Taipei Courtyard: Uncover Hidden Gems & Luxury in Taiwan's Capital
Taipei Courtyard: More Than Just a Hotel - It's a Taipei Adventure (With Perks!)
Okay, let's be real. Finding the perfect hotel in Taipei can feel like trying to find a decent pineapple bun at 3 AM in a pouring rainstorm. You’re exhausted, you're hungry, and everything looks… well, a bit the same. But then, I stumbled upon the Taipei Courtyard, and let me tell you, it's a serious contender. Forget those cookie-cutter hotels – this place is about uncovering hidden gems and experiencing luxury with a healthy dose of Taiwanese charm. Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility & Getting There: No Sweat (Mostly)
First things first, because I know this is important: Accessibility. The Taipei Courtyard seems to have put some thought into making things easier. They highlight facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. They have an elevator – thank goodness! – and I’m guessing the staff is generally helpful because, well, that’s just Taiwan. Getting around Taipei itself is generally pretty easy, too. Airport transfer takes a bit of the stress out of arrival, especially after a long flight. Now, I didn't use public transport, so can't comment on accessibility on those.
Checking In & Unpacking (Without the Meltdown)
Okay, this is where things got almost perfect. Check-in/out [express] is a godsend after a long flight, but honestly, I'd prefer the Check-in/out [private] because the lobby, while gorgeous, can get busy. The staff were friendly and helpful, despite my terrible Mandarin.
"Rooms, Glorious Rooms!" (And That Free Wi-Fi!)
Now, to the bread and butter: the room. And honestly, it was bliss. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those jet-lagged nights, and the air conditioning was a must. You could actually open the window which is a small thing but makes a HUGE difference. The Wi-Fi [free] was blazing fast (important, right?). My room also had complimentary tea and coffee, plus a coffee/tea maker, so no need to raid the lobby at 6 AM. Free bottled water is a nice touch. They had the basics like a safe box, a desk, air conditioning which they absolutely needed in Taiwan, a TV and safe box and the usual stuff. The bathroom phone seemed kinda pointless, but hey, it’s there. However, maybe skip the bathroom phone as that sounds a little bit ridiculous. The slippers were a particularly nice touch.
You can also choose non-smoking rooms.
Cleanliness & Safety: Seriously Impressive
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a big deal for me. The Taipei Courtyard kills it in the cleanliness department. They’ve got anti-viral cleaning products, they're doing daily disinfection in common areas, and they offer room sanitization opt-out – which, honestly, I loved. It's a reassuring feeling, especially in our current world. The staff clearly followed staff trained in safety protocol and there are fire extinguishers everywhere!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Prepare to Loosen Your Belt (and Your Wallet)
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's a HUGE part of the Taipei experience! They have a restaurant with a buffet and all the things. A coffee shop for your caffeine fix. A bar. They have room service [24-hour]. Asian food is available in the restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant and both Asian and Western cuisine in the restaurant.
Ways to Relax (And Maybe Forget Where You Are)
This is where the Taipei Courtyard really shines. They've got a swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view - I didn't use it but from the outside, it looked amazing! Then we come to the spa!
"Spa Day" - A Rambling Tale of Bliss (And Maybe a Secret Cry)
I went for the spa. And, reader, it was transformative. It started innocently enough with a massage. I wanted to unwind. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and I swear, I felt every knot in my shoulders melt away. I'm normally a mess of fidgets, but I actually felt myself fall asleep!
Okay, so, here’s a confession. After the massage, I stumbled into the sauna and the steamroom, and I had a full-on moment. You know, that feeling when you’re so relaxed, so overwhelmed, that you just… cry? Yeah. That happened. But it was a good cry! A release! I don't know if the Courtyard wants anyone to cry there, but I sure did.
They offer Body scrub, Body wrap, and a Foot bath too.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Taipei is a city that never sleeps. The hotel can arrange taxi service, and there's a car park [free of charge] if you’re feeling adventurous.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
The Taipei Courtyard is Family/child friendly. They offer a Babysitting service and Kids facilities but I don't have any kids, so don't have real experience with that.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Taipei Courtyard covers all the bases when it comes to services. They have Currency exchange, a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and Laundry service, just in case you spilled your bubble tea (we've all been there).
What Could Be Even Better (Because Let's Be Honest)
Honestly, the only thing that could have made the Taipei Courtyard perfect was if they had a puppy delivery service. Okay, maybe not. But even the very best hotels have their quirks.
Why You Should Book the Taipei Courtyard
Listen. You're going to Taipei. It's going to be amazing. But it can also be overwhelming. This hotel? It's your sanctuary. It's your launchpad. It's where you can recharge, explore, and then come back to a clean, comfortable room (with ridiculously good blackout curtains).
Here's the deal:
- Embrace the Comfort: Indulge in luxuriously appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, ensuring you stay connected and relaxed.
- Savor the Flavors: Experience a culinary journey with diverse dining options.
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Pamper yourself at the spa, take a dip in the pool, or hit the fitness center.
- Explore Taipei with Ease: Benefit from convenient services like airport transfer and concierge assistance.
Why Choose Taipei Courtyard?
