This is one hotel that you are unlikely to ever see Ben review. Despite his affinity for Hyatt and his love of Asia, he’s just not likely to stay here.
Continue reading: Review: Grand Hyatt Taipei
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Travis sez: "... I was up and even roaming the hotel at pretty much every hour of the day or night..."
You did not sense any paranormal activity because it sounds to me like YOU WERE the paranormal activity 🙂
Great and spot on review about GH Taipei a.k.a The Haunted House.
Great report.
Regarding your comment on two sets of toiletries: June Jacobs is the standard brand for all Grand Hyatts worldwide, not just in Asia. Some properties opted to put enhanced toiletries in suites, in this case Ferragamo.
These sort of reviews are great for people who are Diamond with Hyatt.
Given that my current status with Hyatt is "aluminum", and not likely to change anytime soon, once the report gets past the Lobby, everything else is irrelevant to me. 😉
Funny you mentioned the haunted thing. My sister and I have booked this hotel for our parents a couple of times, but we've never told them about the history/reputation. My father is pretty superstitious and would refuse to stay here if he knew.
Anyway, I'm assuming Diamond members can't get breakfast at the Cafe since there's a Grand Club?
Buffets, and hotel buffets in particular, are kind of a thing in Taipei, the Grand Hyatt is probably one of the best in the city and attracts a lot of folks who aren't actually staying there. I went there a handful of times when I was living in Taipei with relatives etc.
I took my daughter to China for Chinese New Year in Feb 2015 and we stopover at Taipei for two days thanks to the US Airway award rule. Picked this hotel mainly because it is across from Taipei 101 where there is a Ding Tai Feng on the basement level! We arrived at 7am and was able to check into a room immediately, and I only had Platinum status then. Hotel location was perfect, we walked to nearby park and also took the subway at 101 to a few tourist sites. The breakfast in the Cafe had a lot of good choices but it wasn't the best I have seen in Asia hotels. It got quite crowded when we were there due to big tour groups. I would still stay here next time I visit Taipei.
How much did the room cost you per night? I want to stay there the end of this year. The rate has been around 300 dollar which is not that cheap.
No ghosts on my stay. But everything else was as described in the suite I got as a Diamond (not even sure I used a voucher, just a standard Diamond stay upgrade). Also a half block from the metro system.
Travis,
How do you earn Diamond status, is it through stays or through some sort of status match? I ask because Robert's comment has me thinking about how someone who doesn't travel much for work can get enough night to qualify for a level like Diamond, with things like guaranteed suite upgrades.
When I travel with my family we pretty much have to do vacation rentals like Airbnb of at least a 2 bedroom apartment. The one time we all stayed in a single hotel room (because of a flight cancellation) it was a disaster, with the younger kid waking up at 3 AM and not being able to get back to sleep.
That, plus the cost of the hotel at $300 a night, makes me wonder if this is such a great place for families to stay. I see 2 bedroom apartments nearby on Airbnb for $160 a night, all in. Maybe more expensive for Chinese New Year?
I just find myself keep thinking that cash rates in expensive cities are just not worth it, especially for families needing multiple rooms.
Hey Travis,
GREAT report.
Even when you review stuff I'm not interested in personally (e.g. UA steerage plus), your writing and humor really come through, and I read it all from start to finish.
Keep up the great reviews!
I love this hotel. I first stayed there in 1991 and since then stayed there over 20 times. Very good report. The other restaurants at the hotel are also very good
Thanks for the report, Travis. We have a four night stay booked there this fall. Taiwan has started to intrigue me as it seems to have a lot of what I love about China and NOT have a lot of what I really find annoying about mainland China. I'm not trying to stir the pot and definitely not trying to restart the flame war on Chinese tour groups, but any reflections on the general demeanor and culture of the Taiwanese vs. mainlanders?
I was wondering where you went that caused you to want to take taxis over the metro/bus? Normally the metro hits all the tourist highlight spots efficiently and it is clean and very kid/parent friendly. Not to mention way cheaper than the taxis, and considering the driving in Taiwan, helps with the blood pressure.
So Travis, are your kids going to be homeschooled or are they going to an actual school? Just curious because you guys travel a lot.
I just checked into my room and quite disappointed. Hair stands all over the sofa. Was exhausted from my trip and as I pulled the cover noticed badly stained sheets. Totally disgusted. Am waiting now as they are changing the bedspreads . Not a good experience will not recommend
I got haunted by ghosts here during me stay last year. One of them even tried to F*%# me after undressing me while I was asleep. I’m scarred for life and have PTSD to this day. I heard weird noises all through the night from the sofa and closet. The toilet made flushing noises even though no one used it. I will never stay here again. The hotel staff didn’t believe me when I told them what happened. I had to leave as soon as possible after the attempted rape from the ghost. I ran out of the room after getting a bathrobe and my purse. I took a taxi and stayed at the Westin instead.