Well, just came back from a quick mileage run to Taipei along with a firm determination to avoid the Lai Lai Sheraton like the plague.

First of all, there was the rate. As far as I could tell from the reservation made through travelocity [and show on the Sheraton site], my quoted rate of $4499 NT was everything, including tax. When I actually get there, I was informed there was a 10% service charge. After showing the desk agent the printout from the Sheraton site, they continue to insist that the service charge was in addition to the quoted rate.

I was not amused, but it was a bit too late to change.

Now, the room was well appointed with good furniture. The TV was on the small side, but the high speed access was nice. The bathrroom, however, was an entirely different story. It was like walking into a different, much lower class, hotel room. Cheap tile floor, minimal towels, and generally cheap feel.

Worst part, the whole room smelled like bathroom cleaner agent. Even leaving the air filter on for ~3 hours while I went out didn't do much to clear the smell. When I called down to complain, the desk agent just told me to turn on the air filter.

So, the location is nice, the room is nice, but the bathroom and the smell just ruined the in-room experience for me. Next time, I'm staying at the Westin.