This is the story of my last night in Taipei…it was so much more than just a hotel stay – it was an experience…and one that I could not pass up. Here’s my favorite of the series – the official “I Dreamed Of This” Hotel Proverbs review.
By Nathan Allen
The hotel sits overlooking Liugongzhen Park, in Taipei’s hip (and historic) Da’an District. The hotel’s PR guru, Mr. Calvin Lai, picked me up and gave me a tour of the facilities. Impressive is an understatement…
The design of the hotel really has a rich, warm feel to it.
Interestingly, the hallway walls and room doors are adorned with copper plating.
You may notice hand and fingerprints from the guests on the walls, and the preservation of these is actually intentional. It’s a way for guests to leave their mark on the hotel, and kind of give the place a broken in feel. This quirky idea is the brainchild of mastermind designer Ray Chen.
I was fortunate to experience his other designs in both HOTEL QUOTE and GLORIA RESIDENCE as well…each with their own unique feel.
When I reached my room, this was the greeting I found waiting for me. What a nice touch, to put my name up on the giant flats screen TV! I believe it is also programmed into the digital readout on the in-room phone. What a way to make feel guests feel welcomed and valued.
The rooms envelop you in a warm atmosphere of plush fabrics, carpets, and wood paneling. Leather is used as tasteful accenting on some of the furniture as well. As is the case with all Gloria Hotel properties I toured, there is a nice oversized safety deposit box provided (although Taipei feels quite safe to me).
Room Details
I loved the vintage lighting and control switches in the rooms, what a nice retro touch! Ray Chen is a big fan of chandeliers, too…and you’ll notice them throughout the hotel – even at the side of your bed. Quite a unique and dramatic touch.
Another “vintage” feature is the deliberate choice to include normal keyed locks. I can’t remember the last time I stayed at a hotel this nice that didn’t use electronic room cards. The locks are concealed behind classy copper (or brass?) covers. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, so I loved this.
Pictured here is the beautiful, spacious layout of the Deluxe Room. It comes complete with a desk and sleek leather chair. My “job” has provided many, many stays in hotels and resorts…but very few have bedding with this level of comfort. Honestly, the Gloria Hotel group (or Ray Chen…or both?) really hit the nail on the head with their heavenly comforter and mattress choices.
The Most Elegant Bathroom…All To Myself
Can you believe this? I took full advantage of this luxurious bathtub, and was quite amazed by the electronic toilet. Upon approach, the lid automatically lifts, and the inside of the bowl is illuminated with blue LED lighting. Of course it includes a bidet, and even has the option to adjust both water placement and pressure. I believe the seat is heated as well.
HOTEL PROVERBS spares no expense…even the faucets are classy works of art.
Depending on which way your room faces, you may get a nice view of the city and park below.
It was a beautiful day in Taipei.
I took the elevator down to check out the bar / lounge below. I’d say this elevator wins the award for best & most hip mood lighting…
EAST END Bar – One of the Hottest in Taipei
Sadly, I didn’t have time to experience the bar at night. I’ve heard plenty of stories about it, though…and even during the day, it looks like an incredible place to have a drink. The bar / lounge is owned by world famous Tokyo mixologist Hidetsugu Ueno. Apparently it’s one of the trendiest cocktail bars in Taipei’s Eastern District.
By the way, note the grey tiles on the right and above the bar. They can be found adorning the walls of the lobby and bar…each one is unique, and they were collected from vintage buildings in New York!
TK SEAFOOD & STEAK Restaurant
The EAST END Bar is not the only famous establishment housed in the hotel…this steakhouse is also quite known for it’s fresh and unique menu options. When you walk into the lobby, on the left you’ll notice a curing rack on display…complete with curing meats inside!
Apparently the chef owns a farm, and the restaurant’s ingredients are organic, and straight “from farm to table”. Be sure to check out the Jack Daniel’s infused steak as well!
Above, you’ll notice the dining hall, with an impressive display of the before mentioned chandeliers.
Here you can get an idea of how fresh the seafood options are…I believe the chef and dining staff were conducting a training in the background.
(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)
Rooftop Swimming Pool – Hotel Proverbs Review
I loved being up here….I swam just before closing, with sweeping views of downtown Taipei and the iconic Taipei 101 building on the skyline.
That’s about it for my first trip to Taiwan…though I doubt it will be my last. I loved this friendly country so much. I plan on coming back to explore much more (and even try to learn some Mandarin!) Big thanks to Calvin Lai, Spud Chang, and the rest of the helpful staff at the hotel. Your warm service and attention to detail did not go unnoticed….
Location & Booking
HOTEL PROVERBS Taipei is conveniently located about a 5 minute walk from the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station, and less than 1 km from the Liaoning Night Market.
You can browse more photos & reviews on Agoda HERE
For Booking. com, you can click HERE
– Nathan Allen
www.idreamedofthis.com
Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.
More Taiwan Blog Posts
A Surreal Experience Staying @ HOTEL QUOTE Taipei
My Own Sleek Apartment in the Heart OF Taipei – GLORIA RESIDENCE
Discovering My Love For Roast Peking Duck @ CHIOU HWA Restaurant
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