My
first and last impression of Taiwan was that of Grand Hyatt Taipei. The moment
we stepped out of Taoyuan International Airport, we were warmly greeted by our
chauffer and were brought to our home for four days in Taipei on board a swanky limousine. And as we entered our lovely suite overlooking the majestic
Taipei 101, it felt like going back home after a day’s work, or maybe better.
Taipei
has always been on my travel list for quite some time. And just in time for the new Taiwan visa exemption for the Philippines, me
and some of my travel buddies immediately booked airline promo tickets (there are many direct flights from Manila to Taipei) to explore one of the closest
nations from our country.
Our gorgeous limo airport service from Grand Hyatt Taipei
Arriving
on an uber late flight from Manila (one in the morning), me and my buddy were
greeted at the airport’s arrival hall by a huge sign with my name from Grand
Hyatt Taipei. We were then herded to our gorgeous limousine, fully equipped
with WiFi, entertainment system, drinking water and a refreshing towel. The
30-minute ride to the hotel was smooth and provided a nice overview of Taipei (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Taipei).
Grand lobby of Grand Hyatt Taipei
A
guy named Robert welcomed us as we stepped out from the car and were escorted directly to our suite for the processing
of our reservation, yes, at the comforts of our room. I love how personalized
everything was as if we’re some kind of dignitaries and such.
Our
Grand Executive View Suite (check for discounted rates) was so lovely that as
we proceeded with the standard check-in procedures, I couldn’t help but gaze on
our 83 sq.m. abode. Everything went smoothly and we were assured that if we
needed anything, we could personally rely on him.
Grand Executive View Suite
Our
contemporary chic suite was nothing short of impressive. Neutral tones with splashes
of nude colors made the whole space very relaxing. From the main door, I walked onto a corridor that led me to a vase with fresh flowers, highlighted with a spotlight. Opposite it was a door leading to a powder room.
I walked further, taking notice of a huge circular marble-top table that can function
both as a dining and work table. Magazines and books were scattered around as
well as fresh flowers in vases.
We have powder room, living room, dining room and a lot of space to move around
A
fully stocked mini-bar and fridge were hidden among wooden cabinets. Nespresso
coffee machine and some utensils were also housed there. On the living
room, we have a comfy sofa bed,lounge chairs and a huge 55-inch full HD TV.
We have two 55-inch full HD TV, yes, two!
I
went into our perfectly dimmed bedroom and utilized the bedside controls and realized that everything is fully automatic, from the lights to the
curtains. Plus, yes, there’s another 55-inch full HD TV in the room. I noticed a walk-in closet and immediately wanted to unpack, but was too tired to do so. I then went to the en suite toilet and bath which cheered me up pretty well.
Simplicity is beauty
The
bathroom was gleaming in white. The his and hers vanities with premium
Salvatore Ferragamo amenities sat on one end while separate stalls for toilet
and shower were at the opposite end. The shower is equipped with a rain shower
head with hot and cold water and the toilet is fully automatic (Japanese toilet
is love), amazing!
What
stood out from the bathroom was the freestanding bathtub that was just calling out for
a comfortable pampering time, I promised myself to soak in it in the next few
days.
That very inviting freestanding bathtub
I
went back to the bedroom and jumped into our comfy king-sized bed. The feathery
pillows and duvet were just too perfect. I was just trying to feel the warmth
and comfort of it when I realized I couldn’t get out of the bed. That was at
three in the morning, the moment when I was too tired to get up and fix my
stuff and myself.
A panoramic view of Taipei City Hall greeted me as I switched the drapes aside
The
next day, rather, the morning after, my body clock woke me up at exactly six in
the morning; there’s no time difference between Manila and Taipei. My buddy was
perfectly molded on his side as I switched the blinds and curtains
up to reveal a charming Taipei at dawn. I cocooned some more and realized that
our day was packed, I hurriedly jumped out of the bed.
The view from the bedroom
That
same morning, as light peeked through the sheer drapes, I was surprised on how huge our suite was, with glass windows
covering almost half the space. The problem I have with some hotels in
the past was that there were so many spaces that weren’t utilized much or some
furniture that really wasn’t well-suited. In Grand Hyatt Taipei, the layout and
overall design of our suite was very well-thought of and every inch of the room
is actually maximized well.
You couldn't get any closer than this to Taipei 101
And
oh, have I told you that we have the best view of Taipei 101 (the tallest
building in the world from 2004 to 2010) right from our living room? The
building is literally right across Grand Hyatt Taipei that we needed no effort
to experience its grandness.
We
had a choice on whether to have our breakfast on the exclusive Grand Club
Lounge for an intimate meal or on one of the in-house restaurants of the hotel,
the Café, for a wide variety of Taiwanese and Asian dishes; you’d probably know
where we chose to dine.
For
three straight days, Café was our haven for comfort breakfast food. Buffet
stations were spread out and we enjoyed scouring on Taiwanese, Asian and other
Western breakfast favorites. What I love the most was the pastry section, which
have all the baked goodness you could ever imagine (normally, I am not a
pastry-kind-of-person).
Our favorite spot in Cafe
My breakie plate!
Their pastry is really good! :)
We
also had the privilege to have an all-day access to the Grand Club Lounge which
we utilized at night right after our night market affairs.
Grand Club Lounge
Complimentary all-day snacks and drinks plus afternoon cocktails!
On our last day, our plans got cancelled as the weather wasn't cooperating. We maximized our time by checking out the facilities of
Grand Hyatt Taipei; the heated outdoor pool looked very inviting, the fitness
center made me wanna burn those calories I had during breakfast, and the spa
made me want to relax.
Heated outdoor pool that we didn't get to try. Next time we'll surely do
We
went back to our suite, filled the bath tub with water and bath salts and then
enjoyed an hour or so of peaceful me time
at the comforts of our suite. That was really relaxing.
Aside
from our gorgeous suite being modern, chic and practical, what stood amongst
our four-day stay at Grand Hyatt Taipei was the impeccable personalized service
we got from almost everyone. From the guest services, airport transfer and down
to the housekeeping, we never encountered any problems at all. We received
the warmest welcome and were treated as if we’re the only guests at that time.
Up until we left the hotel’s premises and all the way to the airport, we were well taken
cared of, making us yearn for an extended stay.
Selfie, for once
It's Christmas time!
And
that kind of service and hospitality is somewhat uncommon in hotels nowadays, sadly. We had few
options on our Taiwan accommodation and we were so happy to have chosen Grand
Hyatt Taipei to be our home in Taipei. And this will not be the last time, we
will surely come back.
What a luxurious stay.
ReplyDeleteIndeed :)
DeleteAny sponsors during your stay? The room worth 32k per night in agoda.
ReplyDeleteYep! :)
Delete