Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Taipei, Taiwan
#16
Hello! Planning a trip to Taipei in December 2020. I'm a plat who needs to requalify, so looking at spending 3-5 nights in a Bonvoy-eligible hotel. Looking at possibly booking with points, we'll see how things shake out with a BRG. Will be there with the mrs. as tourists. Based on the reading I've done so far, it looks like my best bets are the W or LeMeridien, and leaning towards the LM. Any recent stays?
Some things that might be relevant:
- never stayed at a LM
- stayed at the W Seattle once, wasn't impressed (and didn't like the bed)
- we're not really into the party scene, and we prefer a more casual dress code - we still like luxury accommodations and service though!
Do plats get the full breakfasts at either hotel? Or is it breakfast in the lounge with a more limited menu?
Some things that might be relevant:
- never stayed at a LM
- stayed at the W Seattle once, wasn't impressed (and didn't like the bed)
- we're not really into the party scene, and we prefer a more casual dress code - we still like luxury accommodations and service though!
Do plats get the full breakfasts at either hotel? Or is it breakfast in the lounge with a more limited menu?
#17
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,574
Courtyard all the way
What is not to like about this property?
OK, its a bit off the beaten track. Nangang (B21) is near the end of the Blue Line. On the other hand:
- Platinum treatment is unbelievably good. I rec'd a choco amenity, fruit in my room, an upgraded suite on the 26th floor;
- the brekkie (7-10) in the lounge is fantastic, hors d'oeuvres runs 17:30-19:30 and incl. beer, wine, noodle soup and several other hot dishes (tonight, for example, they had pasta & Indian curry).
I also discovered they have modern art all over the property and they offer a free art tour 2/x a week @ 16:30.
Also, I just checked the rates of the day. The Courtyard is 4,600 Taiwanese dollars whereas the W is 8,800!
(PM me if you need the e-mail for the Chief Concierge).
OK, its a bit off the beaten track. Nangang (B21) is near the end of the Blue Line. On the other hand:
- Platinum treatment is unbelievably good. I rec'd a choco amenity, fruit in my room, an upgraded suite on the 26th floor;
- the brekkie (7-10) in the lounge is fantastic, hors d'oeuvres runs 17:30-19:30 and incl. beer, wine, noodle soup and several other hot dishes (tonight, for example, they had pasta & Indian curry).
I also discovered they have modern art all over the property and they offer a free art tour 2/x a week @ 16:30.
Also, I just checked the rates of the day. The Courtyard is 4,600 Taiwanese dollars whereas the W is 8,800!
(PM me if you need the e-mail for the Chief Concierge).
#18
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, Marco Polo Gold
Posts: 1,084
A run down of the Marriott Bonvoy hotels I know of:
1) W - it's great but I would personally stay away because it's a fav for drug parties. The head of security there is infamous for blocking ambulances personnel at the front door to save an unconscious girl in her room citing "guest privacy" (turns out it was drug overdose and hotel needed time to "clean up" before letting anybody up), that tells you about the "background" of the hotel. I've once gotten a suite that smell really bad and I would suspect the previous guests had a wild drug party, but W was fully booked (they claimed) and couldn't change my room, not even a downgrade, and they ended up putting 3 air-filter machines in my room to try to rid of the stink, which didn't work. Never again.
2) Le Meridien - great staff and location and great services. If you have the cash, this is the one to stay at in Taipei in my humble opinion. Right in the middle of the best commercial Xinyi district in Taipei.
3) Courtyard Nangang - sorry, not my thing at all. Way out there in the middle of nowhere (literally nothing to do at night). You can ride the subway to Taipei City Hall which is a few stops away, but anything beyond that the travel time adds up and it becomes a hassle. Simply too out of the way for my liking and again, gets depressing at night.
4) Marriott - great hotel but again too far out of the way, and worst than Nangang. Not close to anything and the Brown line is a bore. Going to Xinyi or Ximending or other places requires a decent amount of time by subway or taxi. Again, depresses by nightfall. Great hotel, horrific location.
5) Sheraton - probably the best in my opinion. Short subway rides to Ximending or Xinyi. Plenty to do around, 5 minutes away from Taipei Main (Train) Station. Plenty of shops and restaurants around the hotel day or night. Ever since Westin is closed this is my go to hotel.
1) W - it's great but I would personally stay away because it's a fav for drug parties. The head of security there is infamous for blocking ambulances personnel at the front door to save an unconscious girl in her room citing "guest privacy" (turns out it was drug overdose and hotel needed time to "clean up" before letting anybody up), that tells you about the "background" of the hotel. I've once gotten a suite that smell really bad and I would suspect the previous guests had a wild drug party, but W was fully booked (they claimed) and couldn't change my room, not even a downgrade, and they ended up putting 3 air-filter machines in my room to try to rid of the stink, which didn't work. Never again.
