The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei

The hotel is widely recognized for its excellent service and prime central location, making it a memorable choice for visitors to Taipei. Guests frequently highlight the spacious rooms, comfortable accommodations, and the consistently attentive staff who contribute significantly to a pleasant stay. The breakfast buffet is a standout feature, offering a wide array of delicious options. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its convenient access to major attractions and transportation hubs. Families appreciate the large room sizes and dedicated family suites, while couples find it an ideal base for exploring the city. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially better views, and be aware that the hotel is scheduled for renovations in 2025, which may impact future stays.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. The gym is frequently praised for being well-equipped and spacious, even featuring a squat rack, catering to various fitness routines. Guests can also unwind in the sauna and steam room, though some have noted occasional issues with the sauna's availability. The swimming pool, while appreciated for its cleanliness, is not heated and can be quite cold, especially during cooler months, and its access point is considered somewhat awkward by some. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests stay connected. The hotel complex includes various shops and restaurants, providing diverse options without needing to leave the premises. For eligible guests, the Rosewood Executive Lounge offers a pleasant space with canapés and drinks. Efficient elevators ensure quick access to all floors, and a small play room is available for younger guests. Additionally, the hotel provides EV charging and a mini-fridge with complimentary water in rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and spacious, providing ample room for relaxation and luggage. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens contribute to a restful sleep for most visitors. However, some guests note that the dated furniture and old carpets, which can sometimes appear stained or worn, indicate the hotel's age. Despite this, the spacious bathrooms are well-maintained, often featuring modern Toto toilets, a separate shower, and a bathtub with excellent water pressure. A common point of feedback is the scarcity of modern power outlets or USB ports near the beds, which can be inconvenient for charging multiple devices. While many rooms are quiet, some guests report issues with noise from neighboring rooms or the AC unit, and occasionally, thin walls or curtains that do not fully block out light can impact comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise, with guests describing it as "excellent," "superlative," and offering a wide selection of delicious options. Highlights often include the omelet station, noodle soup station, and a diverse array of Asian and Western dishes, including unique offerings like Japanese beer and local favorites such as dim sum and lu rou fan. The overall quality of the food is highly regarded, making it a significant draw for many guests. While the breakfast experience is largely positive, some guests have noted that the main dining area can become quite crowded, and occasionally, food items may run out during peak times. Beyond breakfast, the hotel features several restaurants, including a well-regarded Chinese restaurant and a seafood buffet, which are generally found to offer good food, though some consider them to be on the pricier side. Room service is also available and receives positive mentions for its efficiency and quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests right in the heart of Taipei City, which is a major advantage for exploring the area. It offers convenient access to multiple MRT stations, including Daan and Zhongxiao Fuxing, both within a short walking distance, providing easy connections to various parts of the city. Numerous bus stops are also conveniently located nearby, with the airport bus stopping directly outside the hotel, simplifying arrivals and departures. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of major shopping centers like Sogo, as well as a wide array of restaurants and local night markets. This prime position makes it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers seeking to navigate Taipei efficiently. While parking is available on-site, some guests note that it can be expensive, though others appreciate the convenience of free parking.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receives high praise, with guests frequently highlighting their helpful and attentive demeanor. Many reviews commend the quick check-in process, and staff are often noted for being accommodating with requests such as early check-in and late check-out, which significantly enhances the guest experience. Housekeeping is described as immaculate and efficient, ensuring rooms are well-maintained. The concierge team is particularly lauded for their assistance with taxi arrangements, providing directions, and offering local recommendations. Bellboy and valet services are also frequently mentioned for their efficiency and politeness. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of less enthusiastic service at the front desk or during breakfast, though these appear to be exceptions. Overall, the staff's commitment to problem resolution and guest satisfaction is a recurring theme, making for a welcoming atmosphere.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has renovation plans scheduled for 2025, which may lead to changes in facilities or services in the future. Some guests have noted the presence of a destination fee, which covers certain amenities, though opinions vary on its value. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to travel with their companions, although finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be a challenge. Loyal guests often appreciate the rewards program benefits, which can include perks like room upgrades. Thoughtful amenities such as complimentary umbrellas in rooms are provided, a practical touch given the local climate. The hotel also offers EV charging for electric vehicles, a convenient feature for those traveling by car. While rooms include a mini-fridge with free water, some guests have occasionally found it to be inconsistently stocked or lacking in variety.