ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After an evening flight from Seoul to Taipei and a half-hour drive, I finally arrived at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei. It was after midnight by the time I walked across the marble floors to the front desk. On my way through the lobby, I took note of the touches of elegance from the chandelier to the floor-to-ceiling columns. The friendly staff greeted me with the Luo Quan welcome drink and a cool towel. Once I was checked in, a member of the staff guided me to my room while going over all the amenities of the hotel and helping me with my luggage.

GUEST QUARTERS: My Club Deluxe King room combined comfort with elegance, translated into the details of the space. Right inside the door sat the famous Valet Closet for seamless, undisturbed laundry and delivery services. A few steps further into the room I found the walk-in closet to my right, with a vanity providing plenty of space to begin unpacking and settling in for the night. After changing out of my plane outfit, I slipped into the provided bathrobe and slippers. The marble bathroom across from the closet featured a rainfall shower and separate bathtub.

© Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

I opened one of the drawers to find lavender bath salts, which I poured into the tub as I ran a bath. While waiting for the tub to fill, I left the bathroom to find some sweet treats waiting for me on the desk. There was a wonderful sculpture of the hotel made out of chocolate along with a chocolate bar and mini sweets. Along with the delicious delicacies, I was provided with a beautiful hand fan. It was the perfect keepsake souvenir since I didn’t have any time to explore the city during my stay. Opening more cabinets, I found a coffee machine, tea pot, refrigerator and selection of snacks. I knew a hot cup of tea would perfectly complement the vision I had of myself relaxing in the bath before curling up on the white goose-down and feather pillows and duvets.

I took full advantage of my ability to have a lazy morning. After browsing the in-room dining menu, I ordered my dream breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and coffee. I caught up on emails while I waited for my food to arrive.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Receptionists extend their warm hospitality to each guest, starting with the welcome drink and cool towel to enjoy in the lobby. During that time, the staff reviews which floor hosts the restaurants, spa and recreation area.

During my one-night stay I dined at Ya Ge before heading to the airport for my flight back home. I felt so lucky to be able to cross off dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant while traveling internationally. The service was outstanding, and each dish was better than the last, although a highlight for me was the second-to-last dish containing mango, pomelo and sago cream.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei offers treatments for an extra cost, with à la carte enhancements and a range of times available to suit all needs. Each spa guest experiences the ultimate in relaxation with a personalized spa journey.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Mandarin Oriental, Taipei delivers on the details of a luxury experience. The carpeted bedroom floors and personal touches from staff make your stay stand out. When the staff learned I had to leave my toiletry bag at the airport with my checked bag, they sent an amenities kit to my room.
• Even if you have dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you need to check out Ya Ge. I don’t have an adventurous palate, but I enjoyed dishes with ingredients I typically stay away from. The once-in-a-lifetime experience proved a perfect way to end my travels.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TAIPEI
No. 158, DunHua N. Road
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10548
tel 886 2 2715 6888