2) Le Meridien - great staff and location and great services. If you have the cash, this is the one to stay at in Taipei in my humble opinion. Right in the middle of the best commercial Xinyi district in Taipei.
3) Courtyard Nangang - sorry, not my thing at all. Way out there in the middle of nowhere (literally nothing to do at night). You can ride the subway to Taipei City Hall which is a few stops away, but anything beyond that the travel time adds up and it becomes a hassle. Simply too out of the way for my liking and again, gets depressing at night.
4) Marriott - great hotel but again too far out of the way, and worst than Nangang. Not close to anything and the Brown line is a bore. Going to Xinyi or Ximending or other places requires a decent amount of time by subway or taxi. Again, depresses by nightfall. Great hotel, horrific location.
5) Sheraton - probably the best in my opinion. Short subway rides to Ximending or Xinyi. Plenty to do around, 5 minutes away from Taipei Main (Train) Station. Plenty of shops and restaurants around the hotel day or night. Ever since Westin is closed this is my go to hotel.
#19
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
It is one of my favorites in Taipei because of its newness and decent value. It is about 5-10 minutes walk to the MTR and shorter distance to the main road with multiple bus lines. Rooms are nice and gym is decent. I personally prefer the front-facing rooms where you look out to green mountains. If you get a back-facing room, you are looking at the next building, which is quite close. We used to like the lounge there a lot, but it has gone downhill since earlier. The evening selection is very poor and they didn't have any bubble water (Perrier and the likes). Only cold drinks available are soda and beer. At least now you get to have breakfast in the main restaurant. I would still choose the Renaissance most times if you can get a decent rate. Just hope they can get the lounge back up in quality.
#20
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
1) W - it's great but I would personally stay away because it's a fav for drug parties. The head of security there is infamous for blocking ambulances personnel at the front door to save an unconscious girl in her room citing "guest privacy" (turns out it was drug overdose and hotel needed time to "clean up" before letting anybody up), that tells you about the "background" of the hotel. I've once gotten a suite that smell really bad and I would suspect the previous guests had a wild drug party
#21
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,675
A run down of the Marriott Bonvoy hotels I know of:
1) W - it's great but I would personally stay away because it's a fav for drug parties. The head of security there is infamous for blocking ambulances personnel at the front door to save an unconscious girl in her room citing "guest privacy" (turns out it was drug overdose and hotel needed time to "clean up" before letting anybody up), that tells you about the "background" of the hotel. I've once gotten a suite that smell really bad and I would suspect the previous guests had a wild drug party, but W was fully booked (they claimed) and couldn't change my room, not even a downgrade, and they ended up putting 3 air-filter machines in my room to try to rid of the stink, which didn't work. Never again.
2) Le Meridien - great staff and location and great services. If you have the cash, this is the one to stay at in Taipei in my humble opinion. Right in the middle of the best commercial Xinyi district in Taipei.
3) Courtyard Nangang - sorry, not my thing at all. Way out there in the middle of nowhere (literally nothing to do at night). You can ride the subway to Taipei City Hall which is a few stops away, but anything beyond that the travel time adds up and it becomes a hassle. Simply too out of the way for my liking and again, gets depressing at night.
4) Marriott - great hotel but again too far out of the way, and worst than Nangang. Not close to anything and the Brown line is a bore. Going to Xinyi or Ximending or other places requires a decent amount of time by subway or taxi. Again, depresses by nightfall. Great hotel, horrific location.
5) Sheraton - probably the best in my opinion. Short subway rides to Ximending or Xinyi. Plenty to do around, 5 minutes away from Taipei Main (Train) Station. Plenty of shops and restaurants around the hotel day or night. Ever since Westin is closed this is my go to hotel.
1) W - it's great but I would personally stay away because it's a fav for drug parties. The head of security there is infamous for blocking ambulances personnel at the front door to save an unconscious girl in her room citing "guest privacy" (turns out it was drug overdose and hotel needed time to "clean up" before letting anybody up), that tells you about the "background" of the hotel. I've once gotten a suite that smell really bad and I would suspect the previous guests had a wild drug party, but W was fully booked (they claimed) and couldn't change my room, not even a downgrade, and they ended up putting 3 air-filter machines in my room to try to rid of the stink, which didn't work. Never again.
2) Le Meridien - great staff and location and great services. If you have the cash, this is the one to stay at in Taipei in my humble opinion. Right in the middle of the best commercial Xinyi district in Taipei.
3) Courtyard Nangang - sorry, not my thing at all. Way out there in the middle of nowhere (literally nothing to do at night). You can ride the subway to Taipei City Hall which is a few stops away, but anything beyond that the travel time adds up and it becomes a hassle. Simply too out of the way for my liking and again, gets depressing at night.
