Arrival/Check-in: Arriving on a Tuesday evening via EVA Airways, I encountered a slight traffic jam on my way to the heart of the city.Without traffic, the ride takes about 45 minutes. The hotel presents a formal feeling of business in an elegant atmosphere. The staff, in beautifully tailored Chinese attire, promptly checked me in and I was escorted to my room with the luggage following shortly after. (20/20)

Guest Quarters: The hotel claims to have the largest guestrooms in Taipei, and I was pleasantly surprised at how large they really were. My executive suite had a long mirrored hallway leading to a small sitting room and the main room, with king-sized bed, flat-screen TV and three huge windows with views of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building. Another mirrored hallway, lined with closets, led to the oversized marble bathroom, which boasted a large tub with a window overlooking the city, an LCD TV and separate shower. The room’s muted color palette created a soothing work space. (12/15)

Services/Amenities: The hotel is attached to an upscale mall, which is great for any traveler who wants to walk a bit without venturing too far.Within the hotel, there are seven restaurants, a spa and workout facilities. The rooftop pool on the 43rd floor is beautiful and the vista spectacular, with unobstructed views of the city and Taipei 101.

The restaurants each have their own flair. I recommend lunch at the Shanghai Pavilion, where a lighter fare of Chinese food is offered. The Marco Polo Lounge has romantic tables for two and the Yi Café presents the most extensive buffet of Eastern and Western dishes I’ve ever seen!

I must also praise the concierge and the massage therapist at the Horizon Spa. When I arrived, I realized I had left my mobile phone on the plane. I gave my name, seat number and description of the phone to the concierge.Within three hours my phone had been recovered and transferred from the airport to my room free of charge. My Swedish massage was exceptional, and the massage therapist also provided me with exercises that will help my blood circulation when I am traveling. (44/45)

The Experience: This is a great business traveler’s hotel — especially ideal for female business travelers. It’s centrally located, extremely functional yet refined and luxurious, with all the amenities that bring comfort to any trip. (18/20)

Total Score: 94/100

SHANGRI-LA’S FAR EASTERN PLAZA HOTEL
201 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2
Taipei
tel 886 2 2378 8888
http://www.shangri-la.com