Top Taiwan Hotels
The emerald island lying just 160 kilometres off the Chinese mainland is a feisty character. It lives an uneasy existence, precariously overshadowed by its vast and uncompromising neighbour. Taiwan is a land at peace, but embroiled in one of the thorniest dilemmas of the East.
Originally populated by seafaring peoples from the Pacific islands and groups from the archipelago that today forms the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, Taiwan remained a backwater for millennia. By the time the Portuguese dropped anchor in 1517 and christened it Ilha Formosa - Beautiful Island - it was being steadily settled by Fuj ianese from across the Strait, and displaying a predominantly Chinese population. In subsequent centuries, the Chinese, Spanish and Japanese were to play a game of musical chairs with the island until after World War II, when the newly formed United Nations decreed that Taiwan would be returned to China. But before that could happen, the communists won the bloody civil war on the mainland, the nationalists fled to the province of Taiwan and each side settle down to plot the other's downfall.
The dispute simmered for decades and the two governments were to diverge along very separate paths. Both sides have evolved into different entities, and much to China's indignation Taiwan did very well for itself. The economy boomed, leaving the sluggish mainland in its wake. Since taking control of its own affairs in the 1950s Taiwan has enjoyed an average GDP growth of 9 per cent a year, ensuring it emerged as one of the four 'tiger economies' alongside Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Despite recent wobbles in the Asian financial arena, Taiwan remains financially robust and a major manufacturing base. Finally China is blossoming economically and, ironically, the greatest threat from across the Strait now looks to be cheap and inexhaustible labour rather than menacing missile launchers.
Currently Taiwan's international status is a grey area so its awkward position means it falls into a category all of its own. It exists in diplomatic no-man's-land. For the apolitical it is best described as an unofficial country. Taiwan never declared independence, and Beijing's non-negotiable stance is that Taiwan is a renegade province - and that reunification is inevitable. Chinese foreign policy is almost defined by the issue and takes a very dim view of anyone in the international community daring to treat Taiwan as a country. No country may maintain official diplomatic relations with both Taipei and Beijing and for the Taiwanese it has been a long diplomatic march into oblivion. Faced with the choice, only 27 nations now recognise Taiwan, most of which are Third World recipients of economic aid. Taiwan, incidentally, held the Chinese seat at the United Nations until 1971 when it was replaced by the PRC.
Despite the diplomatic slide, Taiwan booms and the capital Taipei encapsulates a boundless entrepreneurial energy. A sprawling, gritty metropolis, it is home to three million and known for its tide of zipping mopeds and - to be brutally honest - ugly architecture. Most visitors are here for business, but you do not need to look too hard to find pockets of tradition, impressive monuments, good food and uncommonly friendly inhabitants. Taipei also hosts the National Palace Museum, one of the best collections of Chinese artefacts in the world. Away from the big city are traditional temples and some prime hiking country. Majestic scenery exists along the east coast, across the dramatic mountainous interior and within national parks such as Taroko Gorge and Hsiukuluan River. Across the Strait are more islands dotted like stepping stones to China. From one, Kinmen, you can actually see the mainland.
Taiwan's hotels mirror its persona - functional business hotels with below-average architecture. First-class friendly service is a major plus even if English is not widespread. The best hotels are in the capital and the standards deteriorate pretty quickly outside, although there are some pockets of excellence.
Being comparatively small Taiwan shares a fairly uniform climate, with slight variations due to latitude and altitude. Generally speaking, the north and the mountainous regions are colder and wetter than the south. Despite its northerly latitude, the island experiences a tropical monsoon climate, seemingly drawing the leftovers of the various typhoons that have battered Southeast Asia. Most are dissipating by the time they get there but occasionally it is buffeted by vicious storms. Intermittent typhoons and torrential rains wash over Taiwan during the otherwise humid summer - roughly June to September - while the winter is mostly cold, blustery and cloudy. Taipei can be visited all year round, but like the rest of the country, is at its best around spring or autumn.
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Featured Taiwan Hotels
The Tango Taipei LinSen
Jhongshan District, Taiwan
Location The Tango Taipei LinSen is situated in Taipei's renowned historical... More...
Grand Hotel Taipei
Jhongshan District, Taiwan
Location The Grand Hotel is located in Yuan Shan Mountain, about a kilometre from... More...
Landis Hotel Taipei
City, Taiwan
Location Located in Taipei's central business district, the hotel is close to... More...
Imperial Hotel Taipei
Jhongshan District, Taiwan
Location Situated right in the heart of Taipei's business centre, with a... More...
