REVIEW: Regent Taipei - An Old-School Experience with a Few Modern Touches

Regent Taipei - Entrance (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

The Regent Taipei is centrally located in the heart of Taiwan’s capital, making it an ideal base for travelers who want easy access to public transportation and major attractions. However, the hotel’s aesthetic, both inside and out, reveals its age, creating a mix of vintage charm and outdated design elements that may appeal to some guests but feel lacking for those who prefer a more modern experience.

For the fully detailed review, watch our YouTube video review below.

Atmosphere and Ambience

Upon entering, guests are greeted with a classic, bustling lobby with high-end boutiques like Chanel within the Regent Gallery mall area. This setting, along with live music, creates a lively, almost nostalgic atmosphere. However, there is a sense of dated elegance, from the traditional hotel staff uniforms to the marble floors, which contribute to an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The lobby is often busy, making it a lively place to people-watch, but may feel crowded for guests seeking a quieter experience.

Regent Taipei - Lobby (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

Room Experience

The rooms are spacious, featuring large beds and a nice view of Taipei’s skyline, with Taipei 101 in sight from higher floors. Unfortunately, the room decor, dark wood furnishings, and traditional metal keys make it feel somewhat worn out. The amenities also reflect this outdated feel; there is no coffee machine in the room, only a basic water kettle, which might be disappointing for a brand like Regent.

Regent Taipei - Room (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

Dining and Service

Breakfast is served in a grand dining area that feels more like a large cafeteria than a luxury dining room. While the food selection is extensive, quality is average, with standard offerings and some items occasionally missing from the buffet. Oddly, self-service for coffee and the use of individually packed items, like jam and butter, detracts from the high-end experience. An unusual upselling tactic involving a ham cart was also observed, which felt out of place for a luxury hotel.

Regent Taipei - Breakfast (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

Regent Taipei - Random Ham Sales Offer at the Bar (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

Amenities and Extras

Regent Taipei offers a 20th-floor rooftop pool, a unique and enjoyable amenity in a city like Taipei. While not large, the pool area has lounge chairs, cabanas, and a big screen for movie screenings, creating a fun and relaxing environment, especially in the evenings. However, the pool temperature was reported as quite cold, even on hot days, which limited its appeal. Additional amenities include two lounges, with access depending on room type or membership level.

Regent Taipei - Rooftop Pool (Copyright: Christian Bloss)

Conclusion

Overall, Regent Taipei provides a comfortable stay with some nice amenities, like the rooftop pool and live music. However, it doesn’t fully live up to the Regent brand’s luxury expectations, and it lacks the high-quality finishing touches expected in this price range. For travelers who prioritize size and centrality over modernity, Regent Taipei is a solid option. For those who seek a more contemporary experience, other boutique hotels in Taipei may offer a more satisfying stay.