- Unbeatable Location: Perfectly situated for exploring Taipei's top attractions.
- Impeccable Service: Experience genuine Taiwanese hospitality.
- Unparalleled Relaxation: Find your oasis of calm amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Don't just visit Taipei. Experience it. Book your stay at the Taipei Courtyard today and unlock a world of hidden gems and unforgettable moments. Your adventure starts here!
Via Hotel Taipei Station: Your Unbeatable Taipei Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, my Courtyard Taipei adventure. And trust me, things are already starting to unravel.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Night Market Debacle (aka, My Stomach's Rebellion)
1:00 PM - Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Jet-lagged and smelling vaguely of airplane pretzels, I stumble off the plane. First impression? HOT. Like, seriously, I’m already sweating through my “stylish travel outfit” (read: comfy pants and a slightly stained tee). The passport control guy gives me this look, like, "Another one, huh?" I might have mumbled "Taiwan, you beauty" a bit too enthusiastically.
2:30 PM - Transfer to Courtyard Taipei: Okay, the hotel shuttle exists! Crisis averted. The landscape whizzes by. Lush, green, and a surprising amount of scooter traffic. My travel journal is currently scribbled with, "Scooters! Everywhere! Madness!"
3:30 PM - Check-in, Room Reconnaissance, and Immediate Regret: The room is… fine. Standard hotel stuff. Clean, efficient, a desk that looks suspiciously like it’s seen a lot of late-night ramen consumption. Oh, and a view of… another building. Alright. This is where the 'meticulous planning' takes a nosedive. I immediately decide to ditch my carefully crafted sightseeing list and head downstairs to find coffee, which will hopefully cure my current zombie state.
4:00 PM - Coffee and Panic: Found a decent cafe off the hotel lobby, but my internal translator is currently malfunctioning. Successfully ordered a coffee (hopefully coffee) and a pastry (definitely pastry). Now comes the "figuring out the wifi" part. Wish me luck. (UPDATE: WiFi secured! Small victory.)
6:00 PM - Night Market Assault (and Subsequent Retreat): So, I was all gung-ho about the Shilin Night Market. “Authentic food experience!” I declared to myself. Famous last words. The sheer volume of people is overwhelming, the smells are a sensory overload, and my bravery quickly crumbled. I bravely fought my way to a stall, pointed at something vaguely meaty, and attempted a "xie xie." The result? I think I got a mystery meat skewer and a side of bewilderment from the vendor. After three bites, my stomach staged a full-scale protest. "Nope," it announced. "We’re going back to the hotel." (This is where it all went downhill. The meat was… suspect. I’m still not entirely sure what it was. Let’s just say it tasted like… adventure… and not in a good way.)
7:30 PM - Hotel Room Hibernation and Existential Crisis: Back in the room, I'm curled up in a fetal position, nursing a stomachache while battling the urge to panic-order room service. Watching reruns of something dubbed "Taiwanese TV Shows" with English subtitles. I think I caught a glimpse of a drama about a lost dog and a love triangle involving a pineapple and a farmer. I don't get it, but I am strangely captivated.
9:00 PM - Attempted Recovery: Considered ordering room service. Decided against it. Ate some crackers. Currently contemplating the meaning of life. Did I pack too many pairs of shoes? Was that meat really as bad as I think it was? My brain is a mess, and so is my stomach. This is going to be a long night.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Taipei 101 (Maybe)
8:00 AM - Rise (Reluctantly): Woke up feeling slightly less like roadkill. The stomach situation is… stable, for now. Coffee is imperative.
9:00 AM - Breakfast Debacle Round 2: Tried the hotel breakfast buffet, which felt like a high-stakes game of "Guess That Ingredient." There were unfamiliar sauces that looked vaguely suspect. There was congee. There was also the silent competition between the other international, and I think I lost the race for the last piece of toast. Back in the room, after the buffet, is when I felt the next wave of regret - why couldn't I have just stayed in bed a bit longer?
10:00 AM - Longshan Temple: Okay, actually, this was amazing. Totally worth the effort. The architecture is stunning. The energy felt spiritual, even for a non-religious gal like me. Light incense and watched people praying… felt genuinely moved, even if I didn’t understand a word. (I bought a little wooden trinket for good luck. I'm going to need it. Maybe, hopefully the meat incident will bring some "good fortune?")
12:00 PM - Tea Tasting and Complete Bliss: Found a tiny tea house tucked away on a side street. The owner, an elderly woman with the kindest smile, guided me through a tea tasting. The tea was delicious, the atmosphere was peaceful, and the little teacups were adorable. This is what travel is supposed to be about! (Seriously, this was the high point of the whole trip. I'm considering staying in the tea house. Forever.)
2:00 PM - Food Coma Interlude: After Tea, I stumble into a nearby restaurant and enjoy the most delicious meal in the trip. Realized I'd been eating so many carbs that I forgot what vegetables or normal proteins were.
3:00 PM - The Mountain of Regrets: Decided to take a hike nearby. Turns out, it became a mountain of regrets because I was utterly unprepared for the humidity and the steep trails. I'd planned to go to 101 afterward, but I ended up exhausted and returned to my hotel room.
