Introduction | Regent Taipei

The Regent Taipei is a timeless piece of luxury history that still competes against its younger rivals. Opened in 1982, it has since undergone several hefty renovations and expansions while preserving its timeless elegance. This luxury 5-star hotel has been a preferred destination for dignitaries, celebrities, and discerning travelers for decades, and with its growing popularity amongst international travelers, this hotel will continue to be a top choice for those looking for that classic luxury ambiance.

Throughout the property, one can admire a collection of contemporary art and traditional Asian artifacts, which add an air of cultural richness to the ambiance. The Regent Taipei seamlessly blends modern luxury with a deep respect for its heritage, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s also a great use of IHG certificates and points as it often falls under 40,000 IHG points, allowing for a great redemption, as often the rooms are around $250-$350 USD a night.

Check-In | Regent Taipei

I arrived at the Regent Taipei around 11:00am from the Le Meridien Taipei after syncing up with my parents. Upon arrival, the bellboy was on the spot, grabbing my one measly carry-on to check-in, where a lot of guests were in process of checking out. Similar to my experience at Le Meridien Taipei, there were a ton of Mid-Autumn Festival locals and Korean tour groups visiting Taipei, so thus it was more crowded than usual.

A few minutes later, I was at the front desk. The staff here are top-notch and are some of the best in the business. During my check-in, while it was early, they saw that I was IHG Diamond and quickly adjusted the room availability so that I could have my room ahead of time. In addition, the lovely front desk agent also gifted me a welcome gift of some premium dried mangoes, which was a nice gesture. How thoughtful of them! IHG Diamond status granted two important benefits:

Breakfast at the Brassiere for 2 people
Early Check-In

The Regent Taipei is one of the very few hotels that I still know of that use physical metal keys. It’s a harkening back to the timeless days of keys and something that I Found to be rather amusing.

The Hotel | Regent Taipei

The Regent Taipei's lobby is a grand and opulent space that sets the tone for the entire hotel experience. As you step into the lobby, you are immediately greeted by an atmosphere of timeless elegance and sophistication. The design is characterized by tasteful marble flooring, intricate chandeliers, and plush seating areas, creating a sense of luxury and refinement.

One of the notable features of the lobby is the Regent Galleria, an upscale shopping arcade located within the hotel. Here, guests and shoppers alike can explore a wealth of luxury stores and boutiques offering a curated selection of high-end fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and more. Whether you're in the mood for a little retail therapy or simply wish to browse, the Regent Galleria provides a convenient and exclusive shopping experience without having to leave the comfort of the hotel. There a few high-end restaurants as well that one can browse or reserve in advance.

The combination of the lavish lobby and the Regent Galleria's luxury stores enhances the overall guest experience, offering a sense of indulgence and convenience. It's a space where you can unwind, shop for premium goods, and immerse yourself in the world of luxury that The Regent Taipei is renowned for.

Premier Room | Room 1437

The Regent Taipei’s premier room, though part of an older establishment, has aged remarkably well, offering a blend of classic charm and contemporary comforts. It may seem a bit archaic compared to its more tech-focused competition in the Xinyi district of Taipei, but don’t let that fool you. This is still one of the very best hotels in Taiwan.

Upon entering my Premier Room at The Regent Taipei, you’re greeted with the bedroom, alongside the workstation and living room. The room was spacious and tastefully appointed, with a soothing color palette and elegant furnishings that created a welcoming ambiance. The large windows offered breathtaking views of Taipei's vibrant cityscape, allowing natural light to flood the room during the day. At the work desk, they supplied a Herman Miller Aeron chair, which is my personal favorite (as I have one at home as well). Outlets are easily within reach and the Wifi was sufficient.

One of the standout features of the Regent Taipei that I remembered back in my last visit was the amazing shower pressure in the bathroom, and boy did this bathroom not disappoint at all, haha! Boasting both a deep soaking tub and a separate waterfall rain shower, it’s great of unwinding after a long day of work. The bathroom features a separate walk-in closet, a nice addition that adds a touch of practicality and opulence to the room. The closet provides ample space for guests to organize their belongings, making it convenient for both business and leisure travelers, as it’s packed with hangars, bathrobes, bath slippers and even pajamas!

