Image adapted from: Hotel Poispois, CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending, RF Hotel Taipei, and Play Design Hotel
Our mental image of Taipei conjures up bustling night markets and the excited chatter of crowds passing through, so vivid that we could almost smell the charred scent of freshly-grilled street food. But let’s not kid ourselves – shopping’s what we truly care about.
Thankfully, Taipei is a shopper’s haven and comes with everything from high-end shopping malls to underground fashion boutiques. Here are 10 hotels in Taipei that are near key shopping areas like Ximending and Taipei Main Station:
Image credit: @tl.cheah
When you’re at Taipei Main Station, you’re essentially at the heart of Taipei City. It’s easy to get lost here since there’s a full-blown network of shopping alleys, underground malls, and department stores. They’ve got everything from anime specialty shops to touristy souvenir stores, so it’ll take more than a day or two to explore the entire area thoroughly.
Image credit: @hsuan0515
Staying in Finders Hotel is a lot like staying in a high-end cottage in the woods – it’s decked out in turquoise green walls and even has its own life-sized deer sculpture. We’re also more than pleased with the communal areas: they’ve got a foosball table, an electronic dart board, and even a thoughtful snack bar that boasts a ready supply of free Taiwanese instant noodles.
We’ll be spending all our time at the snack bar, which comes with free-flow instant noodles and popcorn.
Image credit: Finders Hotel
And we all know that after a long day out shopping, there’s nothing better than sinking into a comfortable couch with a free bowl of instant noodles.
Image credit: Finders Hotel
But of course, you’ll still be spending plenty of time in your hotel room. Rooms start from an affordable $65/night for a Standard Double Room, which sleeps up to 3 guests. Those travelling with friends or family might prefer an Adjoining Room at $127/night.
Address: 86, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng, Taipei City
Distance to Taipei Main Station: 650m, 9-min walk
Book Finders Hotel here.
Image credit: Roaders Hotel
Roaders Hotel looks like a drinking saloon right out of a classic Western, with worn leather couches and vintage trinkets everywhere. But no pigeon-holing this hotel: it’s one for the millennials with a free photobooth to print out headshots, a snack bar with free snacks, and 24/7 arcade games.
A photobooth that prints out reward posters, with the word ‘Wanted’ stamped in capital letters.
Image credit: Roaders Hotel
Even some of the hotel rooms have a tinge of the Old West-influence, with colourful chairs and a real-life teepee hut – most likely meant for the kids to crawl in and play house.
Image credit: Roaders Hotel
The Roaders Room starts from $88/night, but if you’re looking to splurge, then their Deluxe Suite (from $143/night) comes with a standalone tub and quirky Western decor.
Address: 68, Yanping South Road, Taipei City
Distance to Taipei Main Station: 700m, 10-min walk
Book Roaders Hotel here.
Image credit: Taipei 101
Xinyi Shopping District is a whole lotta like Orchard Road – it’s filled with luxury brands and off-the-runway designs that you’re sure to covet. But be warned: one purchase from these designer shops can throw your entire travel budget out of whack. Nonetheless, it’s worth a stroll around in evenings to soak up the lively ambience and tunes of street buskers.
Plus, what’s visiting Taiwan without making your way to the famed Taipei 101? While there, visit nearby malls like Breeze Song Gao and ATT 4 Fun, as well as Eslite Bookstore for its 7 floors of books.
The Palette Room also has a marble bathroom and tub.
Image credit: Hotel Poispois
Hotel Poispois is nothing but quirky, and with its bubble-shaped decor and splashes of millennial pink, appears to be purposefully targeting the Instagram generation. The very word ‘pois pois’ itself is a loose French translation of ‘bubble’ – which the hotel designers took to heart, resulting in an overload of bubble lamps and bubble chairs.
We’re not complaining: it makes for a stylish abode.
Image credit: Hotel Poispois
Choose from rooms like the minimalistically white Petite Pois Pois Room to The Green Room, a nature-themed room that’s covered in a lush green wallpaper. Room rates start from $70/night for the Standard Twin Room.
