Aloft Taipei Zhongshan, Taiwan [Master Thread]
Dec 9, 2015, 9:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
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Posts: 6,819
Aloft Taipei Zhongshan, Taiwan [Master Thread]
Aloft Taipei Zhongshan - Opening December 24, 2015
We are proud to announce that the Aloft Taipei Zhongshan (Taiwan) is now part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is accepting reservations as of today, December 1, 2015, for future dates on or after December 24, 2015. Please note that since this is a new activation, we will not expect availability on the web until later today.
SPG Category 4.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
We are proud to announce that the Aloft Taipei Zhongshan (Taiwan) is now part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is accepting reservations as of today, December 1, 2015, for future dates on or after December 24, 2015. Please note that since this is a new activation, we will not expect availability on the web until later today.
SPG Category 4.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Dec 10, 2015, 9:13 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
It is wild how many SPG properties there are in Taipei City (Sheraton, Westin, W, Le Meridien and now aLoft). This one is supposedly near the older bar hopping district in Taipei.
With the new Marriott and Courtyard (both opened/will open 2015), there are 7 properties! That is not counting the Four Points outside the city.
With the new Marriott and Courtyard (both opened/will open 2015), there are 7 properties! That is not counting the Four Points outside the city.
Dec 25, 2015, 10:04 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
One Night Stay at Aloft Taipei Zhongshan
Wow, Taoyuan Airport was busy tonight! Arrived at 20:20, and did not get through Immigration at Terminal 1 until 22:00. Luckily, there was no queue for the taxi, and I was able to jump in one right away.
The taxi driver did not know the name of the hotel, but luckily, I had the address printed out in Chinese, and the driver was aware of the street name. It took him 20-25 minutes to drive to the hotel. There was no traffic in the evening.
The driver stopped right in front of the hotel. The building has a very small footprint. Three glass walls surround the round check-in desk (in the centre of the lobby), and the elevators are near the remaining wall. The hotel has 17 floors, with re:mix on the top floor.
I booked the hotel's Opening Rate, which was TWD 4,500, and inclusive of one buffet breakfast (which I will try tomorrow). Also double StarPoints. As a Platinum, I was offered late checkout, which I will not need to use. Was also proactively offered the choice of Platinum amenity. Since my room rate already included breakfast, I then opted for the points. The receptionist was very cheery and friendly through the entire check-in process. It did take her a little bit more time than usual to go through the check-in, but I suspect that these are just teething issues with the hotel having opened only yesterday.
Took the elevator up to my room on the 8/F. The hotel only has 8-9 rooms per floor. The room is a good size, and with a very simple, but modern design. I like the layout of this room (see photo on website) much more than the "traditional" Aloft rooms in many of the U.S. properties. Very comfortable King bed. No drinks or snacks in the minibar. Free TWG Tea and Illy coffee. Good assortment of bathroom amenities including robe and slippers, Bliss soap, body cream, etc.
The location of the hotel, I am sure, will not be convenient for most, especially for those who like the convenience of the Starwood Taipei W, Westin, or Le Meridien properties. However, for me, I have friends living in the area, and the purpose of my trip was to visit such friends. So, this time, the Aloft was perfect for me. Even for a one-night stay, and popping from and back to Taoyuan Airport, I feel this hotel is in a better location than the Four Points Zhonghe.
I would not hesitate to stay here again, especially if I have personal or business matters to attend to in the vicinity. Way to go, Aloft Taipei!
The taxi driver did not know the name of the hotel, but luckily, I had the address printed out in Chinese, and the driver was aware of the street name. It took him 20-25 minutes to drive to the hotel. There was no traffic in the evening.
The driver stopped right in front of the hotel. The building has a very small footprint. Three glass walls surround the round check-in desk (in the centre of the lobby), and the elevators are near the remaining wall. The hotel has 17 floors, with re:mix on the top floor.
I booked the hotel's Opening Rate, which was TWD 4,500, and inclusive of one buffet breakfast (which I will try tomorrow). Also double StarPoints. As a Platinum, I was offered late checkout, which I will not need to use. Was also proactively offered the choice of Platinum amenity. Since my room rate already included breakfast, I then opted for the points. The receptionist was very cheery and friendly through the entire check-in process. It did take her a little bit more time than usual to go through the check-in, but I suspect that these are just teething issues with the hotel having opened only yesterday.
Took the elevator up to my room on the 8/F. The hotel only has 8-9 rooms per floor. The room is a good size, and with a very simple, but modern design. I like the layout of this room (see photo on website) much more than the "traditional" Aloft rooms in many of the U.S. properties. Very comfortable King bed. No drinks or snacks in the minibar. Free TWG Tea and Illy coffee. Good assortment of bathroom amenities including robe and slippers, Bliss soap, body cream, etc.