Some minor quirks: the inclusion of a bar area within the bathroom is a bit odd for the placement. Also, the blinds and curtains are manual, but are not the type that closes quickly, so it gets a bit odd during nighttime.

Breakfast at Brassiere | Regent Taipei

Without a doubt, the highlight of my stay at the Regent Taipei was the stunning breakfast buffet at Brasserie.

Guests are treated to an international feast with options like freshly baked pastries, artisanal bread, personalized omelets, and a ton of western selections. For those seeking a taste of Taiwan, local specialties such as steamed dumplings, egg pancakes, turnip cakes and savory porridge are a delightful highlight. Fresh tropical fruits add a burst of color, while health-conscious diners can indulge in organic selections like cereals, yogurt, and fresh fruit juices. Want Japanese? There’s an udon station, salmon and mackerel and more. There’s even a growth of Korean food here, such as made-to-order kimbap and more!

One of the interesting features of the breakfast buffet at The Regent Taipei is its commitment to using organic ingredients. The hotel sources a variety of organic produce, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and even some of the grains and cereals. This emphasis on organic offerings aligns with the growing global trend towards healthier and more sustainable dining choices. The hotel has partnered with Green Michelin Star holder Little Tree Food “小小树林” and you can easily find creative acai bowls to curated salad bowls to a series of organic vegan selections.

The ambiance of Brasserie, where the breakfast buffet is served, is a delightful blend of elegance and comfort. The restaurant's décor is characterized by warm lighting, plush seating, and tasteful table settings. Large windows allow ample natural light to filter in, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

This is one of the very few hotel places that I highly recommend to pay out of pocket. The breakfast buffet at The Regent Taipei is such a culinary journey that caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Its extensive selection, elegant ambiance, and focus on organic offerings make it a standout feature of the hotel's exceptional hospitality. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply seeking a satisfying start to your day, this buffet is sure to leave a lasting impression on your stay at The Regent Taipei.

Curious Bar | Regent Galleria B2

During my check-in, I was also given a free drink voucher to a hidden speakeasy at the Regent Galleria. This recently opened bar is a hidden bar that’s actually a fantastic place to be at night. It is a bit tricky to find, but once you’re actually at the doorstep, you’re waltzed into an amazing environment. This stylish and intimate bar is renowned for its craft cocktails and extensive wine list. The bartenders are true artisans, and their creative concoctions are a testament to their skill and passion.

Curious Bar is one of the latest creations of 小小樹食, a vegetarian restaurant and holder of the Green Michelin Star. Simply put, they elevate vegetarian food to a point of fine dining, at a bar. You can get more information on it here.

While the welcome drink as a chardonnay (see picture below) I also got the “Under the Full Moon” concoction, which was a fantastic blend of Macallan Sherry Cask 12year, Cocchi Rosa Aperitif Wine and Cacao Liqueur. This is such a delight, and given the maturity of the bar scene in Taipei, this was one of the best cocktails I’ve had in Asia. I also had their french fries with truffle sauce, and man that sauce is incredible!

Honestly, this is such a fantastic speakeasy. I enjoyed sipping on a signature cocktail while taking in the ambiance and those crispy french fries. The Curious Bar offers a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for winding down after a day of exploration or for starting the evening with a touch of sophistication.

Conclusion | Regent Taipei

This hotel remains a classic timepiece for Taiwan. My stay at The Regent Taipei was nothing short of exceptional due to the superb staff and the IHG Diamond member status here. The Premier Room provided a luxurious retreat, the breakfast buffet was probably the best I’ve had in Taiwan, and the hotel's rich history added a layer of depth to the experience. The Curious Bar at the Regent Galleria offered the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails.

If you're seeking a luxurious and unforgettable stay in Taipei, I wholeheartedly recommend The Regent Taipei. Its dedication to excellence and commitment to providing guests with a truly exceptional experience set it apart as a world-class destination for travelers seeking the very best in hospitality.