Hotel Review: Grand Hyatt Taipei
Hyatt’s Grand Hyatt brand has traditionally been known for its standard yet slightly upscale appeal, primarily catering to business travelers and conferences. It often lacks the distinctiveness found in more character-driven luxury brands. However, the good news is that Grand Hyatt properties in Asia tend to be more refined, incorporating local influences for a richer experience. During my recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, and it exceeded my expectations. Unlike other high-end hotels in the area, it offered an authentic Taiwanese ambiance that added a unique and memorable touch to my stay. Here is my review of the Grand Hyatt Taipei:
Grand Hyatt Taipei is located at No. 2號, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110061.
Location
The Grand Hyatt Taipei is a luxurious hotel located in Taipei's Xinyi District, known for its modern skyline and vibrant nightlife. It is conveniently situated near Taipei 101, a major landmark featuring an observatory, high-end shopping, and dining options. The nearby Taipei 101 Mall offers luxury shopping and gourmet restaurants. Additionally, Elephant Mountain, a popular hiking spot with panoramic views of the city, is just a short distance away. The nearby National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is a wonderful memorial site, and there are many night markets close to the hotel, including Raohe Street Night Market.
Lobby & Check-In Review
As I arrived at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, its sheer scale was immediately striking. The grandiosity only intensified upon stepping inside.
The hotel had many grand spaces for conventions and events, and its sheer size reflected that.
The lobby was nothing short of magnificent—an enormous chandelier gleamed overhead, while a stunning fountain adorned with fresh flowers added an elegant touch.
The lobby extended across three levels, offering a spacious and airy atmosphere.
With soaring ceilings, the space felt both pristine and expansive. As one of Taipei’s premier business and tourist hotels, the lobby buzzed with activity. Guests and visitors alike enjoyed the various dining options and shops on the lobby level.
Taiwanese jade is highly valued by locals for its beauty and cultural significance, as it is associated with good fortune and protection.
Jade souvenirs, highly sought after by both locals and tourists, were prominently displayed, while a cozy café in the corner tempted guests with freshly baked treats.
There were several dining options in the lobby, including a bakery/café that had won a contest.
Further back, a traditional diamond jewelry store and a cigar shop stood quietly, though they seemed to draw less attention due to their conventional offerings.
The lobby also featured shops and vendors selling cigars, jewelry, and clothing
Despite the bustling atmosphere, the check-in process was seamless, thanks to multiple desks accommodating the steady flow of arrivals.
The receptionist recognized my Hyatt Globalist status and upgraded me to a one-bedroom suite.
Recognizing my Hyatt Globalist status, the hotel promptly upgraded me to a one-bedroom suite with a breathtaking view of the iconic Taipei 101—a fantastic start to my stay. The receptionist briefly explained hotel amenities including the Grand Club Lounge, gym, and breakfast hours, and we went up to the 11th floor where our suite was located.
Bedroom Review
The suite featured a compact yet distinct living area, seamlessly connected to the bedroom without a physical door.
I notified the hotel in advance that I needed another bed for my brother, and it was already set up when I checked in.
The living space included a small sofa bed—already converted for my brother, who was sharing the room with me—and a stylish dining table accompanied by a beautifully designed lounge chair.
I liked the unique Asian-inspired design of the lounge chair, which was light and comfortable.
While the sofa bed was quite firm and rigid, it suited my brother’s preference for a firmer mattress. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a clear view of Taipei 101, though the cables used for window cleaning slightly obstructed the panorama.
Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan and held the title of the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010.
A standard wall-mounted TV offered entertainment, while a round table in the living area proved convenient for enjoying snacks and drinks. The décor was a standout, with traditional Taiwanese calligraphy and paintings adorning the walls—an aesthetic I appreciated far more than the typical Western artwork found in many luxury hotels.
The Taiwanese calligraphy art on the wall added a touch of traditional aesthetics to the room.
Beyond this artistic touch, the bedroom opened up into a spacious retreat centered around a plush king-sized bed.
The bedroom aligned with the Grand Hyatt brand — modern without being over the top.
Sleek, modern nightstands flanked each side, and master controls for the lights and curtains added a touch of convenience for winding down at night.
Buttons for the curtains and lights instantly made the stay more convenient.
The windows continued to showcase the same Taipei 101 view as the living area, enhancing the room’s appeal. The interior design exuded sophistication, with mature tones accented by subtle hints of red, a nod to traditional Taiwanese aesthetics. Across from the bed, a sizable work desk sat beneath a second wall-mounted TV, expanding entertainment options.
Grand Hyatt Taipei used a lot of red in the room, which is the most popular color in Taiwan for its symbolism of joy, tradition, and good fortune.
The minibar, with its striking red accents, housed an illy espresso machine and an ample supply of bottled water—a necessity in Taipei’s sweltering summer heat.
