Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei opened in December 1994 as Shangri-La’s first property in Taiwan and the tallest hotel in the capital city. The hotel soars 43 stories above Taipei’s flourishing business district and is situated on the fashionable tree-lined Tun Hwa South Road.
The hotel recently completed a $50 million renovation and features custom artwork created for the property including “Along the River during the Qing Ming Festival”, an installation depicting the ancient capital of Kaifeng by famous Taiwanese artist Shen Cheen. It stretches across two silk scrolls, each measuring 7.2 by 1.68 meters and frames the reception area embellished with natural amazonita gemstones and equally stunning art inspired by classical Sung dynasty pieces.
Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel consists of 420 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 37 suites, all with picturesque views of the Taipei skyline. With the concept of eternal elegance inspired by the Song Dynasty, the renovation captures the low-profile glamour and highlights the utmost spirit of Shangri-La’s hospitality with new touches in details. The majority of the rooms have window-side sitting areas to create a homey relaxation space. Every room features high ceilings, spacious walk-in closets and a marble bathroom that has a flat-screen LCD television (so you can watch CNN while brushing your pearly whites).
Together with Japan’s leading cosmetics brand Shiseido, the hotel presents Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa, where guests enter an exclusive, serene space where they can enjoy numerous body, facial, hair and nail treatments. Positioned on Level 40 of the hotel and configured to offer bird’s-eye views of the surrounding city and mountains, the Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa features clean and simple design lines and an earth-tone colour scheme that creates a serenely minimalist atmosphere, which complements the signature floral scent that wafts subtly throughout the space. Six dedicated private spa suites, each with a marble bathtub, personal sauna, steam room and shower room, allow total relaxation during a pampering session.
Café at Far Eastern is where hotel guests gather for their morning meal. The restaurant is one of Taipei’s most extensive open-kitchen buffets, offering both Asian specialties and Western dishes such as Duck Breast Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette, Chilled Pacific Seafood in Sweet Chili Coriander Dressing, Wok-Fried Crispy Soft Shell Crabs with Garlic and Scallions and King Prawn Curry in Black Pepper Sauce.
If you’re feeling peckish midday skip into the hotel’s Lobby Court to indulge in High Tea. In honour of the British tradition, pastry chefs at the hotel offer a classic three tiered service featuring petite finger sandwiches, selection of sweet French pastries, scones slathered in cream and jam and a selection of loose leaf teas. If you’re in a celebratory mood hop up at the bar and watch mixologists muddle cocktails from a selection of over 30 gins from around the world.
Towering over the city skyline, Marco Polo Lounge offers a jaw-dropping view of Taipei 101. Offering an enticing variety of drinks and cocktails with stylish sights and sounds, this is the ultimate gathering place for Taipei’s trendsetters. Live music performances entertain on Thursday and Friday evenings, best enjoyed with a bottle of bubbly at sunset.
ibuki by TAKAGI KAZUO is Taiwan’s first Japanese restaurant to operate with a Michelin-starred approach. The restaurant follows and practices the culinary concepts of Consultant Chef Takagi Kazuo, owner and head chef of the Michelin two-starred Takagi in Japan, placing emphasis on authentic Japanese cuisine: flavours from Kyoto, entertaining Teppanyaki, world-class Sushi and sizzling Tempura. Treat yourself to a memorable meal by booking the restaurants private dining room which sits perched over a Japanese garden and blissful, trickling river.
