Palais de Chine Hotel stands on Chengde Road beside Taipei Main Station, which makes it one of the most convenient addresses in the city for anyone who plans to travel on. The station brings together the metro, regional and high-speed trains, long-distance buses and the airport rail link, so a stay here means you can reach Jiufen, Taroko, Taichung or the airport without a long transfer. The hotel is styled with a Chinese flavour in its decor and its restaurants, with polished materials, art and a sense of occasion in the public spaces, and rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and good bathrooms. There are several places to eat, including Chinese and international options, and a fitness centre and spa-style facilities for relaxing after a day on the road. The surrounding streets mix old Taipei with modern shopping, and the Dadaocheng and Ximending districts are short rides away.
Living in it
The hotel is calm inside, even though it sits beside one of the busiest transport hubs in the country, and the staff are accustomed to guests with early trains and late arrivals. The lobby and dining rooms have a grand atmosphere, and breakfast is generous.
If you are planning several day trips, the location saves time every morning, since you can walk to the platforms or catch a metro line within minutes. The concierge can help with ticket advice, tours and restaurant bookings, which is helpful if it is your first visit to Taiwan.
Trade-offs
The area around a major station can be busy and a little rough at the edges, with heavy traffic and crowds, so it is not the most charming neighbourhood for an evening stroll, though it is well lit and safe in the usual city sense. If you want leafy streets and boutique shopping, the Zhongshan or Da’an districts are better.
Rates are in the upper range, but they can offer good value for the space, particularly outside holiday periods. Check current room types, restaurant hours and any spa or pool access when you book, because offerings change.
Book ahead for Lunar New Year, long weekends and the autumn season, when travel demand is highest. The hotel suits rail travellers, families who need space and business visitors, and it is a practical base for a trip that includes the east coast, the mountains or the south of the island. Ask for a higher room for quieter nights and a view over the city rooftops. Pack earplugs if you are a very light sleeper, and ask about luggage storage if your train leaves late in the day.
Why stay here
- ✓Several restaurants
- ✓Chinese-inspired decor
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Spa facilities
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Meeting and event spaces
- ✓Beside Taipei Main Station
- ✓Free WiFi
Good questions
Where is Palais de Chine Hotel?+
On Chengde Road, beside Taipei Main Station in the Datong district.
Is it good for trains and the airport?+
Yes, the station has metro, rail, high-speed rail, buses and the airport line.
Is the area quiet?+
It is busy near the station; ask for a higher floor for quieter nights.