The extra water bottles definitely came in handy, as the summer heat and humidity in Taiwan can be quite harsh.
Below, the mini fridge was stocked with beer and soda; while I appreciated the presence of a Taiwanese beer brand, I wished there had been a greater selection of local beverages for guests to sample.
Buckskin is a Taiwanese beer that has won multiple awards at international beer competitions.
The suite wasn’t without its drawbacks. The low ceiling made the space feel somewhat confined, and the relatively small windows limited both the view and the amount of natural light that filtered in. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall ambiance of the suite was refined and comfortable, skillfully blending modern luxury with authentic Taiwanese design elements.
Bathroom Review
The suite’s bathroom was spacious and elegantly finished with sleek gray marble accents. It featured a single-sink vanity, which, despite its generous width, proved a bit challenging to share with my brother when we were getting ready at the same time.
The bathroom was elegantly finished, and the complimentary amenity kit was impressively well-stocked.
Fortunately, that was the only drawback—everything else was exceptional. The amenity kit was impressively stocked, offering everything one could need and more, including two different types of mouthwash. The toilet was fitted with a high-tech Japanese bidet, elevating each visit with added comfort and convenience. Meanwhile, the walk-in shower delivered a truly luxurious experience with its genuine rainfall shower system, making every shower refreshing and immersive.
I absolutely loved the design of the sliding shower doors — why can’t other hotels do the same?
Instead of a standard swinging door, the shower was enclosed by sliding glass doors. Initially, I worried about potential water leakage, but to my surprise, it remained perfectly contained throughout my stay. A small built-in bench inside the shower was a thoughtful addition, making it easier to rinse off after long, sweaty days in Taipei’s intense summer heat. The hotel provided Balmain toiletries, though I found them underwhelming—the quality didn’t quite live up to the brand’s luxury reputation.
Grand Hyatt Vail used the same toiletry products by Balmain, and I wasn’t impressed.
The bathroom also included a deep soaking tub, though it was designed for a single adult. Despite its compact size, it offered a comfortable and relaxing retreat—perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
The hotel’s spa has a sauna, but having a standalone tub in the room is a perk I wouldn’t skip.
While the rest of the suite embraced a more traditional Taiwanese design, the bathroom took a distinctly modern approach, providing a sleek and contemporary contrast.
Grand Club Lounge Review
The Grand Club Lounge, located on the 22nd floor, was open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, with complimentary evening cocktails served between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, I had complimentary access, so we decided to check it out around 6 PM.
Hyatt Globalists can enjoy complimentary access to the Grand Club Lounge.
By then, the lounge was already bustling with guests sipping cocktails and enjoying light bites. The lounge featured a mix of high-top counter tables and window-side seating, and we managed to grab a small table by the window, offering a pleasant view of downtown Taipei while we dined.
The view from the lounge wasn’t particularly enticing at first, but it improved as night fell.
Feeling quite hungry, I headed straight to the buffet and kicked things off with a glass of champagne. Other alcoholic options, such as wine and beer, were also available.
For those who enjoy a drink, having access to a lounge can be a great way to save a bit of money.
I started with Western dishes, opting for salad and charcuterie, but was quickly disappointed by how frequently the serving trays were empty. The coleslaw and pasta salads vanished almost instantly upon being replenished, and unless I hovered around the buffet, getting fresh greens was nearly impossible.
I must have been with a seriously hungry crowd — getting food on my plate felt like a competitive sport unless I camped out and stood ready.
The cheese selection was minimal, and what little was available disappeared just as quickly—so much so that I had to sample the small portion my brother managed to grab.
It was the same story at the cheese station — all that was left on the board were lonely rinds.
In contrast, cold cuts were usually available, but they lacked quality and felt rather uninspired.
I’d steer clear of the Western options and go for the Taiwanese rice bowls instead.
Just as I was feeling let down by the Western offerings, I discovered a Taiwanese food station, where a chef was serving up braised pork rice—a beloved Taiwanese comfort dish. This was, without a doubt, the highlight of the evening. Various condiments were available to customize the dish, so I added scallions and a dash of black vinegar, and the result was phenomenal. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back for a second bowl.
The Taiwanese rice bowl was hands down my favorite; both my brother and I couldn’t resist going back for seconds.
The kitchen also served deep-fried bread, which could be paired with either sambal egg chili sauce or condensed milk dusted with peanut powder. I tried both but preferred the sweet condensed milk with peanut powder over the savory option. For dessert, individually portioned treats were available in a fridge, and I sampled a rolled mochi and a passionfruit cake. The passionfruit cake, with its light, tropical flavors, was particularly enjoyable. Club lounges can be hit or miss, and I usually keep my expectations in check. While the Western dishes were disappointing, the braised pork rice and free-flowing champagne made up for it. However, I wouldn’t say the lounge is worth paying extra for—unless you have complimentary access through Hyatt Globalist status or a lounge pass.