Gloria Prince Hotel Taipei
Jhongshan District, Taiwan
Location Conveniently located near Taipei Station and Shuang Lien MRT Station, Gloria... More...
Grand Hi-lai Hotel Kaohsiung
City, Taiwan
Location Grand Hi-lai Hotel is located in the business and financial district of... More...
Hotel Royal Hsinchu
Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan
Location Hotel Royal is conveniently situated on the doorstep of Hsinchu's... More...
Shangri - La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei
Da-an District, Taiwan
Location Shangri - La Far Eastern Plaza occupies an ideal location in the heart of... More...
Sheraton Taipei Hotel Taipei
Jhongjheng District, Taiwan
Location The Sheraton Taipei Hotel is located in the centre of Taipei's... More...
Santos Hotel Taipei
Datong District, Taiwan
Location Situated on Chengde Road, the Santos Hotel in Taipei is short drive from Ong... More...
Taiwan Travellers Tales
Getting a rental car online was virtually impossible, so we ended up getting a car with a driver to take us over the North-Cross-Island Highway. Though the roads were treacherous and we only averaged about 35 kph the views and stops here and of the Taroko Gorge and our return up the East Coast Highway were amazing. Our stay at the very "grand" Grand Hotel helped make our stay in the surprisingly nice, interesting and diverse city of Taipei wonderful.
Getting a rental car online was virtually impossible, so we ended up getting a car with a driver to take us over the North-Cross-Island Highway. Though the roads were treacherous and we only averaged about 35 kph the views and stops here and of the Taroko Gorge and our return up the East Coast Highway were amazing.
The Shilin night market is probably the main attraction. Don''t forget to try the fried chicken there as it is the best ever.
The city of Taipei itself is not too large. In all frankness, I think Taipei can be toured in about 2 full days. The Taipei subway is a great way to travel around Taipei. It''s affordable, fast, and clean. It''s so much better than the NYC subway system that I take to commute daily. I was in Taipei for about two days. I visited the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and two night markets. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a noteworthy place to visit and it is beautiful. The night markets were fascinating and it was a mecca for exotic foods and drinks. But in all honesty, I think that if you''ve visited one night market, you''ve visited them all.
The Baiyang Waterfall trail is beautiful and easy (strollers can even make the journey) with wide trails and beautiful overlooks. The restaurant beside the post office is good for a quick meal and more predictable and fresh than some of the other restaurants. There is an ATM in the post office.
Ask for Thai restaurant (not takeout) just around the corner. If you can''t take Chinese food anymore, visit Pig&Whistle British Pub in downtown. however don''t order Mexican food in there. Indian Spice Shop is pretty good too. If you are looking for gifts, you must go to Handicraft Mart in Taipei. And don''t be afraid of trying food on the street, cheap, fresh and very good.
Taipei is a nice place to visit. Weather is good and people are certainly friendly when answering queries. Jiu Fen is a very nice place to visit where there are alot of things to buy and a lot of unique food to savour. The place is clean also. We thoroughly enjoy the place with it''s scenery. Would definitely visit Taipei all over again and perhaps would wander further south of Taipei to places like Alishan!
Arriving at the main International Airport (CKS) we boarded the service bus to Taipei Station (we are not backpackers and I am 64). This turned out to be the best choice as the last stop is around the corner (about 300 yards) from the Cosmos Hotel entrance. We tried a coach trip to the scenic north coast, a bit dissapointing, so we went independent! After that and boarded the excellent MRT to the end of the line at Danshui which seems to be a bit of a local holiday town. Very interesting. We spent an evening at the Shilin night market and surrounding area, where we enjoyed amongst other things the best food of our visit to Taipei. Once again the MRT provided our transport. We were in Taipei for only three nights and quite enjoyed it. we did not experience any problems.
I had one day. I visited the National Museum on a friend''s recommendation. It was very interesting and a worthwhile place to see. I also stopped by the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial. Climbing up the stairs to get to the top was reminiscent of a certain scene from Howl''s Moving Castle. I don''t want to give any spoilers here, so if you''ve seen the movie you''ll know! The food from the market areas was cheap. I didn''t find it to be all that delicious though.
I was on a business trip, and did not have much time for sight seeing, however I can recommend a visit to the Grand Palace Museum for an impressive collection of extremely ancient Buddhist artefacts. Also worth a visit is the Confucius Temple, and many other Buddhist temples, within walking distance of the hotel.