run?
Many thanks.</font>

This doesn't answer your question directly but I had similar questions about a stay next Tuesday at the Westin Taipei. So I emailed the hotel and the director of operations sent me a very prompt and detailed response, which delineated which of the six bus lines to use (in this case, "FeGo Express Bus"), what the bus looks like (green bus with a Dalmation dog painted on the side) and how to find the pickup area.

I think the email address of the Taipei Hilton is FOM_TAIPEI@hilton.com

[This message has been edited by LarryU (edited 03-20-2002).]

Larry, thanks.

The Taipei Hilton's English-language website wasn't working last week, but now it is:

http://twtpehilte.pv.travio.com.tw/

[edited to say: but their "leave a message" function gives an error message, in Chinese no less]

[This message has been edited by pynchonesque (edited 03-20-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LarryU:
This doesn't answer your question directly but I had similar questions about a stay next Tuesday at the Westin Taipei. So I emailed the hotel and the director of operations sent me a very prompt and detailed response, which delineated which of the six bus lines to use (in this case, "FeGo Express Bus"), what the bus looks like (green bus with a Dalmation dog painted on the side) and how to find the pickup area.
</font>

Be careful, as the Westin and Hilton are in quite separate areas.

To go to the Hilton, you will need to get on the Taiwan Bus to Taipei Railway station. I don't recall anything specific about the bus, though. I believe the ticket counter is the first on your left when entering the bus terminal (in Terminal 2).

You should probably double-check with them, anyway. I have found another e-mail address you may use: hilton@hilton-taipei.com

Small FYI: To go from one hotel to the other, you can use bus line 310. The line actually also goes by the Lai-Lai Sheraton. Fare is $NT15 (no more no less, unless you want to be yelled at in Chinese), which you pay when getting out of the bus.

[This message has been edited by yann (edited 03-21-2002).]

They also offer a hotel shuttle bus from CKS, which is either only $9 more than the public bus, or a whopping 4x more expensive, depending how you look at it. I'll probably stick to the NT110 public bus, possibly in both directions.

Here's the response I got from hilton(at)taipei-hilton.com:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">With reference to your inquiry, please kindly be informed the airport pick up service is available by limousine car at cost of NTD1680 per trip or by scheduled shuttle bus at cost of NTD450 per trip per person. (shuttle schedule are: 13:00, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 22:00, 23:30)reservation in advance is required, please advise your preference for a proper arrangement.</font>

The NT$110 bus stops, 2+ big blocks away, if you have luggage not such a nice walk, esp. if raining, you can talk the undergroup walkway, the streets are hard to cross with the traffic and walk with all the motorbikes on the sidewalk. I like to walk, but others Ihave taken do not like it ! You can take a taxi NT$70+ tip from the bus stop if you have luggage (if you tip?), there many taxis always when you get off the bus always yelling at you for a ride. The return to the airport is much easier, the bus leaves from the station across the street. Also see our travel club web site:

www.taiwanclub.homestead.com (http://www.taiwanclub.homestead.com)

Thanks for the info everyone. Just finished a two-nite stay at the Hilton in Taipei. Used 35,000 HH points for this two-nite weekend stay (SE4 Award I believe). The public bus info was great, received complimentary buffet breakfast, the room was ok if I had to pay cash but since it was by HH points it was fabulous. Service was good. I will go back to this property. Someone just mentioned to me that I missed an earthquake in Taipei by a few hours, so if that's the case, hope things are ok there.
Thanks again Flyertalkers, you made this trip much easier and more enjoyable with your help. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Has anyone stayed at this property recently? Has it's condition improved?

Can anyone suggest how to land the best rates? hilton.com is currently quoting approx US$120/night for June.

Thanks.

Any update news? Thanks.

Need a stay for the 50K promotion.

I stayed there for a few days back in April, and it was decent. I stayed on the same floor as the Executive Lounge (11th?) in an enormous room, which was slightly rundown in some aspects (dirty windows, worn carpets) but still quite clean and comfortable. The hotel common areas and the Executive Lounge were quite clean, the breakfast buffet in the Executive Lounge was excellent, and the Executive Lounge staff were friendly and helpful. I don't recall how much I paid for the room--it was booked for me by an assistant. A friend stayed there at the same time, and he was quite disappointed with his room (which he said was very seedy and rundown, with threadbare sheets and carpets), so they may be in the process of slowly renovating rooms. The only severely disconcerting aspect was a powerful moldy smell that hit me the first time I got off the elevator on the 11th Floor, and which never completely went away the whole time I was there.

On a subsequent trip I stayed at the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei, which was quite nice and more luxurious than the Hilton. But I would have no problems staying at the Hilton again.

I cannot find Taipei Hilton anymore on the web site. I think its no longer a hilton property. I just wonder what happen if you have reserved a room using HH pts for future?

Hilton Taipei - no longer a hilton property, effective 1 Jan 03, no redemptions, no stays count, etc.

Hilton.com should pull this from their system ASAP. If you want an alternate property to earn miles / or some other program points, try the Westin or Lai Lai Sheraton, the former being nicer, the later in a better location.

I hate this, I loved the location of that hotel. I have stayed there 8-10 times and found it to be quite acceptable.

Does anyone know what happened?

Does Hilton have an acquisition planned?

