Sep 21, 2014, 11:03 am
Last edit by: ElevatorEnthusiast
Occupancy Policy
Due to fire safety and security concerns, only registered hotel guests are allowed in guest rooms from 10pm to 8am. From 8am to 10pm, the maximum occupancy—including visitors (non-registered guests) and registered guests—for each room is as follows:
Due to fire safety and security concerns, only registered hotel guests are allowed in guest rooms from 10pm to 8am. From 8am to 10pm, the maximum occupancy—including visitors (non-registered guests) and registered guests—for each room is as follows:
- Wonderful, Fabulous and Spectacular Rooms: 5 adults
- Cool Corner Room: 8 adults
- Marvelous and Fantastic Suites: 10 adults
- WOW Suite: 20 adults
- Extremely WOW Suite: 30 adults
- WOW Suite: 20 adults
- Marvelous and Fantastic Suites: 10 adults
- Cool Corner Room: 8 adults
W Hotel Taipei, Taiwan [Master Thread]
Jul 5, 2012, 12:32 am
#76
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 130
I had to the pleasure to stay at this property for 3 nights on Cash & Points in July.
Arrival
I arrived at TPE and took the airport limousine to the hotel. Although it is only an airport limousine bus, it is still a comfortable way to get to the hotel. The bus has an air-condition and the seats are acceptable so far. I think the most important point is that the bus stops at City Hall Bus Station. It is possible to walk from the City Hall Bus Station directly to the hotel through the shopping center, just a few steps. The bus ride costs 145 TWD and it's called "Toward You Air Bus", bus number 2060. The ride takes around 80 minutes. (Details: http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/engli...sp?cnid=100150)
The check-in is on the 10th floor. As a gold member I could choose between a Wonderful Room, Fabulous Room or Spectacular Room. I took the Spectacular Room that provided me with a view on Taipei 101. The Fabulous room is bigger, but I travelled alone anyway.
Furthermore I could choose between a free drink or 500 points. I took the points. It is worth to mention that all SPG members are provided with free internet at this property. I don't know if it is temporary or always the case.
The room
I loved the room. The room was in a very good state. The rain shower is huge.
But let the pictures speak.
Kitchen
I enjoyed the breakfast at the Kitchen once. The restaurant has definitely a nice breakfast selection in the morning. However, I am usually happy with a croissant and espresso, so I haven't tasted that much of food at the Kitchen, although I liked the salmon and parma ham. The price was 968 TWD.
The staff was friendly, but that's what I expect.
WooBar
The WooBar is nice, although it feels a little bit small. I enjoyed a local beer and (209 TWD) a Canadian Club (418 TWD). I preferred the bar outside. There is a nice lounge area next the pool and it is relaxing to get a drink outside when the temperature went down a little, a mojito sets you back 429 TWD. Overall I think the prices are reasonable for a W hotel in Asia.
I liked the fact that the bartender still knew my drink selection at the second evening.
Pool
It is an outside pool on the 10th floor. The pool was bigger than I expected and sufficient for a short swam after a long day. I really liked the fact that the pool is accessible 24 hours. However, there are also a lot of children in it ....
Restaurant recommendation
I want to add a nice restaurant recommendation. The restaurant is close to the hotel and sells noodles and meat on a hot plate. I paid 160 TWD for it. You can find it here: https://plus.google.com/111546017448...ut?gl=ch&hl=de
Check-out
I have one minor complaint about the check-out. I paid the room rate with my credit card. Unfortunately , the hotel used an automatic currency conversion. I was not asked if I want to pay in TWD or CHFr. Of course, I should have checked the credit card receipt better before signing it. At the other hand, I expect to be asked if I want to pay in my local currency or not. I don't assume that the standard is to pay in my local currency and not in TWD.
However, I really enjoyed my time at this property and I will definitely come back when I stay in Taipei again.
Arrival
I arrived at TPE and took the airport limousine to the hotel. Although it is only an airport limousine bus, it is still a comfortable way to get to the hotel. The bus has an air-condition and the seats are acceptable so far. I think the most important point is that the bus stops at City Hall Bus Station. It is possible to walk from the City Hall Bus Station directly to the hotel through the shopping center, just a few steps. The bus ride costs 145 TWD and it's called "Toward You Air Bus", bus number 2060. The ride takes around 80 minutes. (Details: http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/engli...sp?cnid=100150)
The check-in is on the 10th floor. As a gold member I could choose between a Wonderful Room, Fabulous Room or Spectacular Room. I took the Spectacular Room that provided me with a view on Taipei 101. The Fabulous room is bigger, but I travelled alone anyway.