5:00 PM - Hotel Room Solitude… Again: Reverted to my hermit lifestyle for the evening. Ordered a pizza this time. Watched more Taiwanese TV shows, still confused but strangely invested.
7:00 PM - Journaling and Introspection: Writing this while eating my pizza from my bed. Contemplating whether to try karaoke. Karaoke could be fun, or end in disaster. Probably disaster. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 3: The Future is Uncertain (and Probably Involving More Tea)
8:00 AM - Wake Up I am feeling better than yesterday - thank god.
9:00 AM - Maybe some more museums. Let's see I'll try to venture to Taipei, maybe not the big ones, but the smaller ones that look and feel more approachable.
Throughout the Day: The itinerary is left open. I'll probably eat more tea. Maybe stumble into another temple. Maybe I'll stay in bed all day. Who knows? This is, after all, my trip. This is how my travel goes. And frankly, that makes it pretty fun.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the Mess: Things will go wrong. Embrace it. Laugh about it.
- Eat cautiously: Especially in night markets.
- Find the hidden gems: Small tea houses and temples are gold.
- Allow for spontaneity: Ditch the rigid plans. Be flexible.
- Bring the snacks: Because, sometimes, crackers are all you have.
This is just the beginning. God knows what tomorrow will bring. But one thing is for sure… I’m ready for it (and maybe slightly terrified). Wish me luck, folks!
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Taipei Courtyard: Seriously, Is It Worth It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *deal* with Taipei Courtyard? Is it all hype, or is there actual magic?
**The Good:** The views, the freakin' views! My room looked out over the city, and at night, it was *gorgeous*. And the breakfast buffet? Oh. My. GOD. Seriously, I ate enough dim sum to feed a small army. Their pastries were… I’m getting emotional just thinking about them.
**The Not-So-Good:** Service can be a bit… shall we say… *inconsistent*. One minute you're being treated like royalty, the next you're ignored while desperately trying to flag someone down for more water. Also, my room had a *tiny* balcony, which, while romantic in theory, was practically unusable because of the smog. (Don't hate me, Taipei, I still love you!).
Verdict? If you're looking for a splurge and that view is important, go for it. But manage your expectations and bring a good book for when you're inevitably stuck waiting for the elevator. And *definitely* hit the breakfast buffet. Trust me.
Is the location good? I mean, is it actually *convenient* to stuff I want to do?
It’s also near some decent restaurants (but I'm a foodie, so "decent" is a highly subjective term, okay?!). A few nice parks are nearby too – nice for avoiding the crowds on a weekend.
My take? It’s a good basecamp, but you'll be dependent on the MRT (which, again, is AMAZING) or taxis. Don’t expect to stumble out the door and straight into a night market. That will require some planning.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they actually as swanky as they look in the photos?
My room was lovely, don't get me wrong. But there were a few… *quirks*. First, the lighting. Way too dim! I ended up basically living in the dark, which made it feel a bit…well, like a dungeon. And the bathroom? Gorgeous, marble, all that stuff. But the shower? The water pressure was… *weak*. Like, I could have probably taken a shower in a teacup. *sigh*.
Also… and this might be just me… but the TV? Too small. I know, I know, first-world problems. But is it to much to ask for a decent sized flatscreen when you're paying a premium for a room? It felt a little… cheap.
So, the rooms? Mostly fantastic, yes. But prepare for some minor annoyances that might just make you want to… scream.
The food! Tell me EVERYTHING about the food. Is it worth the hype (and the price)?
I also ate at the hotel restaurant one night. Now, this is where the price comes in. It's not *cheap*. But the food? Absolutely stunning. Presentation was flawless, flavors were incredible.
The Verdict on Food? Breakfast? Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Restaurant? Worth a splurge for a special occasion. You won't regret it. (Prepare for a food coma, though.)
Okay, let's get real: Are there any hidden costs or annoyances I should know about?
The Minibar: Obviously, it's stocked, and obviously, it's expensive. I learned that the hard way… with a tiny bottle of water that cost more than my train ticket to the airport (exaggerating slightly, but you get the idea).
Laundry: Laundry service is also pretty pricey. Consider doing a little hand-washing in the sink, if you're on a budget.
Tips: Tipping isn't the norm in Taiwan, but at high-end hotels, they’re usually acceptable so have some cash on hand if you want to tip.
More Rambling... Honestly, I just wish they'd have more plugs. I swear, I spent half my trip fighting for outlets. It's 2024, people! We need power! And the Wi-Fi... it was okay, but sometimes it was a little... sluggish. Especially annoying when trying to upload those Instagram-worthy photos.
Bottom Line Read the small print. And bring a portable charger. You'll thank me later.
Is there a spa? And if so, is it any good? Because I need to unwind after that elevator experience...
And this is going to sound weird, but… the spa was kinda *meh*. This is where my experience maybe went a bit wrong. You know, the whole spa experience should be relaxing right? Well it wasn’t. It wasn’t terrible, in fact the massage itself was pretty good. But the whole atmosphere lacked… *oomph*. It felt a littleWhere To Stay Now
