Taipei can now count on Mandarin Oriental

The pitch

Taipei, the bustling capital of the Republic of China, more commonly known as Taiwan, is rarely on the itinerary of Western tourists, who are too busy visiting Hong Kong or Shanghai. Yet the city is proving to be one of Asia's most exciting metropolises. With the arrival of Hong Kong's prestigious Mandarin Oriental group, there's now no excuse not to make a detour to the "rebel island" on your next Asian stroll.

Where is it?

In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. More precisely, on Dunhua North Road, one of the main arteries of the city's business district, renowned for its canopy. Not exactly in the heart of the action, but all the city's sites of interest - from the Shilin night market to the famous Taipei 101 tower - are less than a 15-minute cab ride away. An ideal location for exploring the city.

Why are we interested?

The opening of a Mandarin Oriental is never an insignificant event. The Hong Kong-based group, known for its sumptuous hotels since the 1960s, is increasingly positioning itself as the champion of "super luxury". Each new address therefore arouses our interest.

In Taipei, as was the case for their 5 star hotel in Paris, Mandarin Oriental's ambitions are clear: to establish itself as the city's most luxurious establishment. 

What are the rooms like?

With a minimum surface area of 55 square meters for Deluxe rooms, 86 square meters for Junior Suites and up to 376 square meters for the Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental has given itself the means to achieve its ambitions. Huge rooms - by far the largest on the island on average - luxuriously appointed as always. From luxurious bedding (480-thread-count sheets) to ultra-careful soft lighting, sumptuous marble bathrooms and cutting-edge technology - 46' LED TVs, ultra-fast Wi-Fi for up to six devices - the 303 rooms and suites offer travelers absolute comfort.

Among the hotel's special features are the possibility of staying in a suite with a private spa, and guaranteed privacy for all hotel guests in all circumstances. The Valet Box available in every room means you can have parcels, mail or dry-cleaned linen delivered to your room at any time of the day or night, without being disturbed for a moment.

And the rest of the hotel?

As you'd expect, Mandarin Oriental has pulled out all the stops for its first Taiwanese hotel. An ultra-luxurious two-storey spa with Signature holistic programs, a twenty-metre outdoor swimming pool, five bars and restaurants including the promising Bencotto by Michelin-starred Italian chef Mario Cittadini, an over-equipped lounge for business clientele... it's all there.

Not forgetting the famous in-house patisserie, The Mandarin Cake Shop, destined to become the benchmark Western patisserie/chocolaterie in Taiwan, as it is in Hong Kong.

What makes the difference

The immense, superbly luxurious rooms. If there are hotels where you come for the view, others for the ambiance, the location or the views, here it's the incredible comfort of the rooms that will undoubtedly attract the most uncompromising travelers.

To sum up

Neither a real surprise nor a revolution, the Mandarin Oriental Taipei is right where you'd expect it to be: luxurious, lavish and opulent. It's safe to say that it will quickly establish itself as the preferred hotel for VIPs and dignitaries visiting the city.

5 figures to remember

• 303: the number of rooms at the MO Taipei, including 47 suites
• 6: restaurants, bars and cafés, from gourmet Italian to French-inspired brasserie
• 55: the size in square meters of the least spacious rooms. The size of a suite in Paris or London
• 2=3: the "discovery" offer valid until September, allowing guests to stay a third night free of charge
• 376: the size in square meters of the Presidential suite, one of the largest on the island.