The soaring tower in downtown Taipei which houses the Shangri-La Far Eastern is a bit of a local landmark. Since 1994 it has stood out in the leafy area of Da’an, a luxurious residential quarter in the heart of the city.
The shopping mall below it caters to the wealthy clientele of the local area; the health club contained within (and free to use by hotel guests) has long been known as where the business elite come to work off the stress of the office.
When Taipei 101 opened in 2004, other hotel brands flocked to be near it. Shangri-La took advantage of already having the best views of what was immediately the most iconic building in the region.
WHY STAY HERE?
Da’an is perfectly located for any type of trip to Taipei. The business district is just a short MTR hop; shops and restaurants are all outside. There’s a wonderful night market, Lin Jiang, a few streets away. The greenery of Da’an Park is perfect for a break from the concrete and steel. Whatever has brought you here is within easy reach.
On-site, there’s a phenomenal collection of Asian art to admire from the moment you walk in the door. Ming and Sing dynasty artefacts sit underneath contemporary paper umbrellas made by an indigenous artist in the southern city of Kaoshiung. All the corridors and corners are decorated with similar works, with the effect being that wandering around feels like roaming an ancient palace.
If walking around the city isn’t enough exercise for you then that health club will have you sorted. A well-equipped weights room, huge yoga studio, and extensive cardio section are complemented by a rooftop pool with views across the city you won’t want to leave.
Massage and facial treatments are also available at the Valmont Spa, should you require more relaxation than rigorous training.
HOW’S THE FOOD?
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The offer is extensive, and impressive. The sixth floor is home to flagship restaurant Shang Palace, overseen by local celebrity chef Liew Chin Fei. The signature duck is extraordinary, and having the chef himself meticulously prepare each slice in front of you is wonderfully theatrical.
The rest of the floor will take care of you from morning to night: try the most comprehensive breakfast selection I’ve ever seen in the Café when you wake up then have an aperitif in the smart, atmospheric Li Bai lounge in the evening.
Upstairs, late night cocktails at the Marco Polo Lounge on the 38th floor are popular with guests and locals alike, due equally to the quality of the drinks and the beauty of – you guessed it – the nighttime views across to Taipei 101.
The adjoining restaurant also serves Italian food if you need a little culinary trip back to Europe midway through your Asian sojourn.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
VRX Studio
VRX Studio
The most striking feature of each are the enormous windows. They make the city below look like a painting, especially those which face the XinYi business district with all the skyscrapers, such is the way they frame the panorama.
Beds are comfy and large, and there is so much floor space that entry level rooms feel like suites elsewhere. Dark green marble in the bathrooms continues the imperial feeling from the corridors.
Having the bathtub right next to another massive window gave the added bonus of being able to soak away the efforts of exploring while watching the traffic silently trickle by on the streets below.
Taipei is a city where ancient and modern sit side-by-side, and the Shangri-La Far Eastern reflects that beautifully in its décor and character. Being so centrally located makes it perfect to explore all aspects of this amazing, vibrant capital, and the comforts available on the days where you just want to stay put and rest are ample. It’s an excellent choice in an excellent city.
