We’re introducing a new feature here at Sydney Social 101 that gives our tips, insights and reviews of the best places to travel. Working our way round the world one unique destination at a time, we’ll trial all of the great, the good, the bad and the ugly to give you the ultimate 101 guide for every budget.
This month we headed to a place that had never been on our radar before, it was a place that we associated with kids toys and computer games from the 90s – the place the has the honor of our first international 101 destination guide.
We were naïve to be so small minded as to associate Taiwan with those things – we found on our adventure that it should be known for so much more. To name but a few: the most delicious food, culture, friendly & accommodating people and stunning landscapes that leave you breathless.
Getting there:
Flights from Sydney to Taipei – Cathay Pacific, EVA Air and Dragon Air
Bed and Board:
Here at SS101 we understand that our readers have all kinds of budgets and are looking for different places to stay to suit your needs so we’ve pulled together our 101 list to suit all needs.
Great Location
Hotel 3, Section 1, Chengde Road, Taipei 103, Taiwan R.O.C. TEL: +8862-2181-9999承德路1段3號
This stunning hotel is located right next to the train station in the Centre of Taipei and is within great proximity to all tourist spots, markets and shops.
It is a luxury hotel with stand out plush furnishings. It boasts great buffet style restaurant with food options from around the globe (the breakfast is actually unreal -I went back about 5 times!) . An outside bar terrace has stunning views over the city where you can relax with a beer or wine (note: wine is very expensive in Taiwan!).
The rooms, ahhh the rooms – they’re like the rooms of the future – all controlled by sensors… you can feel a bit like you’ve been transported through time. The toilet seat is a whole other level! You need a PHD to operate it (in the words of my dad, ha).
Romantic Getaway
Lake’s Heart Guest House Hotel
We were transported to Lake’s Heart Guest House Hotel as part of our trip outside of Taipei – a three hour drive took us to the most beautiful scenic place you can imagine – lakes, stunning sea view from cliff tops and far reaching mountains as far as the eye can see.
The rooms at the guest house are just so relaxing, an in room hot spa bath and Coy Carp Lake on your balcony terrace – it is the ultimate lace for a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The view from the Lake is just so beautiful, you can take a boat ride on the water, or venture to the street vendors for a taste of local cuisine.
Budget
Empress Hotel is the hotel to go to if you’re on a budget, but don’t want to compromise on comfort. For $60 per night you can rest assured that you’re in the heart of the city in a nice clean room with everything you need for a city break.
By complete coincidence my dad and I were both in Taiwan at the exact same time, as I hadn’t seen him for one year it made the trip all the more special.
This hotel is located in the heart of the expat community with lots of English speaking restaurants and bars in the local area.
We headed to the My Place Sports Bar – a fun, upbeat bar with good music, good vibes and pool tables and sports on the big screen – ideal if you’re looking for a place to let off steam.
Health Retreat
Hotel Royal – Beitou Dist. www.hotelroyl.com.tw/beitou/
The complex combines a luxury hot spring hotel with facilities for medical tests and beauty treatments on the second to fifth floors.
The listed price of a two-person room starts at NT$24,000 per night, not including charges for medical tests or beauty treatments.
Every room contains aromatic plants specially grown for Hotel Royal Beitou bringing a touch of green. They also have a culinary use: our staff is on hand to prepare healthy and relaxing herbal teas from the same plants placed in every room.
Each room is equipped with a hot spring bath and a music system, allowing you to lie back and let the soothing sounds and sensations carry away your stress and invigorate your spirit.
Unlike ordinary hotels, Hotel Royal Beitou rooms are stocked with a range of snacks and beverages carefully selected by nutritionists: fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and low-caffeine ‘capsule’ coffee. Delicious food and drinks are for you to enjoy at any time of the day or night, without impacting your health.
Guest Plan
The hotel’s exclusive guest plan keeps you up-to-date on all your activities: meals, spa visits, fitness classes, and leisure trips.
SUPERBAR
Guests are provided with a range of in-room snacks free of charge: healthy snacks, Fiji mineral water, and low-caffeine illy coffee capsules everything you could wish for to fulfill our guests healthy craving.
Sights for Sore Eyes:
Taipei 101
Take a ride on the fastest elevator in the world! See Taipei in all its glory! Head for sunset to get the best fews. TIP: Pre-prchase your tickets to avoid long queues!
Taroko National Park – Swallow Grotto
This is a great place to see nature in all its glory – well worth the ride out to see the high cliff faces, waterfalls from the skies and landscapes that take your breath away.
Wang Tea – 友記茶行http://www.wangtea.com.tw/
A place full of local tea heritage as the staff tell you all about the hard work of their forefathers, this is a really interesting spot to visit! The family is so passionate about their trade!
Feast Your Eyes on this:
Budget
Best dumplings – Yixiang Big – YOU HAVE TO CHECK THESE OUT!
Head to Hualien city for dinner at Yixiangbienshi (Yixiang Big Dumpling Soup)液香扁食located in Ziqiang(or Zichiang) Night Market
Spend
Mandarin Oriental Taipei
We were treated to the most amazing nine course gustation dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The hotel is absolutely stunning is is host to many restaurants, bars and shops. It also has its own dedicated spa.
A must-see is the cake shop! Make sure you swing by! The hotel is like its own village! Breathtaking.
Twin Peak – Hana
If you’re looking for something a little bit more special when in Taipei, there is a little known restaurant called Hana! It boasts the most amazing Teppanyaki I’ve ever tasted in my life.
My dad decided to take me as a treat on my last night – what a treat it was! If you’re heading to Taiwan – this is my ultimate must-see!
Shihlin Night Market
Food traditional food, local culture and a little bit of atmosphere… this is your pick!
More food for thought: Head to Tamsui to soak up the rays by the river. A daytrip on the Pingxi line to Pingxi, Shifen, Houtong, Riufang and Jiu Fen is amazing. Finally Elephant Mountain.
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