Mandarin Oriental Taipei Review

Mandarin Oriental Taipei

Taipei remains one of our absolute favorite cities in the world for its vibrant culture, incredible food scene, and modern layouts, making it a mandatory one or two night stop whenever we return to Taiwan. This past January, we finally had the opportunity to stay at the famous Mandarin Oriental Taipei to see if the experience lived up to the high expectations.

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Booking & Cost

We secured our stay through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program for a retail rate of $400 and received $300 back from the FHR credit. This effectively brings our out-of-pocket cost down to just $100. When you factor in the $100 on-site credit and the complimentary breakfast for 2, the math makes this stay an incredible value. While we did not receive an additional room upgrade on this occasion, the Deluxe room is more than comfortable and spacious on its own, and we still felt the full weight of the luxury experience.

Location & Check-in

The hotel is situated near Songshan Airport and the Taipei Arena, nestled slightly away from the most frantic parts of the city. It is a pleasant 10 to 15 minute walk from either the Nanjing Fuxing or Taipei Arena MRT stations. This location offers a palpable sense of calmness that contrasts beautifully with the busy streets nearby.

The building stands out among the other buildings in the area with a grand facade. To enter, a private driveway takes you to the back of the property where the lobby is located, reinforcing a sense of private luxury. Staff were ready the moment our taxi arrived and took our luggage from us immediately. The lobby is a tall, grand space featuring two leather backrest chairs, decorated pillars, and a massive, glittering chandelier. We were checked in cordially with warm towels and cups of Hibiscus tea, and the staff kindly granted us early check-in around noon.

Room | Deluxe Room

The Deluxe Room is so generously sized it feels more like a junior suite. The experience begins in a spacious foyer featuring light herringbone wooden floors that contrast against dark wooden walls and a modern painting. A brilliant “valet closet” is hidden behind a mirror in the foyer, allowing you to place laundry in a bag and press a call button so housekeeping can retrieve it from a service door outside without ever entering your room.

As you move further in, the dark wood transitions to classic white walls, and you find a full walk-in closet across from the bathroom. The closet is a dedicated dressing room with a standalone dresser table and chair, hangers, and drawers on both sides, and pairs of slippers ready for use.

The main bedroom is a masterclass in old-school classiness, anchored by the signature Mandarin Oriental olive green found in the armchair, throw pillows, and the stunning backdrop behind the bed. The furniture is high-end, including a leather office chair, a marble TV console, and a classic wood and glass mini bar. The ceiling height in the bedroom is exceptionally tall, featuring a crafted flush mount lamp that opens up the space.

We found the King size bed and dynamic blinds provided an incredible night of rest, while thoughtful touches like glass water bottles at the bedside and a welcome plate of fresh fruit made us feel right at home. To top it off, the turn down service left a nice little souvenir of a paper lantern and a bookmark on our bed, which was a lovely final touch to the evening.

Bathroom

The bathroom continues the classy vibe with floors and a shower completely lined in grey marble and white tiled walls. A large standalone tub sits next to the wooden vanity, and a sliding door next to the tub can be opened to look directly into the bedroom. The vanity counter is simple and functional, stocked with a tissue box, rolled up hand towels, and an amenity box.

The separate washroom tucked in the corner of the hallway was a genuine surprise that breaks away from the rest of the room’s decor. The walls are lined with Tiffany blue wallpaper featuring simple floral patterns, echoing the semi-circle vanity and the large Toto bidet. It is a bold, high-end design choice that even includes a floating silver counter with a notepad and phone right next to the toilet.

Food & Service

Breakfast is included in the FHR booking and the experience is nothing short of amazing. The dining room is well decorated and fully staffed, with employees who are incredibly proactive. For example, a staff member noticed we hadn’t taken a spoon for our noodle soup and brought one over immediately. The buffet features a heavy emphasis on local cuisine, with the highlight being the beef noodle soup assembled by an on-site chef. We also enjoyed traditional Taiwanese egg crepes, radish cakes, and authentic soy milk, alongside a selection of fresh pastries and even passion fruits. Beyond the buffet, there is a menu for made-to-order items where we enjoyed a great egg omelet and cappuccino.

For our on-site credit, we spent the evening at the M.O. Bar after dinner. The bar has a perfect ambiance for a nightcap and features a curated list of cocktails inspired by local ingredients. We tried a few of their signature drinks and found the environment to be a great way to end the night.

Amenities

The hotel offers a full suite of facilities including a full-sized gym, yoga room, spa, and an outdoor swimming pool. The gym is well-equipped for a thorough workout, and the transition to the sauna and steam room afterward is seamless and relaxing. The outdoor heated pool is a standout feature, designed in a large oval shape with vibrant mosaic tiles that catch the light. It is surrounded by lush plants and lounging chairs, creating a sense of a city escape. Every area is staffed with friendly people who are genuinely helpful, making the entire wellness area feel like a high-end retreat rather than just a standard hotel gym.

Bottom Line

We were thoroughly impressed by the high quality of the amenities and the personal service at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei. The property carries a very nice old-school charm that is matched by an exceptional level of care regarding service and privacy. It is rare to find a hotel that balances such a heavy focus on private luxury with a price point that remains reasonable compared to other high-end properties in the city. The Deluxe Room is amazing in its furnishing and comfort, and the breakfast remains a highlight of our time in Taiwan. If you value privacy and old-world elegance, this is undoubtedly our favorite property in Taipei so far.

Pros

• Exceptional service and proactive staff members.
• Spacious room layout with a unique valet laundry closet.
• High-quality breakfast with authentic local Taiwanese dishes.
• Beautifully designed mosaic-tiled outdoor heated pool.

Cons

• The 10 to 15 minute walk to the nearest MRT stations might feel a bit far for some.
• Located away from the busiest parts of the city, which is a pro for some but a con for those wanting to be in the center of the action.

Who It’s For

Travelers who appreciate private luxury, traditional elegance, and top-tier service without the extreme price tag of similar flagship hotels. 

Worth It?

Absolutely! At a net cost of $100 after FHR credits, this is arguably the best luxury value in the city.

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