There’s just something about Via Hotel Ximen @ Taipei

Nestled in the heart of 西門町 Ximending, the ‘Harajuku and Shibuya of Taipei”, is a rather unassuming boutique hotel that has much to offer her guests. Every traveller will know it is a big-must to visit 西門町 Ximending if you are travelling to Taipei. It is the source of Taiwan’s fashion, subculture, and Japanese culture. On top of it, it is also the most important consumer district in the Western District of Taipei.

Our family adventure took place over the school holidays, where our whole family was hosted by Via Hotel Ximen. We were totally blessed throughout the stay. We had such a wonderful time in 西門町 Ximending and Via Hotel Ximen played a big part in making our stay so memorable that Big and Small M keep singing praises of it till today.

LOCATION

• Ximen Station (one stop from Taipei Main Station) Exit 6
• Via Hotel is only 3 mins walk from Ximen Station
• Right at the heart of 西門町 Ximending where it is galore with shopping, street food, restaurants and entertainment

Via Hotel Ximen is located at the heart of 西門町 Ximending shopping district. Getting here is a breeze. There are abundance of cabs and it is only 3 mins walk from Ximen Station. It is almost impossible to miss this iconic Starbucks cum 7-Eleven store.

In less than 50m, viola! Right there and then you can see Via Hotel Ximen. Look at Big and Small M. They were so excited about Via Hotel when they saw pictures of the hotel from the ipad before coming over. Despite hours of travelling, they were still full of energy!

There is a stall selling crepes in front of Via Hotel Ximen. We were totally impressed when one of the hotel staff who was returning with his dinner took the initiative (without asking) and helped us to carry our luggages to the lift!

Take the lift up to the 2nd level.

THE HOTEL

When the lift opened, our first impression was as if we were transported into a dreamworld. The hotel lobby area sports a chic and cool design which was a stark contrast to the street we were earlier at. We could see Via Hotel Ximen had put a lot of effort to take care of the guests’ needs and comfort. Right there and then, we could feel that this is not just a hotel, but a home to us as well. Checking in was fast.

Wifi-Router is available for rent at only NTD $50 (deposit NTD $400). It is in high demand. Throughout my stay, I checked three times with the reception to take a look at the router so that I could take a picture but they were all rented out.

There is a corner beside the reception for guests to use the internet or pick up magazines to browse.

Big and Small M couldn’t resist and made a beeline to the sofa.

A closer look – they actually contained light snacks.

Don’t you think it is cosy to chill out at the lobby?

THE 24 HOUR COMPLIMENTARY SNACK BAR

Wait a minute. Did I say 24 hour? Yes, I did. The hotel has a self-serve snack bar that provides complimentary snacks and hot/cold beverages at all time. Whenever you have little cravings, come over to this snack bar and help yourself to the snacks to satisfy your hunger pangs.

OUR ROOM

On the way up our room, the corridors were decorated with many mini photo frames which were vaguely reminiscent of a cosy home.

Ready to see our room? Come in!

Big and Small M’s eyes brightened up the moment they stepped into the room. They went “WOW” … so neat and tidy! Every room is equipped with free WIFI which was very strong (rated 5 out of 5) throughout our stay. Our room was spacious and had ample space for us to open up our big luggages. Do you know that the Via Hotel rooms are equipped with world-class Sealy Posturepedic mattress? The beds were so comfortable that we could fall asleep immediately! We were provided with 2 beds (150 x 190cm), which were considered spacious for us. Even the pillows carried Via Hotel theme.

No lack of space to move around as well, especially when we have kids and travelling as a family.

There are more than 50 TV channels available. When there are Disney and Cartoon Network shows, you can be sure Big and Small M can snuggle inside the room for hours and refused to get out of bed 🙂

Via Hotel Ximen adopted an interesting concept of open-space wardrobe to freed up more space in the room.

Wind down and brew a cup of coffee or tea.

Hair-dryer is provided.

Yipee – the hotel room comes with a dehumidifier which reduces the level of humidity in the air and eliminate musty odor.

We were pleased that safe and fridge were provided as well.

THE BATHROOM

The bathroom has a zen-inspired design that creates a truly relaxing, peaceful place to soak after a day of shopping. Basic toiletries such as toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/soap, shaver, shower cap and comb were provided.

Adjustable bar to hang our clothings and towels.

We tested the shower. Whether we need hot or cold water, it switched to our desired mode pretty fast. The water flow and pressure were strong and gave us really good and warm bath!

SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRY

There is a laundry room at level 5 for guests to use. Washer, dryer and washing powder are complimentary.

JUST HOW CONVENIENT CAN IT BE?

1. Via Hotel Ximen is just 3 min walk to Ximen Station

2. Abundance of cabs outside Via Hotel Ximen. Cab driver also offer day-tour from NTD $3,500 and surprisingly, many cabs even provide free WIFI!

3. Shopping & Entertainment

4. Street Stalls selling Food, Apparels & Accessories. It’s gonna be a non-stop eating and shopping affair in 西門町 Ximending till you drop! No matter it is day or night, 西門町 Ximending never sleeps. Come night time, the street becomes alive and turn into a street bazaar.

 

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Jane Chuang of Via Hotel for making our experience in 西門町 Ximending extra special. Your top-notched customer service staff, superb hotel room quality, hospitality and hotel’s close proximity to so many attractions left a deep and memorable impression in our hearts and minds that we yearn to return to Taipei once more. We hope to see you again.

Whether you are here for a short haul or long stay, for business or holiday, single or group, look no further – try out Via Hotel Ximen today.

Address: No.17-1, Ln. 114, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd, Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan 10802

Phone: +886 2 2311-0555

Fax: +886 2 2331-0222

Website: www.via-hotel.com.tw

Email: spencer@via-hotel.com.tw

Disclosure: All photographs and opinions expressed in this post are ours, copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without prior permission.