The location of the hotel, I am sure, will not be convenient for most, especially for those who like the convenience of the Starwood Taipei W, Westin, or Le Meridien properties. However, for me, I have friends living in the area, and the purpose of my trip was to visit such friends. So, this time, the Aloft was perfect for me. Even for a one-night stay, and popping from and back to Taoyuan Airport, I feel this hotel is in a better location than the Four Points Zhonghe.
I would not hesitate to stay here again, especially if I have personal or business matters to attend to in the vicinity. Way to go, Aloft Taipei!
Dec 27, 2015, 5:04 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Just some follow-up points on my stay:
Taxi from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to the Aloft Zhongshan was TWD 1,055.-
Breakfast was included in my room rate, but if it wasn't, I would probably skip it (don't know how much it would cost), and head to a nearby Starbucks (not sure if there is one) or coffee shop instead. Breakfast consists of made-to-order eggs; the rest is buffet style: two choices of juice or milk; a bread/pastry station; congee and soup station; some Chinese/local condiments; salad station; coffee/tea; I think there were some fresh fruits, but I do not recall exactly. The entire restaurant could accommodate thirty covers at one time.
There is a Family Mart CVS right across the street.
To Poster above: Sorry, I cannot compare the Aloft with the Sheraton since I have not stayed at the latter before. In general, I am not a very big fan of Sheratons and only choose them as a last choice.
Taxi from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to the Aloft Zhongshan was TWD 1,055.-
Breakfast was included in my room rate, but if it wasn't, I would probably skip it (don't know how much it would cost), and head to a nearby Starbucks (not sure if there is one) or coffee shop instead. Breakfast consists of made-to-order eggs; the rest is buffet style: two choices of juice or milk; a bread/pastry station; congee and soup station; some Chinese/local condiments; salad station; coffee/tea; I think there were some fresh fruits, but I do not recall exactly. The entire restaurant could accommodate thirty covers at one time.
There is a Family Mart CVS right across the street.
To Poster above: Sorry, I cannot compare the Aloft with the Sheraton since I have not stayed at the latter before. In general, I am not a very big fan of Sheratons and only choose them as a last choice.
Dec 27, 2015, 9:02 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
Wonder if Platinums get 250 points and breakfast or is either or.
Fly Me To The Moon, could you help check with frontdesk? Or have you checked-out?
Fly Me To The Moon, could you help check with frontdesk? Or have you checked-out?
Dec 28, 2015, 6:06 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
My rate included breakfast, so I neglected to ask your question. I'm targeting to travel to Taipei and to stay at Aloft again on 09.Jan. Will remember to check at that time.
Dec 28, 2015, 7:38 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: HKG
Programs: CX DM, SPG Pt, Le Club Accor GO, Shangri-La GC Jade
Posts: 1,327
Thanks for sharing
Was originally thinking of staying in aloft rather than Sheraton for my one night stay in Jan, but because of the location proximity I chose to burn 2000 more Starpoints for Sheraton, so probably need to wait till a later day to try it out.
Before aloft opens, I tends to stay in FP Zhonghe for my personal relaxing trip (unbeatable 3000 Starpoints per night... Free shuttle to MRT or just take bus back to Taipei City... Or just took me 300 NTD to take a taxi back from Taipei City if it's late)...
But with aloft now opens, and with appropriate promotions I'll definitely switch to aloft... Proximity to MRT + much closer to City v. FP Zhonghe can definitely get my booking if it's not too expensive....
Was originally thinking of staying in aloft rather than Sheraton for my one night stay in Jan, but because of the location proximity I chose to burn 2000 more Starpoints for Sheraton, so probably need to wait till a later day to try it out.
Before aloft opens, I tends to stay in FP Zhonghe for my personal relaxing trip (unbeatable 3000 Starpoints per night... Free shuttle to MRT or just take bus back to Taipei City... Or just took me 300 NTD to take a taxi back from Taipei City if it's late)...
But with aloft now opens, and with appropriate promotions I'll definitely switch to aloft... Proximity to MRT + much closer to City v. FP Zhonghe can definitely get my booking if it's not too expensive....
Wow, Taoyuan Airport was busy tonight! Arrived at 20:20, and did not get through Immigration at Terminal 1 until 22:00. Luckily, there was no queue for the taxi, and I was able to jump in one right away.
The taxi driver did not know the name of the hotel, but luckily, I had the address printed out in Chinese, and the driver was aware of the street name. It took him 20-25 minutes to drive to the hotel. There was no traffic in the evening.
The driver stopped right in front of the hotel. The building has a very small footprint. Three glass walls surround the round check-in desk (in the centre of the lobby), and the elevators are near the remaining wall. The hotel has 17 floors, with re:mix on the top floor.
I booked the hotel's Opening Rate, which was TWD 4,500, and inclusive of one buffet breakfast (which I will try tomorrow). Also double StarPoints. As a Platinum, I was offered late checkout, which I will not need to use. Was also proactively offered the choice of Platinum amenity. Since my room rate already included breakfast, I then opted for the points. The receptionist was very cheery and friendly through the entire check-in process. It did take her a little bit more time than usual to go through the check-in, but I suspect that these are just teething issues with the hotel having opened only yesterday.
