Taipei Regent or Far Eastern
 

Visiting Taipei in July. Have the option of staying at either Regent Grand Formosa and Far Eastern Shangri-La for roughly the same rate. We've been to Taipei many times so the main purpose of the trip is to do some shopping and lots of eating! Any feedback (specifically guestrooms)?

Thanks!

My recommendation would definitely be the Far Eastern Shangri-la. I've stayed several times for business, and it definitely has some of the nicest rooms in Taipei. It is not located directly in the "shopping" area, but definitely w/in a short cab ride. If you'd like to splurge, I'd get one of the suites. Also, the rooftop pool is definitely worth seeing when staying there. There are glass walls which surround the pool which also provides a fantastic view of the city.

Also, there is a great Japanese and Thai restaurant right around the corner from the hotel. Sorry, but I can't remember their names.

I have never stayed at the Grand Formosa, but it is definitely located far away from the city center which may cause some inconvenience.

Hope this helps, and have a great trip!

For the same rate I believe you will be getting a smaller room at the Far Eastern. If it is the same size room then Far Eastern is a no brainer. If Regent has a bigger room, especially a suite, then I will stay at the Regent. That's where Michael Jordan stayed 2 weeks ago. Also there are more street vendors around the Regent if you like Taiwanese food

Any recommendation between the Regent Grand Formosa and the Hyatt?

I would not recommend the Grand Hyatt. During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the ground the Hyatt sits on was an execution site.

If you look closely, there are many ornaments and symbols all around the hotel to ward off evil spirits becaues of that. Gave me the chills when I stop by to look.

I stayed at the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel for a night. Room was very nice, but the wood in the room made noise at night, a cracking sound. Service was ok, nothing special.
Not a very good place to stay if you want to really see Taipei.