Taiwan Lodging Part 2 - Mai Hotel (舞衣新宿)
Dear Journal,
Since Beauty Hotel was fully booked, I was force to move out of Beauty to Mai Hotel. Not too far away, just about 10mins taxi ride from Beauty. I've stayed in this Hotel in January this year. I might have written something about this hotel in my previous Taiwan entry.
Mai Hotel (舞衣新宿)
As the name suggest, it's should have a strong tinge of Japanese culture. Yes, you are right. Located along ZhongShan North Road, what seems to be prim and proper lies a secret only the local are familar with. ZhongShan North area is one of the very popular high class "redlight" district, frequent by the rich Japanese businessmen. Looking left and right, you can see signboards of suanas ”三溫暖“, nightclubs "夜店“ and massage parlors "按摩院”.
Rates starting from Standard Room (Listed Price:$5,280 TWD/ $260 SGD, Discounted Rate:$2,480 TWD/ $125 SGD), is again quite worth it as compared to other 3* budget hotel.
Now... This hotel is located about 5mins walk to ZhongShang MRT station, which is a very convenient line to Ximen, Shilin and many other popular destinations. However, if you prefer to visit the newer development in East Area (東區), then you might want to choose the Beauty Hotel (in Taiwan Lodging Part 1)
新光三越，ShinKong Mitsukoshi, a very popular shopping mall (think Takshimaya or SOGO) is located at a stone throw away from Mai Hotel. Food is always available immediately after you step out of the hotel.
Nightlife is also one of the most interesting highlight of the location, which there was one night, where I step out of the hotel at 4a.m. to meet some friends to drink in the nearby bar till 9a.m. before eating breakfast and back to hotel for a nap. You can see a "美珍香-Bee Cheng Hiang".
If you are new to Taiwan, and transiting from Airport, you might have a little problem trying to find this hotel as it's located off a small street from the main road. Other than that, once you know where the location of this hotel. Everything else should be very easy.
It's a relatively new hotel, and the decorations are done by a famous Japanese Interior designer. The staffs were very friendly and helpful. They could remember my name and address me every time I walked pass the reception.
However, because of the small area, the front door, reception and lift are too close for comfort. So if you bring some 小姐 or 小弟 back to the hotel room, it would be under the full scrutiny of the staffs. But I think, to them it's pretty normal since the location is right in the middle of ZhongShan.
Breakfast spread (from my impression in January's Trip) was considered good (although I missed out on all the breakfast as I was so tired from previous night of party). Tho the spread was limited, it had a good mixed of Westen, Chinese and Japanese food.
There are 2 computers in the business centre, which is in the breakfast dining area. Wifi/ LAN are available in every room too.
Since this was on own expenses, I put up on the cheapest Standard Room.
Every room has it's own design and decoration.
The classic glass wardrobe, 32" LCD TV with the study table.
Big and comfy bed with glass side tables
Bath tube with heated toilet bowl.
Overall experience deserve 4/5 stars. Great location coupled with friendly staffs. Area a bit dodgy but the sense of security is still excellent as the shops around the hotel opens till late at night and they keep a look out for you walking back to hotel.
Cheers,
Since Beauty Hotel was fully booked, I was force to move out of Beauty to Mai Hotel. Not too far away, just about 10mins taxi ride from Beauty. I've stayed in this Hotel in January this year. I might have written something about this hotel in my previous Taiwan entry.
Mai Hotel (舞衣新宿)
As the name suggest, it's should have a strong tinge of Japanese culture. Yes, you are right. Located along ZhongShan North Road, what seems to be prim and proper lies a secret only the local are familar with. ZhongShan North area is one of the very popular high class "redlight" district, frequent by the rich Japanese businessmen. Looking left and right, you can see signboards of suanas ”三溫暖“, nightclubs "夜店“ and massage parlors "按摩院”.
Rates starting from Standard Room (Listed Price:$5,280 TWD/ $260 SGD, Discounted Rate:$2,480 TWD/ $125 SGD), is again quite worth it as compared to other 3* budget hotel.
Now... This hotel is located about 5mins walk to ZhongShang MRT station, which is a very convenient line to Ximen, Shilin and many other popular destinations. However, if you prefer to visit the newer development in East Area (東區), then you might want to choose the Beauty Hotel (in Taiwan Lodging Part 1)
新光三越，ShinKong Mitsukoshi, a very popular shopping mall (think Takshimaya or SOGO) is located at a stone throw away from Mai Hotel. Food is always available immediately after you step out of the hotel.
Nightlife is also one of the most interesting highlight of the location, which there was one night, where I step out of the hotel at 4a.m. to meet some friends to drink in the nearby bar till 9a.m. before eating breakfast and back to hotel for a nap. You can see a "美珍香-Bee Cheng Hiang".
If you are new to Taiwan, and transiting from Airport, you might have a little problem trying to find this hotel as it's located off a small street from the main road. Other than that, once you know where the location of this hotel. Everything else should be very easy.
It's a relatively new hotel, and the decorations are done by a famous Japanese Interior designer. The staffs were very friendly and helpful. They could remember my name and address me every time I walked pass the reception.
However, because of the small area, the front door, reception and lift are too close for comfort. So if you bring some 小姐 or 小弟 back to the hotel room, it would be under the full scrutiny of the staffs. But I think, to them it's pretty normal since the location is right in the middle of ZhongShan.
Breakfast spread (from my impression in January's Trip) was considered good (although I missed out on all the breakfast as I was so tired from previous night of party). Tho the spread was limited, it had a good mixed of Westen, Chinese and Japanese food.
There are 2 computers in the business centre, which is in the breakfast dining area. Wifi/ LAN are available in every room too.
Since this was on own expenses, I put up on the cheapest Standard Room.
Every room has it's own design and decoration.
The classic glass wardrobe, 32" LCD TV with the study table.
Big and comfy bed with glass side tables
Bath tube with heated toilet bowl.
Overall experience deserve 4/5 stars. Great location coupled with friendly staffs. Area a bit dodgy but the sense of security is still excellent as the shops around the hotel opens till late at night and they keep a look out for you walking back to hotel.
Cheers,