Took the elevator up to my room on the 8/F. The hotel only has 8-9 rooms per floor. The room is a good size, and with a very simple, but modern design. I like the layout of this room (see photo on website) much more than the "traditional" Aloft rooms in many of the U.S. properties. Very comfortable King bed. No drinks or snacks in the minibar. Free TWG Tea and Illy coffee. Good assortment of bathroom amenities including robe and slippers, Bliss soap, body cream, etc.
The location of the hotel, I am sure, will not be convenient for most, especially for those who like the convenience of the Starwood Taipei W, Westin, or Le Meridien properties. However, for me, I have friends living in the area, and the purpose of my trip was to visit such friends. So, this time, the Aloft was perfect for me. Even for a one-night stay, and popping from and back to Taoyuan Airport, I feel this hotel is in a better location than the Four Points Zhonghe.
I would not hesitate to stay here again, especially if I have personal or business matters to attend to in the vicinity. Way to go, Aloft Taipei!
The taxi driver did not know the name of the hotel, but luckily, I had the address printed out in Chinese, and the driver was aware of the street name. It took him 20-25 minutes to drive to the hotel. There was no traffic in the evening.
The driver stopped right in front of the hotel. The building has a very small footprint. Three glass walls surround the round check-in desk (in the centre of the lobby), and the elevators are near the remaining wall. The hotel has 17 floors, with re:mix on the top floor.
I booked the hotel's Opening Rate, which was TWD 4,500, and inclusive of one buffet breakfast (which I will try tomorrow). Also double StarPoints. As a Platinum, I was offered late checkout, which I will not need to use. Was also proactively offered the choice of Platinum amenity. Since my room rate already included breakfast, I then opted for the points. The receptionist was very cheery and friendly through the entire check-in process. It did take her a little bit more time than usual to go through the check-in, but I suspect that these are just teething issues with the hotel having opened only yesterday.
Took the elevator up to my room on the 8/F. The hotel only has 8-9 rooms per floor. The room is a good size, and with a very simple, but modern design. I like the layout of this room (see photo on website) much more than the "traditional" Aloft rooms in many of the U.S. properties. Very comfortable King bed. No drinks or snacks in the minibar. Free TWG Tea and Illy coffee. Good assortment of bathroom amenities including robe and slippers, Bliss soap, body cream, etc.
The location of the hotel, I am sure, will not be convenient for most, especially for those who like the convenience of the Starwood Taipei W, Westin, or Le Meridien properties. However, for me, I have friends living in the area, and the purpose of my trip was to visit such friends. So, this time, the Aloft was perfect for me. Even for a one-night stay, and popping from and back to Taoyuan Airport, I feel this hotel is in a better location than the Four Points Zhonghe.
I would not hesitate to stay here again, especially if I have personal or business matters to attend to in the vicinity. Way to go, Aloft Taipei!
Jan 9, 2016, 4:59 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
I am staying here again now.
Got upgraded to a larger room (Breezy Room), in the corner of the building. Very good size bedroom. The bathroom is separated by a full wall. Sunken bathtub next to the shower. Very nice layout.
Also checked during check in that Platinums can choose breakfast as one of the amenities. In other words, breakfast is not a Platinum benefit.
To correct my first post of this hotel...there are only seven rooms per floor.
I did find a Starbucks close to the hotel for coffee this evening. Go out the hotel's main entrance and head right. Starbucks is one block up the street.
I like this hotel very much.
Edited to add: had breakfast in the morning at Re:fuel. The selection has improved slightly. Seems to be 1-2 more hot selections than before. The salad station is good, though...the lettuces are all quite fresh.
Got upgraded to a larger room (Breezy Room), in the corner of the building. Very good size bedroom. The bathroom is separated by a full wall. Sunken bathtub next to the shower. Very nice layout.
Also checked during check in that Platinums can choose breakfast as one of the amenities. In other words, breakfast is not a Platinum benefit.
To correct my first post of this hotel...there are only seven rooms per floor.
I did find a Starbucks close to the hotel for coffee this evening. Go out the hotel's main entrance and head right. Starbucks is one block up the street.
I like this hotel very much.
Edited to add: had breakfast in the morning at Re:fuel. The selection has improved slightly. Seems to be 1-2 more hot selections than before. The salad station is good, though...the lettuces are all quite fresh.
Last edited by Fly Me To The Moon; Jan 9, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Apr 4, 2016, 7:01 pm
#12
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SPG must be drunk these days to classify an aloft (no matter where and how nice) as a Cat 4 and ask 10,000 SPG points per night. That's simply out of touch.
I was considering this property but for the rates they ask one can stay in the city at Sheraton or Hyatt (same corp rates).
I was considering this property but for the rates they ask one can stay in the city at Sheraton or Hyatt (same corp rates).
Jun 11, 2016, 9:45 pm
#14
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Join Date: May 2012
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Jan 6, 2017, 1:30 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2011
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