Furthermore I could choose between a free drink or 500 points. I took the points. It is worth to mention that all SPG members are provided with free internet at this property. I don't know if it is temporary or always the case.
The room
I loved the room. The room was in a very good state. The rain shower is huge.
But let the pictures speak.
Kitchen
I enjoyed the breakfast at the Kitchen once. The restaurant has definitely a nice breakfast selection in the morning. However, I am usually happy with a croissant and espresso, so I haven't tasted that much of food at the Kitchen, although I liked the salmon and parma ham. The price was 968 TWD.
The staff was friendly, but that's what I expect.
WooBar
The WooBar is nice, although it feels a little bit small. I enjoyed a local beer and (209 TWD) a Canadian Club (418 TWD). I preferred the bar outside. There is a nice lounge area next the pool and it is relaxing to get a drink outside when the temperature went down a little, a mojito sets you back 429 TWD. Overall I think the prices are reasonable for a W hotel in Asia.
I liked the fact that the bartender still knew my drink selection at the second evening.
Pool
It is an outside pool on the 10th floor. The pool was bigger than I expected and sufficient for a short swam after a long day. I really liked the fact that the pool is accessible 24 hours. However, there are also a lot of children in it ....
Restaurant recommendation
I want to add a nice restaurant recommendation. The restaurant is close to the hotel and sells noodles and meat on a hot plate. I paid 160 TWD for it. You can find it here: https://plus.google.com/111546017448...ut?gl=ch&hl=de
Check-out
I have one minor complaint about the check-out. I paid the room rate with my credit card. Unfortunately , the hotel used an automatic currency conversion. I was not asked if I want to pay in TWD or CHFr. Of course, I should have checked the credit card receipt better before signing it. At the other hand, I expect to be asked if I want to pay in my local currency or not. I don't assume that the standard is to pay in my local currency and not in TWD.
However, I really enjoyed my time at this property and I will definitely come back when I stay in Taipei again.
Last edited by MTHTravel; Jul 5, 2012 at 12:59 am
Jul 5, 2012, 1:20 am
#77
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,932
One thing about bus 2060: It's a bit unpredictable. The 70-80 minute estimate is a best case scenario, i.e., the bus goes from TPE to the downtown area and then meanders seemingly aimlessly from hotel to hotel, until it finally pulls up at the station. On the return, whether owing to some traffic problem or the driver's unwillingness to take the direct route, we went on a scenic tour of southern Taipei and then approached TPE via Expressway #3. Left the city hall station at 2pm and arrived at the airport at 4.10pm.
Jul 9, 2012, 7:28 pm
#78
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA (1MM); SPG Plat
Posts: 335
Another Great Stay
Just completed 10 more nights at W Taipei, totaling 30 nights since opening (20 nights last year). Check in and check out were very pleasant. The hotel has noted all my preferences, down to when I prefer to have the room "styled". While my upgraded marvelous suite was not readied, I was offered to have a beverage of my chosing at the Woobar while I waited. I opted for the free breakfast at Kitchen Table for 2 for the duration of my stay rather than the 500 points. What a deal!
However, if I have to pay NT880 plus 10% service (approximately $33), I certainly would forego having breakfast at this establishment which I feel is subpar for the price charged. I have done breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Kitchen Table, and not once did I enjoy the food. Service from the young "talents" are a miss, but the senior members make up for it.
Furthermore, Yen is also overpriced eatery with subpar food. Again same issue with service.
I have enjoyed interacting with all the "talent" at W Taipei; from Wheels, to room "Stylists". This is my go-to place in Taipei. But, at NT9,300 plus 15.5%for a standard wonderful room, I may venture to find another place to stay (if marvelous upgrades were not available).
However, if I have to pay NT880 plus 10% service (approximately $33), I certainly would forego having breakfast at this establishment which I feel is subpar for the price charged. I have done breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Kitchen Table, and not once did I enjoy the food. Service from the young "talents" are a miss, but the senior members make up for it.