Image credit: @blair___h
But you’ll be spending plenty of time in other parts of the hotel – especially when there’s a bistro that’s also decked out in whimsical pastel colours, neon lights, and massive bubble lights. The bistro, aptly named Ch-eat & Drink, serves up food like Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Sauce (NT780, ~$34.90) and Fresh Fish (NT520,~$23.30).
Address: 168, Section 4, Civic Boulevard, Da’an District, Taipei City
Distance to Xinyi Anhe Station: 1.2km, 17-min walk
Book Hotel Poispois here.
Image credit: Sparkle Hotel
When your hotel’s less than 100 metres away from Taipei 101, rest assured that all your time will be spent in shopping malls. And that’s exactly what will happen when you’re staying at Sparkle Hotel.
While the rooms here come equipped with all your basic necessities and more – a comfy bed, writing desk, and balcony for natural sunlight to stream in – you wouldn’t be spending that much time cooped up indoors.
Image credit: The Jerny
Room rates start from $111/night for the Vogue Double Room, but you’ll need to pay a premium to get a room with windows. A buffet breakfast is also complimentary for all guests, so dig into a hearty breakfast to prep for your shopping day out.
Address: 16, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Taipei City
Distance to Xinyi Anhe Station: 1km, 14-min walk
Book Sparkle Hotel here.
Image credit: @njnanji
It’s all about underground labels at Zhongxiao Dunhua, with small boutique stores offering designs that are either artfully handmade or showcasing the latest fashion trends from countries like Japan and South Korea. You can easily spend your afternoons here, wandering through the winding alleyways or admiring the aesthetic storefronts.
Image credit: RF Hotel Taipei
Sometimes, we’re just after a no-frills hotel room that’s plain, simple, and most importantly, clean. And that’s what you’ll find at RF Hotel Taipei. Their rooms start from $112/night for the Super Mini Single Room, which fits 2 guests comfortably. All rooms also come with a tub to soak in, so you can rest your weary feet after a full day of shopping.
Image credit: RF Hotel Taipei
But of course, if you’re after something with a tad bit more pizazz, you can opt for their more colourful rooms like the one above.
Address: 235, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Distance to Zhongxiao Dunhua Station: 300m, 4-min walk
Book RF Hotel Taipei here.
Image credit: Chez Nous Hotel Taipei
There’s a reason to splurge for the best room at Chez Nous Hotel Taipei – their Penthouse Suite is designed like a loft, with airy high ceilings and a staircase leading up to the bedroom. But rest assured: you won’t go wrong with any of the rooms here, since they all come decked out with wooden decor and either city or forest views.
Image credit: Chez Nous Hotel Taipei
Rates start from $100/night for the Standard Double Room. Upgrade to the Chez Nous Classic ($132/night) for a standalone tub, where you can soak all your worries away with a good ol’ bubble bath.
Image credit: @iamchangwenshu
The hotel’s near Tonghua Night Market, which is considered as one of the less-touristy night markets in Taipei – they’ve got everything from fresh fruits to cheap clothes. If you’re up for a night in instead, there’s also an in-house bar where you can unwind with a cocktail or 2.
Image credit: @ru_chenn
They do food as well with a focus on home-style Taiwanese food like Classic Fried Pork Chop (NT280, ~$9.70) and Grilled Miso Cod (NT360, ~$16.10).
Address: 18, Alley Lane 147, Taipei City
Distance to Zhongxiao Dunhua Station: 1.5km, 21-min walk
Book Chez Nous Hotel Taipei here.
Image credit: @eunju_1121
From local youths to tourists, Ximending is one of Taipei’s more crowded shopping districts: it’s a car-free zone so you’ll see plenty of people spilling into the streets. While it’s commonly referred to as the ‘Harajuku’ of Taiwan, this area doesn’t just carry Harajuku-type fashion – expect everything, from global brands like Adidas to wholesale clothes from China.
Image credit: CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending
The cartoon motifs at CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending vary across rooms: it could be army-themed with a disgruntled bear donning on sunnies, or it could be a whimsical unicorn that’s prancing across a purple dreamscape. Whatever you end up choosing, know that the rooms here will suit your shopping needs perfectly since it’s just a 2-minute stroll to Ximen Station.
