Taiwan has been on my list of countries to visit for a very long time and had originally booked the flights for this trip back in 2019 but then Covid-19 happened and … the rest is history! Thankfully, the situation has improved significantly since then and earlier on this year I was finally able to fly to Hong Kong and visit Taiwan for the first time (Country #54 for me).
Hotels in Taipei are surprisingly expensive, and one of the main reasons I chose the Hotel Resonance is because it’s part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton and allowed me to enjoy the benefits of being a Hilton Honors Gold member while at the same time offering something more unique than a formulaic/cookie cutter chain hotel. Plus, I also get the points and night credits towards renewing my Hilton Honors status for another year.
During my trip to Taiwan and Hong Kong, I had the pleasure of staying at several different hotels. Out of all of them, the one that stood out the most was undoubtedly this one. From the moment I arrived, and walked through the door, it was clear that this hotel was something special. The property felt really “fresh”, with a beautiful design that really matches my aesthetic.
But it wasn’t just the design of the hotel that made it so special. There was a certain energy and ambiance present that really left an impression on me. The hotel had a unique and pleasant smell that greeted me as soon as I walked through the doors. It was a small detail, but it really added to the overall sense of comfort and luxury that the hotel exuded.
Location
The Hotel Resonance is located only one stop on the MRT from Taipei Main station (for the train to Taoyuan airport and high-speed trains to other major cities in Taiwan), by Shandao Temple station. There are a couple of convenience stores just around the corner, for drinks, snacks, MRT cards (lots of really cute versions available), etc.
I tend to walk a lot when I travel, as I like to explore cities and get a “feel” of a place. Travelling above ground also makes it easier not lose a sense of direction. With that in mind, I walked to places like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, some of the local street markets, and even the river, however for visiting Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, and Beitou it was best to use the MRT. Either way, I found Taipei easy to navigate and getting back to the Resonance was easy and quick.
Check-in
I arrived around 10pm and the hotel lobby and Reception area were very quiet, however it took a surprising amount of time to check in. This was partly because of having to install the hotel app and the internet connection was a bit slow at the time. The app is needed as the hotel does not have a restaurant and breakfast is available to purchase in the Starbucks next to the hotel. As a Hilton Honors Gold member a certain amount of credit is added in the app and can be used to order online or present a QR code for the barista to scan when ordering in person (make sure you have a decent wifi connection when doing this!).
The Room
Our room was very spacious and tastefully decorated. There was a cinematic theme to the whole hotel, with art deco touches. Complimentary bottled water, coffee, tea, as well as a few items in the mini bar were provided. Power sockets in all the right places. A massive TV and thermostats with individual room controls!!! I find hotel rooms in many places way too cold, so this was a welcome feature!
Bathroom/WC
There was a separate WC and bathroom. WC with a Japanese toilet and a bathroom with a shower and separate bath.
Facilities
As mentioned, there is no restaurant onsite but there is a Starbucks connected to the hotel and a few local cafes in the area, for a more authentic Taiwanese vibe/experience.
The hotels has a gym and a laundry room too. Always handy when travelling for about 10 days.
Overall, my stay at this hotel was easily the highlight of my trip. I felt completely at home there, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a truly special and memorable experience during their travels.
Luxury Travel by thirdpassport 