Furthermore, Yen is also overpriced eatery with subpar food. Again same issue with service.
I have enjoyed interacting with all the "talent" at W Taipei; from Wheels, to room "Stylists". This is my go-to place in Taipei. But, at NT9,300 plus 15.5%for a standard wonderful room, I may venture to find another place to stay (if marvelous upgrades were not available).
Last edited by sink; Jul 10, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Jul 10, 2012, 1:15 am
#79
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,825
Just completed 10 more nights are W Taipei, totalling 30 nights since opening (20 nights last year). Check in and check out were very pleasant. The hotel has noted all my preferences, down to when I prefer to have the room "styled". While my upgraded marvelous suite was not readied, I was offered to have a beverage of my chosing at the Woobar while I waited. I opted for the free breakfast at Kitchen Table for 2 for the duration of my stay rather than the 500 points. What a deal!
However, if I have to pay NT880 plus 10% service (approximately $33), I certainly would forego having breakfast at this establishment which I feel is subpar for the price charged. I have done breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Kitchen Table, and not once did I enjoy the food. Service from the young "talents" are a miss, but the senior members makes up for it.
Furthermore, Yen is also overpriced eatery with subpar food. Again same issue with service.
I have enjoyed interacting with all the "talent" at W Taipei; from Wheels, to room "Stylists". This is my go-to place in Taipei. But, at NT9,300 plus 15.5%for a standard wonderful room, I may venture to find another place to stay (if marvelous upgrades were not available).
However, if I have to pay NT880 plus 10% service (approximately $33), I certainly would forego having breakfast at this establishment which I feel is subpar for the price charged. I have done breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Kitchen Table, and not once did I enjoy the food. Service from the young "talents" are a miss, but the senior members makes up for it.
Furthermore, Yen is also overpriced eatery with subpar food. Again same issue with service.
I have enjoyed interacting with all the "talent" at W Taipei; from Wheels, to room "Stylists". This is my go-to place in Taipei. But, at NT9,300 plus 15.5%for a standard wonderful room, I may venture to find another place to stay (if marvelous upgrades were not available).
Agree to all points:
1. Worth the price with suite upgrade, no so without;
2. I am glad someone finally said the truth about the food, and not overwhelmed by the fancy environment of the restaurants. The breakfast buffet at the kitchen is the worst in taste I have ever had in a Taipei hotel, including starwood (Sheraton, Four Point, Westin, Le Meridian, and W) and others like Howard, Shangrila, Formosa Regent , and others. Perhaps the bakeries are OK. The Asian section - both Chinese and Japanese - is horrible.
Aug 21, 2012, 5:09 am
#80
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YYZ TORONTO
Programs: EVA Air Diamond, Fairmont Premier
Posts: 198
umm... just arrived at the W taipei on C+P as a platinum... seems like theres no plat perks here?
1. i got the same room as when i was gold. nice regular room facing 101, but was hoping for an upgrade
2. only gift were 250 bonus points or welcome drink (no breakfast)
3. even the key card holder they gave me says SPG GOLD
would rather stay at le meridien next time since they seem to have plat recognition there
1. i got the same room as when i was gold. nice regular room facing 101, but was hoping for an upgrade
2. only gift were 250 bonus points or welcome drink (no breakfast)
3. even the key card holder they gave me says SPG GOLD
would rather stay at le meridien next time since they seem to have plat recognition there
Last edited by evq; Aug 21, 2012 at 5:15 am
Aug 21, 2012, 5:30 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SIN, dreaming of SFO and YVR
Programs: BD *S, SQ nada
Posts: 765
umm... just arrived at the W taipei on C+P as a platinum... seems like theres no plat perks here?
1. i got the same room as when i was gold. nice regular room facing 101, but was hoping for an upgrade
2. only gift were 250 bonus points or welcome drink (no breakfast)
3. even the key card holder they gave me says SPG GOLD
would rather stay at le meridien next time since they seem to have plat recognition there
1. i got the same room as when i was gold. nice regular room facing 101, but was hoping for an upgrade
2. only gift were 250 bonus points or welcome drink (no breakfast)
3. even the key card holder they gave me says SPG GOLD
would rather stay at le meridien next time since they seem to have plat recognition there
They told me that I was Gold? Asked them to recheck and refresh the system.. They apologised and got all the Plat perks, including a suite upgrade.
