The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei

Howard Plaza was located between two MRT stations, which made it convenient to go anywhere. About 10 minute walk each way. It's also close to a couple of malls such as SOGO, Breeze, Poya...SOGO Dunhua and SOGO Fuxing being my favorites. Hotel was nice and clean. We had the family room which was spacious depending on which family room you end up with. If you're lucky get any floor with last two digits of 43. Those are the largest rooms. Buffet style breakfast was included, which my father and I enjoyed, but my American family did not. My girls preferred the traditional taiwanese breakfast instead. Try to get to breakfast early. When they are full, they send you to the 4th floor restaurant, which provides less food and is subpar. The Howard was willing to store our luggage for 3 days since we were traveling and came back. They are an honest group. We left many things unlocked and open bag purchases and everything was still there when we came back. I would definitely return to stay at the Howard again.

Old style 5 star hotel in the traditional Chinese dark mahogany style, might not be up there with the super trendy Taipei 5 star hotels aesthetically but don’t let that put you off. The rooms are large, comfortable with both a bath tub and shower, Japanese toilet, safe, fridge, bathrobes and slippers- all the touches that go with 5 star service. My room was cleaned spotlessly every day and all the staff were super friendly and welcoming. The swimming pool was a welcome break from the searing heat on really sunny days and the fact that the hotel is a 5 minute walk from two MTR stations a huge bonus. The immediate area has some hidden gems too- there is a lovely cocktail bar at the hotel around the corner opposite the pool and a lovely busy Indian restaurant a 7 min walk from the hotel. There are also two large SOGO department stores within 5 mins walk and Family Marts every few minutes walk to the stations. 3 stops on the MRT and you are at Taipei 101 so this hotel despite being in a quieter area is really central- beat of both worlds.

The room was comfortable. My children enjoyed the breakfast buffet and the pool.

Our room was on the 13th floor. It featured 2 single beds and 1 queen bed, which is perfect for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. Check-in was fast, there were 4 employees at the counter to speed up the check-in/out process. Personnel was friendly and welcoming, they speak English. Loved the dinner options on the 1st floor buffet restaurant, although it was a bit pricey (adult for 1,500NTD, child for 750NTD, discount if stay in the hotel). We had breakfast at the same restaurant. Food choice was good, enough variety, coffee was also ok. They provide paper cups to take coffee upstairs to your room. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming-pool. It was not too crowded (maybe because it was raining :D). The entrance is through the bar or next to the check in/out counter there's a door and need to walk through the corridor. They provide a towel that needs to be returned as you walk out and remember to wear a swimming cap! Depth of the pool is 1.1m ~ 1.6m! Keep an eye on your small kids!

The doorman crew (especially the old man, forgot his name) was very helpful and professional. The housing did a wonderful job. The room and the shower were clean. The bottled water was filled everyday. The gym was nice. The drinking water and towels offered were thoughtful. I had some business documents sent to the hotel and the front desk left me a reminder note under my room door to go get it. I really appreciate it.