Gym & Pool Review
The gym, located on the fifth floor alongside the sauna and outdoor pool, was open daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM.
To access the spa or pool, you’ll need to check in with the receptionist on the 5th floor.
Its predominantly wooden interior aligned with the Grand Hyatt brand’s aesthetic, but it lacked the energetic atmosphere I prefer when working out. The cardio machines faced small windows overlooking the city, while various strength-training machines were scattered throughout the gym floor.
The gym’s predominant wood interior felt right in line with the Grand Hyatt brand, giving it a traditional vibe.
Each piece of equipment featured a convenient “used” to “clean” sign system, allowing guests to indicate when a machine needed sanitizing. This made things incredibly easy—all I had to do after my workout was flip the sign, and a gym attendant would take care of the rest.
Each piece of gym equipment had a clear signage system to show whether it had been used or was still clean.
For muscle training, dumbbells and benches were available in a designated training room with padded flooring.
The weight room felt noticeably more modern, almost as if it had been recently renovated.
More advanced equipment, including a Smith machine and an all-in-one strength machine, was also situated in the same space.
The gym was divided into several smaller open spaces, so I had to wander around to find different types of equipment.
Additionally, an open studio area with mirrored walls housed cycling bikes and core workout tools. It appeared that the hotel occasionally hosted workout classes in this space, though none were taking place during my visit. After finishing our workout, we headed to the locker room to shower before checking out the swimming pool.
The locker room was directly connected to the spa, making it easy to head straight to the sauna or the rooftop pool.
Located on the fifth floor, the outdoor swimming pool was open daily from 6 AM to 9:30 PM. Canopy beds and lounge chairs were available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the hotel provided complimentary rubber slippers for guests to use around the deck.
There were plenty of outdoor tables and chairs, along with a few inviting canopy beds perfect for lounging.
The pool featured four lanes and two shallow areas for kids, but the water was not heated. When I visited in April, even under the sun, the water was quite chilly.
The only downside to the pool was the chilly water, which made morning swims a bit of a challenge.
While tolerable for those swimming laps or exercising, it wasn’t ideal for lounging. I imagine it would feel refreshing in the peak summer months, but in April, it was simply too cold for most—including me.
During Taiwan’s hot and humid summers, that chilly pool water would probably feel absolutely perfect.
To warm up, we headed to the sauna, which operated during the same hours as the pool. As it was a traditional nude sauna, photography was not allowed. The men’s sauna featured a steam room and a dry sauna, heated to 40°C and 80°C, respectively. Additionally, there were two bathing pools: a cold bath at 6°C and a hot bath at 41°C. Both temperatures felt too extreme for me, so I ended up spending most of my time in the saunas instead. The spa and sauna amenities were certainly a nice addition to the stay. However, given the hotel’s age, the facilities weren’t the most modern, and the lack of a heated pool was a bit disappointing. While I wouldn’t recommend visiting Taiwan in the peak summer due to the intense heat, that might be the only time when the outdoor pool is comfortably usable for most guests.
Breakfast Review—The Café
The breakfast buffet was available at the Grand Club Lounge, offering a limited selection of dishes, and at the hotel’s main restaurant, The Café, located on the lobby level, featuring a much more extensive spread. The Café served its breakfast buffet from 6:30 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and until 10:30 AM on weekends. The buffet was exclusive to hotel guests, priced at $900 per person plus a 10% service charge, but thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, my brother and I enjoyed it complimentary.
The breakfast buffet was incredibly popular, so I’d definitely recommend arriving right when the doors open.
We arrived at 6:45 AM, yet there was already a line forming at the entrance—and from what I observed, it only got busier as the morning went on. The restaurant was spacious and was designed to accommodate a high number of guests. We managed to grab a window-side table before heading to the buffet.
Nearly every table was taken within an hour of breakfast service starting.
I started my breakfast at the Taiwanese section, eager to experience local flavors. My first choice was hot soy milk soup, or Xian Dou Jiang, a simple yet versatile dish. It can be enjoyed either sweet or savory, and I opted for the latter, adding pork floss, chili oil, and dried shrimp skin.
One of the highlights was customizing my own hot soy milk soup with all sorts of toppings — it was such a fun and interactive way to start the meal.
The result was unexpectedly delicious, and I could see why it’s a breakfast staple among locals. Other Taiwanese classics included tea eggs, pork with basil, and squid with bitter melon, all of which were flavorful and well-prepared.
The buffet showcased a variety of traditional Taiwanese dishes, including tea eggs, pork with basil, and squid with bitter melon.
The dim sum trays were fully stocked with a variety of steamed delights, from steamed buns to dumplings—my favorite being the juicy pork dumpling.