Sep 23, 2012, 8:19 am
#85
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
I stayed here a few weeks ago. Definitely pleased with my stay. This property is superior to the (haunted) Grand Hyatt Taipei, for about the same price.
Detailed review here. Lots more pictures in the report.
Detailed review here. Lots more pictures in the report.
Sep 23, 2012, 1:09 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,820
Is there construction going on of a new building next door?
Wonder how noisy will it be, probably need to get a room away from the construction area or facing indoor.
Wonder how noisy will it be, probably need to get a room away from the construction area or facing indoor.
Last edited by lcpteck; Sep 23, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Nov 1, 2012, 1:26 pm
#87
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MO
Programs: AA EXPLT
Posts: 430
Recently completed a two night stay here. I thought it was great, although not as good as the W Hong Kong. Easy location at a metro stop. Seemed within walking distance of many things downtown.
I really don't have any complaints other than I checked in on my actual birthday and all I got was a "happy birthday." I thought maybe they'd send me a small desert or something. No big deal though.
Breakfast was pretty good, but again not as good as the W Hong Kong. Man, breakfast spreads in Asia are much better than in the USA. I even had lunch here one day between meetings because I was too tired to go searching for something. The lunch spread was pretty impressive, although pricey.
I would definitely visit again.
I really don't have any complaints other than I checked in on my actual birthday and all I got was a "happy birthday." I thought maybe they'd send me a small desert or something. No big deal though.
Breakfast was pretty good, but again not as good as the W Hong Kong. Man, breakfast spreads in Asia are much better than in the USA. I even had lunch here one day between meetings because I was too tired to go searching for something. The lunch spread was pretty impressive, although pricey.
I would definitely visit again.
Dec 23, 2012, 1:19 pm
#88
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA (1MM); SPG Plat
Posts: 335
Staying at my favorite SPG hotel in Taipei during the Christmas/New Years break. Luckily for me, I have booked this stay back in 2011 when it was a cat 4. Anyhow, choose the breakfast option as the Platinum amenity (it should be a no-brainer choice). Kitchen Table is getting better.
Jan 20, 2013, 2:25 am
#89
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,820
January 2013
On an award stay and booked a wonderful room which was the basic room type. Understood the hotel was full (first day of 2013) hence no complimentary upgrades available. There was a a points upgrade available for a suite however wasn't worth it due to the peak season. Managed to get my room around 3:30pm and was assigned room 2009.
There were plenty of space everywhere in the room and the view was overlooking the city. Everything was state of the art and the deco was the hip and funky W style. Drapes were automatic with a push of a button. First time I used a fully automatic toilet too. Service was top notch here and too bad didn't have a chance to visit other parts of the hotel grounds. For some reason all the hotel staff, men or women, looked great and at their best. It was as though models were hired to work there.
Right smack beside Taipei City Hall MRT station and walking distance towards Taipei 101, the location is central to everything. A great place to start your travels around the city. Taxi lines up at the entrance so not much waiting necessary.
Check out was quick and had a friendly chat with Assistant Welcome Manager Mike Han. Understood that all W Hotels are styled and decorated differently. A big thank you to Mike as he escorted me and my luggage to the taxi downstairs and off I went.... This was my first W Hotel stay and it didn't disappoint.
Pictures
Forgot to bring my digital camera...
There were plenty of space everywhere in the room and the view was overlooking the city. Everything was state of the art and the deco was the hip and funky W style. Drapes were automatic with a push of a button. First time I used a fully automatic toilet too. Service was top notch here and too bad didn't have a chance to visit other parts of the hotel grounds. For some reason all the hotel staff, men or women, looked great and at their best. It was as though models were hired to work there.
Right smack beside Taipei City Hall MRT station and walking distance towards Taipei 101, the location is central to everything. A great place to start your travels around the city. Taxi lines up at the entrance so not much waiting necessary.
Check out was quick and had a friendly chat with Assistant Welcome Manager Mike Han. Understood that all W Hotels are styled and decorated differently. A big thank you to Mike as he escorted me and my luggage to the taxi downstairs and off I went.... This was my first W Hotel stay and it didn't disappoint.
Pictures
Forgot to bring my digital camera...