Peep into our stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan, boasting an unbeatable location in one of the city’s trendiest areas.
No matter how many times you’ve been to a destination, some places instantly feel like home, and Taiwan is like that for me. It may be the friendly locals, easy accessibility, delicious food, or just a bit of everything. For my recent trip in April, I travelled northwards and spent the last leg of my trip in the charming city of Taipei. To experience the city’s best, I laid eyes on the young and hip neighbourhood of Zhongshan. Sleek and modern, DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan became my base for exploring the city. Here’s a peek into my getaway…
The room: Living like royalty in a King suite
As my Uber ride ambled down the street, DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan came into view. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming stone facade. Once I went past the glass doors, I was transported into a cosy sanctuary.
Lofty ceilings, warm lighting, and sunlight pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows – the hotel’s first impression was off to a good start. The front desk staff extended the same warmth and welcomed us in true DoubleTree hospitality with warm chocolate chip cookies.
After a quick check-in process, my travel companion and I headed up 15 floors to check out our home for the next few days: the King one-bedroom corner suite. Tucked away in the far end of a corridor, the suite faces the Zhongshan North Road and boasts plenty of space for two – 495 sq ft, to be exact.
Step inside, and the living room comes into view. Decked out with a seating area, a sofa (that doubles as a bed) and a TV, it’s a cosy spot for endless lounging. Meanwhile, the executive desk offers a functional work space where I managed to clock a few productive hours. Have a fresh cuppa from the Nespresso machine and it’ll feel like you’re working from a cafe – or better.
The most important part of a hotel stay? The bedroom, of course! The plush King bed came with soft, luxurious sheets that made it easy to slip into deep slumber, even for a light sleeper like myself.
Here’s another standout: the glorious bathtub. It’s perfectly positioned for a relaxing soak while basking in expansive city views and gorgeous sunsets. If you’re wondering, yes, I managed to catch one!
The food: Mouth-watering eats at your doorstep
When in Taipei, it’s safe to say you won’t go hungry. Just head out and you’ll find incredible food within walking distance. While the scrumptious street food and restaurants were calling, the dining options at DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan piqued my interest – especially on days when I was too tired to head out and jostle among crowds.
Nestled in the hotel lobby, La Salle is an inviting space for tipples and light bites. But what caught my eye? The award-winning Taiwanese beef noodles with chopped pepper and stinky tofu. As a stinky tofu fan, I was eager to see how the pungent delicacy would complement this well-loved noodle dish.
Consider me impressed. The massive bowl of noodles came swimming with generous chunks of beef shank, vegetables, pickled mustard greens, and seven-day aged stinky tofu. Robust soup? Check. Perfectly chewy noodles? Double-check. Surprisingly, the stinky tofu wasn’t overpowering and lent a subtly fermented aroma to the dish. I reckon it’s a safe option even for those trying it for the first time.
I also had the stewed chicken soup noodles served with chicken thigh meat, vegetables, bamboo shoots and a fried egg. While the broth was light, every spoonful was hearty and soul-soothing. Oh, and bonus points for the ambience. The intimate bar-lounge made a cosy spot to unwind with good grub and drinks while people-watching.
Of course, what’s a hotel stay without the quintessential buffet breakfast? DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan puts a spin on the usual buffet with unlimited a la carte sets at Alley. Choose between the Western and Asian selection, and enjoy unlimited refills to your heart’s content.
For the Western option, expect your classic big breakfast, featuring eggs done your way, hashbrown, bacon, baked beans and mixed salad. I’d recommend the Asian option if you prefer to be surprised – it features a daily special on rotation.
I tried the braised pork rice served with nine tantalising appetisers, a bowl of soup and some fruits. And yes, they have my stamp of approval on the taste and presentation fronts.
Be sure to leave stomach space for the self-service buffet stations, too. Fill up on fresh breads, cereal and yogurt, along with the usual coffee, tea and juices.
The neighbourhood: Right in the heart of the city
My stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan placed us perfectly for exploring the best of Taipei. For the uninitiated, think of the area as Singapore’s Tiong Bahru. It’s got a mix of independent boutiques, cafes and creative design stores, while retaining rich, local charm. Stroll through the alleyways and you’ll find these gems tucked away in every corner, perfect for clocking in retail therapy or immersing in the trendy atmosphere.
Shopaholics can bookmark stores like Queen Shop, Air Space, and my personal favourite, Ur Living – a multi-storey fashion and lifestyle boutique with a cafe on the top floor. Other unique spots include Snappp (for camera and film photography enthusiasts) and Mitty (a treasure trove for vintage finds).
To fuel up, I recommend Waku Waku Pasta for hearty Taiwanese-style pasta, and Noodles Lee for savoury bowls with unlimited side dishes. Post-meal, grab a cuppa from Coffee Dumbo, or park yourself at one of the charming cafes like Fujin Tree Cafe and Athena Bookstore. Tried and tested by me, the latter is a gem for those looking for a cosy yet conducive spot to work or read.
Here’s a tip: come on weekends to see Xinzhongshan Linear Park (the outdoor urban park directly above the underground mall) come alive with a bustling flea market. You’ll find stores selling everything from handicrafts and clothing to snacks and drinks, along with live bands and street performers. It’s a must-see if you’re making a trip to the neighbourhood!
Your cushy retreat in Taipei awaits…
Eyeing a chic Taipei stay in the heart of the city? I’d recommend DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan in a heartbeat. This hotel won me over with its warm hospitality, comfy stay and strategically placed location – especially if you’re up to explore the city centre.
Just a heads up, don’t expect a huge array of leisure facilities like a massive swimming pool or a spa. The hotel has fewer frills on the facilities front, featuring a simple gym with basic machines and weights for a quick workout.
But, for me, that’s perfectly fine. I know I’ll be spending all day exploring the city, and I’m content with having a cushy place to call home for a few days.
DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan, No. 123, Section 1, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104003