The property is called the Caesar Park Hotel Taipei now, the owners of the property have decided not to use the Hilton brand anymore. I doubt Hilton will try to buy the property, but perhaps they may build another property in Taipei or perhaps Conrad may. A similar situation happened with the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, it is now the Mutiara and Hilton are building a new hotel at KL Sentral, but at least loyal Hilton folks can still stay at the Hilton Petaling Jaya in the interim.


http://twtpehilte.pv.travio.com.tw/ics/contents/skins_b/activity/news.asp?messageid=27

Hilton International Co., (Hilton International) and Kuo Yu Development Corporation (Kuo Yu), the owner of Hilton Taipei, today announced their mutual agreement to end Hilton¡¦s management of the property from January 1, 2003.

Hilton Taipei has been operated by Hilton International on behalf of Kuo Yu since 1972. The decision to end the management agreement after almost 30 years is an arrangement both parties agreed would be in the best interests of each company.

Hilton International and Kuo Yu are confident the parting of ways is a positive move, and the two companies continue to enjoy a mutually amicable relationship.

Kuo Yu Development Corporation appreciates Hilton International¡¦s cooperation for the past thirty years. Hilton International¡¦s assistance has helped Kuo Yu achieve excellent performance in Taiwan. However, because both parties now have its own new goals and directions, both parties agree to end this partnership tentatively.

Nevertheless, due to Kuo Yu and Hilton International¡¦s excellent working relationship in the past, Kuo Yu hope that both parties will have other chances to cooperate in the future.

kawoh

Thanks for the information.....

I am thinking they have something going on.....

??purchasing the Formosa?????

How about purchasing the Westin... now that would be NICE! :-)

Well the new hotel site does not have much info !
There are many other nice independent hotels, hopefully one will be a Hilton in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan!


see:
http://twtpehilte.pv.travio.com.tw/

our travel club:
www.taiwanclub.homestead.com (http://www.taiwanclub.homestead.com)

Well, it has been over a year since the last post here.

I am now living in Taiwan (only been here 3 months) but cannot find anything yet on a new Hilton, Conrad or anything else.

Any one heard anything yet?? :confused:

Thanks

Well, it has been over a year since the last post here.

I am now living in Taiwan (only been here 3 months) but cannot find anything yet on a new Hilton, Conrad or anything else.

Any one heard anything yet?? :confused:

Thanks

I am afraid there is no Hilton property in Taiwan at this moment nor in the near future. (No news about any new plan at all.)

Can anyone tell me if the Hilton Taipei is actually part of the Hilton chain. Can't find it on the Hilton website and yet lots of booking engines have references to it.

Anyone stayed there. I'm particularly interested if anyone knows how far it is from Taipei 101 building.

Thanks, Paul

I believe this property became Caesar Park Hotel Taipei back in 2003.To my knowledge,there is no Hilton property in Taipei any longer.

It might be gone now, but I stayed there in late 2002. It was a nice hotel and quite close to Taipei 101 which was under construction at the time. It was also close to the Train station.

Sail

AFAIK, it is no longer a Hilton, and Hilton has no properties in Taiwan. I seem to remember reading another thread where this was discussed, but without search, you'll never find it.

As an aside, I remember as a poor college student in the 80's, while travelling to Taiwan and looking for a place to stay, I walked into the Taipei Hilton to inquire about getting a room. I remember that I was astonished that they wanted about $100/night. I went down the street and stayed at a place with more local 'color' for about $20.

Of course, shortly after checking in, I got a knock at the door where there was a guy with a couple girls behind him asking me if I needed a girl for the night. "Xie-xie, bu yung le!"

AFAIK, it is no longer a Hilton, and Hilton has no properties in Taiwan. I seem to remember reading another thread where this was discussed, but without search, you'll never find it.


Search has been back for a couple days. You have to log in to see it though. Seems to search archives too.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128385&highlight=taipei
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125944&highlight=taipei
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124619&highlight=taipei
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122567&highlight=taipei

Search has been back for a couple days.

:cool: :cool: Thanks! :cool: :cool:

I was looking on the Hilton website and it seems there are no Hilton properties at all in Taiwan. Under the Countries list there is no Taiwan, Republic of China, or even Formosa and none of the hotels that come up for China are in Taiwan either. Does anyone know if there is a political reason for this?

There are no Marriott Properties either! Seems odd.

Westin and Hyatt are good options in Taipei -- both are very high quality.

You'd think Hilton would be there too! I doubt if anything political, but you never know.

Same problem in Philippines - only the resort at Cebu - not much help for Manila. The Intercon is good though.

I was looking on the Hilton website and it seems there are no Hilton properties at all in Taiwan. Under the Countries list there is no Taiwan, Republic of China, or even Formosa and none of the hotels that come up for China are in Taiwan either. Does anyone know if there is a political reason for this?

There are no Marriott Properties either! Seems odd.


Nope. The old Hilton in Taipei is now the "Ceaser Park", an unaffiliated Chinese brand.

My lone impression of the Hilton in TPE was that it was quite dated and need of a bad facelift. But any current and up to date info is welcome about the Hilton in Taipei as I am planning a stay there before the end of August.

any current and up to date info is welcome about the Hilton in Taipei

There's a Hilton in Taipei? I can't find it on the Hilton site. Taiwan is not even an option in the country pull-down menu.

Hilton sold it a while back. It is now called Caesar Park Hotel Taipei, right across from the Taipei Main Railway/Metro Station. There are no Hilton Properties in Taiwan.

Hilton sold it a while back. It is now called Caesar Park Hotel Taipei, right across from the Taipei Main Railway/Metro Station. There are no Hilton Properties in Taiwan.

Okay thanks for the info.