Image credit: CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending
Rooms start at $103/night for a Standard Room, and thankfully, there’s no need to fork up extra cash to sleep in a thematic room. There’s also a self-service laundry too, so you can bring fewer clothes to save up on luggage space.
Colourful designs from the hotel room to bathroom.
Image credit: CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending
Address: 63, Baoqing Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Distance to Ximen Station: 170m, 2-min walk
Book CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending here.
Image credit: @nxnfoo
Swiio Hotel Ximen looks more like a cosy underground bar than a hotel when you first step in. It might be the brown furnishings or the leather couches, but whatever it is, it gives off edgy vibes that most bars can only hope for. There’s an actual bar area where you can get drinks – it’s fitted with comfy armchairs and couches for you to have a relaxing evening in.
Image credit: @nxnfoo
Rooms start at $101/night for a Standard Double Room – those travelling in groups of 3 will be pleased to know that there’s a Triple Room too.
Image credit: Swiio Hotel Ximen
Although compact, the rooms cleverly make use of space and comes with a seating area and clothes storage space too.
Address: 72, Section 2, Wuchang Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Distance to Ximen Station: 500m, 7-min walk
Book Swiio Hotel Ximen here.
Image credit: Focus Taiwan
Zhongshan District is a massive district – if you’re a serious shopper, note that you’ll want to head straight to the MRT Station vicinity. It’s got a wide selection of fashion boutiques, Taiwan’s longest underground book street, and is just one MRT stop away from Taipei Main Station.
Tip: there’s also a bunch of cafes hidden in alleyways near the MRT Station.
Future Lab – a hotel room whose designs will get you pondering over daily life in the future.
Image credit: Play Design Hotel
It’s the perfect blend of play and design over at Play Design Hotel, an award-winning hotel that’s known for its thoughtful designs. Their designs are also available for purchase – so if you’re eyeing the quirky chair you’re sitting on, feel free to bring it back home with you for a price.
Image credit: Play Design Hotel
That aside, the hotel rooms here are named after seemingly random concepts, ranging from Play Tea Room that’s perfect for the tea-drinker or Maker Room for those keen to explore the Maker Movement.
Image credit: Play Design Hotel
Both the Play Tea Room and Maker Room start from $148/night, while other rooms like Future Lab and MIT3.0 start from $175/night.
Address: 156-2, Taiyuan Road, Taipei City
Distance to Zhongshan MRT Station: 600m, 8-min walk
Book Play Design Hotel here.
Image credit: Amba Taipei Zhongshan
At first glance, Amba Taipei Zhongshan looks like any other conventional hotel – one that you’ll be pleased with in terms of comfort and cleanliness. But it’s the little quirks here that you’ll hold dear to your heart.
Image credit: @mshannahchia
Their Smart Room (from $148/night) is sleek and modern, but with all the homely touches you’ll long for when overseas – like bluetooth speakers to blast your favourite Spotify playlist. For a premium price, you can also choose to have a balcony.
Image credit: Amba Taipei Zhongshan
The hotel’s also a reasonable 15-minute walk to Ningxia Night Market, a food market where you can try all of Taiwan’s famed street snacks.
Address: 57-1, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City
Distance to Zhongshan MRT Station: 550m, 7-min walk
Book Amba Taipei Zhongshan here.
From high-end shopping malls to underground fashion boutiques, every moment you spend in Taipei is a shopper’s dream come true. And that’s why your ideal hotel needs to be near a popular shopping district – it’s much easier to lug back all your shopping bags when your hotel’s just a few steps away.
Once you’ve booked your flights, there’s often pressure to sort out your hotels ASAP – to claim those bulk discounts and savings. But with Expedia’s Add-On Advantage, you can leave booking your holiday up till the day of your trip and still claim up to 57% off selected hotels*.
There’s no pressure at all – just a lot of time and flexibility for you to browse Expedia’s huge selection of hotels in Taipei.
*T&Cs apply.
All prices accurate as of 10 September 2018.
If you’re interested in more than just shopping, here are a few other things you can check out in Taipei:
This post was brought to you by Expedia.
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