W Taipei

The W Taipei showcases the city’s geography and cutting-edge technology. The lobby’s light installation reacts to human motion, and guest rooms feature dramatic skyline views. The W is also home to some of Taipei’s hottest nightspots, including the Bar at Yen on the top floor. From $314. 886/(0) 2-7703-8888. This appeared in the November/December 2012 issue.

The W Hotel Taipei is New Taiwan all the way, from its sleek, big-box exterior to its elegantly appointed—dare we say almostfuturistic—boutique rooms with names like “Wonderful Room” and “Fantastic Suite,” to the pool on the 10th floor complete with a bar serving drinks and tapas (because what’s a 10th-floor bar without tapas?). Though there’s little in the way of Old World charm in this hotel (or in this neighborhood, for that matter), some folks say that guests who take the table in the northwest corner of the W’s rooftop bar and squint out the window catch occasional glimpses of the Generalissimo’s ghost hovering over the roof of the stately Grand Hotel across the river.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the stunning W Hotel Taipei while I was visiting Taiwan. The hotel is perfectly located in the Xinyi District – just a few blocks away from the iconic Taipei 101 Tower. The hotel’s pool area, located on the 10th floor, is an oasis above the bustling city. It’s the perfect spot to sunbathe and swim, as well as enjoy the chic crowd that gathers during the day and night for wonderful oolong tea-inspired cocktails.

Like most W Hotels, the hotel IS the scene. Recently while staying at the chic W Taipei, I had the chance to mix and mingle with the locals at the hotel’s Wet Bar. Beautifully landscaped pool by day, and vibrant, fun scene at night. The neon colors-lighted furniture glows up the night, and provides the setting with a club-like atmosphere. With gorgeous views of Taipei’s skyline, guests and locals chill out listening to locals DJ’s, eat yummy fare and quench their thirst with unique signature drinks, such as the Oolong Fizz or the Great Tea Mojito. The Wet Bar is a must when visiting Taipei.

Taipei’s summers are famous for being muggy and mean: a few hours out and about in the city is sure to leave you desperate for a respite from the heat. Thankfully, W Taipei’s rooftop pool offers refreshment and relief in style. The beautifully landscaped pool area includes a selection of lounge furniture and cabanas. A typical sunny Taipei weekend will see every poolside spot filled with an alluring mix of sun worshippers. Out of the water, guests can soak up the sunshine on the adjoining WET BAR terrace with a drink and snack in hand. On select days, a DJ arrives on the scene to oversee a lively pool party that tends to go on long after the sun’s gone down.

Located in the trendy Xinyi District, the W Taipei stands as a symbol of cosmopolitan glamour and the youthful exuberance of the city. It’s an intoxicating combination that makes it irresistible to travellers and Taipei residents alike, which is why I always find myself having a mojito under the soaring ceilings of the hotel’s WOOBAR every chance I get. Entering the W Taipei is akin to entering a world with its own lingo and set of rules. Oversized sculptures, ultra-modern furniture, and dramatic skyline views are the norm. Every window runs floor-to-ceiling, and even the spa rooms have flawless and unobstructed views of Taipei 101. The W provides hip glamour all year round. In summer, it’s bikinis and pitchers of sangria with friends while lounging by the rooftop pool. In the winter, I love getting dressed up for afternoon tea at YEN Bar. Regardless of season, I celebrate my loved ones’ birthdays with a free-flowing Prosecco brunch at The Kitchen Table.