4) Marriott - great hotel but again too far out of the way, and worst than Nangang. Not close to anything and the Brown line is a bore. Going to Xinyi or Ximending or other places requires a decent amount of time by subway or taxi. Again, depresses by nightfall. Great hotel, horrific location.
5) Sheraton - probably the best in my opinion. Short subway rides to Ximending or Xinyi. Plenty to do around, 5 minutes away from Taipei Main (Train) Station. Plenty of shops and restaurants around the hotel day or night. Ever since Westin is closed this is my go to hotel.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 4,904
I think this is my subjective ranking of the Taipei properties I tried - as always, full reviews and photos are in the respective master threads. Most of these exclude evening lounge service as I missed those on this trip.
I would probably put the Grand Hyatt between the W and Sheraton.
- W - super plush bed, tasty breakfast, pretty design and views
- Sheraton - nice bed, nice shower, nice suite
- Courtyard Downtown - nice bed, nice breakfast, nice shower
- Marriott - nice bed with great pillows, shower could be improved, great view, good breakfast
- Hotel Proverbs - no late checkout, great design, tasty breakfast in my rate, pillows could be improved
- Le Meridien - great bed, not a fan of the lack of suite upgrade without extra fee, AC wonky
I would probably put the Grand Hyatt between the W and Sheraton.
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: PVG
Programs: MU Platinum, HH Diamond
Posts: 812
I think this is my subjective ranking of the Taipei properties I tried - as always, full reviews and photos are in the respective master threads. Most of these exclude evening lounge service as I missed those on this trip.
I would probably put the Grand Hyatt between the W and Sheraton.
- W - super plush bed, tasty breakfast, pretty design and views
- Sheraton - nice bed, nice shower, nice suite
- Courtyard Downtown - nice bed, nice breakfast, nice shower
- Marriott - nice bed with great pillows, shower could be improved, great view, good breakfast
- Hotel Proverbs - no late checkout, great design, tasty breakfast in my rate, pillows could be improved
- Le Meridien - great bed, not a fan of the lack of suite upgrade without extra fee, AC wonky
I would probably put the Grand Hyatt between the W and Sheraton.
Have you stayed at the Aloft Zhongshan? I would rank it at the bottom half.
#24
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 4,904
My experience at the Sheraton was quite different in regards to suite upgrades, but I wont disagree that there are better breakfasts. I have not stayed at the Aloft.
#25
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Sheraton is OLD. For Bonvoy - its either the Courtyard Downtown for me or Aloft. The rest really aint worth the money.
Outside of TPE..the Marriots are so much nicer and value for money...get upgrades all the time.
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,798
I would say Aloft is my go to budget trip hotel at 3800 per night. Best thing about the place? the night market right outside! lol
Sheraton is OLD. For Bonvoy - its either the Courtyard Downtown for me or Aloft. The rest really aint worth the money.
Outside of TPE..the Marriots are so much nicer and value for money...get upgrades all the time.
Sheraton is OLD. For Bonvoy - its either the Courtyard Downtown for me or Aloft. The rest really aint worth the money.
Outside of TPE..the Marriots are so much nicer and value for money...get upgrades all the time.
Aloft Taipei Zhongshan 34,000 points/ 9,240 TWD
Taipei Marriott 34,000 points/8,489 TWD
Le Meridien Taipei 66,000 points/10,753 TWD
W Taipei 69,000 points/16,412 TWD
All the cash rates that I have posted are inclusive of taxes.
#27
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, Marco Polo Gold
Posts: 1,084
Which one? Is it close to the MRT so I can quickly get back to TPE?
Aloft Taipei Zhongshan 34,000 points/ 9,240 TWD
Taipei Marriott 34,000 points/8,489 TWD
Le Meridien Taipei 66,000 points/10,753 TWD
W Taipei 69,000 points/16,412 TWD
All the cash rates that I have posted are inclusive of taxes.
Aloft Taipei Zhongshan 34,000 points/ 9,240 TWD
Taipei Marriott 34,000 points/8,489 TWD
Le Meridien Taipei 66,000 points/10,753 TWD
W Taipei 69,000 points/16,412 TWD
All the cash rates that I have posted are inclusive of taxes.
#28
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Posts: 57
best breakfast?
my wife and i are headed to taipei in a couple weeks. we will be there over her birthday. she, and i admit, i enjoy an expansive and tasty buffet breakfast. is there any consensus on which marriott bonvoy hotel in taipei has the best breakfast? (yes, we will be enjoying lots of local food too.) thanks!
#30
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Marriott Titanium -> United Silver
Posts: 920