I had to travel to Taipei in May 2016 for a series of business meetings. I was to spent more than three weeks there and I was suggested the WESTGATE Hotel in Ximending. As this was my first trip, I looked up the hotel online. Although the hotel’s website promised a cozy and suitable accommodation, I was still skeptical. I had been left heartbroken many times in the past by beautiful hotel pictures online, only to be disappointed by a radically different setting on arrival.
I arrived at WESTGATE hotel jet lagged and tired on August 26 and I was warmly greeted by the staff at the front desk who promptly ushered me to my room. I had to take a quick nap because I was too tired to appreciate the room or scenery. When I woke up and pulled back the blinds, I found out that dusk had already settled over the city, but the bubbly activities on the streets below me, suggested that Taipei was in no way ready to sleep.
My double bed was comfy. The bedside refrigerator and ice maker, which according to KitchenKnowHow post to a company blog was the best model, was well-stocked and when I sent emails to my associates informing them of my arrival, I found their internet service was top notch.
As I made my way downstairs to the restaurant the next morning for my breakfast, I stopped by the front desk and was reliably informed by the receptionist that the hotel was situated right at the heart of the Ximending business district, this was a relieve to me; I planned to do some business at the Ximending business district.
Breakfast was a buffet-style affair down at the Unwind Bar and restaurant, but I settled for some cereal since I had to rush to my meeting outside the hotel. My taxi was already waiting by the time I stepped out, thanks to the efficient doorman.
Back after a day of meetings and presentations, when I returned in the evening, I found that my room had been restored to its pristine original condition. The cable TV offered access to numerous international TV stations, provided entertainment and even though I was tempted just to chill and watch some TV, I knew I had to take in the view from downstairs.
I went downstairs to the bar and like the rest of the hotel the décor at the bar was relaxing, the lights muted and the artworks displayed around the lobby area reflected the cultural depth of the city. The chatty bartender served me some interesting cocktails as I leaned back and soaked up the ambiance and the melodious music surrounding me.
When my three-day meeting came to an end, I took an extra day to myself. WESTGATE made me long for some lounge or spa time and the staff explained my options. I could step outside and enjoy the various boutiques that surrounded the hotel or I could sign up for tours to see numerous other attractions in Taipei. I was told we could travel by Taipei by using the nearby Metro or even by bus. In the end, I settled for the National Theatre, which was close by.
My stay at WESTGATE Hotel was satisfactory. Overall, I rate the hotel high for staff effectiveness, excellent and seamless service, strategic location, quality of food and the general cleanliness of the hotel.