An array of freshly made dumplings and buns were tucked inside steamy bamboo dim sum trays, adding to the authentic feel.
Another highlight was the Taiwanese beef noodle soup with pork meatballs, a comforting and authentic dish that I customized with my choice of condiments. Compared to other beef noodle soups I had in Taipei, this one held up well, making for a satisfying start to the morning.
The Taiwanese beef noodle soup with pork meatballs was easily one of the standout dishes at the buffet.
The buffet’s open kitchen concept ensured that dishes were constantly replenished with freshly made food, which added to the overall quality and experience.
Fresh egg omelets were made to order, with guests able to customize their fillings to their liking.
After indulging in local specialties, I explored other cuisines. The Western station featured the usual spread of cheese, cold cuts, scrambled eggs, sausages, and hash browns, though the quality of these items didn’t quite match the local selections.
The Western options at the buffet were noticeably less impressive compared to the vibrant and flavorful Asian dishes.
The Indian station offered a surprisingly robust selection, including naan, curry, and chutneys, while the Japanese station was simpler, with a DIY miso soup bar and an assortment of pickled items to pair with rice.
Japanese cuisine has a strong influence in Taiwan, and the buffet even featured a dedicated Japanese breakfast section.
One of the more unique stations was a DIY sandwich bar, where guests could make their own sandwiches using tuna salad or corn salad as a base, stuffing them into lightly toasted white bread. While I didn’t try it, I knew it was a popular and convenient option among locals.
At the DIY bar, guests could whip up their own tuna salad or corn salad sandwiches, adding a fun, hands-on touch to the meal.
For dessert, I grabbed an Americano from the self-serve coffee machine and made my way to the pastry section, where everything was baked in-house.
It might come as a surprise, but Taiwan is actually known for its incredible bread — from soft milk bread to creative pastries, the selection is impressive.
Just like the DIY sandwich bar, there was an option to order a croissant sandwich, available with either ham and cheese or blueberry and whipped cream.
You could even ask the kitchen to transform a croissant into a savory sandwich or a sweet dessert creation.
Given how much Taiwanese people take pastries seriously, it was no surprise that everything was delicious, though most leaned toward the sweeter side. One standout feature was the honeycomb serving station, where a drizzle of fresh honey combined with a little butter transformed an ordinary slice of white bread into something heavenly.
Top off a bowl of yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a chunk of fresh honeycomb for a touch of natural sweetness.
For a healthier yet equally sweet alternative, I tried the fresh fruit selection, which included pineapple, orange, guava, and watermelon—all pre-cut and locally sourced. The pineapple was particularly outstanding, incredibly sweet and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Taiwan is home to a vibrant selection of tropical fruits, including bananas, oranges, pineapples, custard apples, and many more.
Some dishes at the buffet were a bit too authentic for my American palate, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just made for an interesting cultural experience. The only real downside was the confusing layout of the buffet, which became increasingly chaotic during peak hours as more guests arrived. That said, the breakfast was an enjoyable and immersive adventure, offering a fantastic way to sample authentic Taiwanese flavors while also providing a variety of international options.
Positives & Negaties
Positives
The Grand Hyatt Taipei boasts a prime location, making it ideal for first-time visitors. It sits in a commercialized area close to major shopping destinations and local attractions, with a nearby MRT station that provides convenient access to the rest of the city.
The breakfast buffet at Café offered an authentic taste of Taiwanese cuisine. From classic local dishes to a diverse selection of international options, the experience felt like an upscale immersion into Taiwan’s everyday breakfast culture. While various cuisines were available, the Taiwanese offerings stood out as some of the most flavorful and memorable.
Unlike many luxury hotels that lean heavily into modern, Westernized aesthetics, the Grand Hyatt Taipei thoughtfully incorporates traditional Taiwanese design elements throughout its rooms and overall decor. The result is a beautifully balanced blend of heritage and contemporary elegance, which added a unique sense of place to my stay.
Negatives
While the Grand Club Lounge offered a selection of complimentary drinks, the overall experience was underwhelming, with only a couple of standout dishes. Unless you already have complimentary access through Hyatt Globalist status or a pass, I wouldn’t recommend paying extra for it.
Summary
The Grand Hyatt Taipei, located in the Xinyi District, is an excellent choice for first-time visitors, offering easy access to shopping destinations, local attractions, and the MRT. My upgraded suite struck a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary Taiwanese aesthetics, creating a distinctive and inviting atmosphere. The hotel's breakfast buffet at Café provided an authentic Taiwanese breakfast experience alongside a variety of international options. However, the buffet layout felt somewhat confusing. In contrast, the Grand Club Lounge was underwhelming for several reasons and may not justify the additional cost unless you have complimentary access. Overall, my stay at the Grand Hyatt Taipei was enjoyable, and I would recommend it to visitors seeking an upscale hotel with a strong Taiwanese identity.
