Accommodation is always the most important part, next to transportation when one is on vacation.
It does boil down to the matter of individual preference when it comes to this subject, as there are always options from simple home stay to hostels, inns or luxury resorts, depending on the travelers and of course, dictated by an assortment of factors, from budget to location, cleanliness, security, comfort, and the list goes on.
I am fine with any option, and typically in our case, it depends a lot on the location, cleanliness and definitely security. When it comes to Asian countries, the location is vital as typically lots of traveling is involved which translates to the easy and quick accessibility to the modes of transportations available.
Park City Hotel is a family of hotels located almost everywhere in Taipei (or around Taiwan), as we could see that there is a Park City Hotel in different districts. We selected the branch in Luzhou, which was recommended by Trip Advisor, as it is located in a quaint neighborhood where the St Ignatius High School is. In fact, along the MRT line that runs along this part of Taipei, there are three other schools which are in this district. (So I am pretty much running along the school's line, literally so, each day as I take the train to and from the hotel).
With the MRT station and the location right above the St Ignatius plaza (the hotel is right inside this shopping complex; though not a huge one), there is no wonder that this is an extremely popular hotel among foreign and local tourists.
St Ignatius Plaza is located in the same building, and the MRT station is just literally underneath the hotel (take the elevator to the Ground Floor or the B2 for direct access to the station).
Located in the district of Luzhou, this area is termed as the new Taipei, as while it is away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis, the area is still lively with the schools and her own local attractions making it a town of her own. Furthermore, the easy access to the main city of Taipei or getting around adds to all the attractions of Luzhou.
It is for this convenience factor that placed the above mentioned hotel in the recommendations of Trip Advisor.
The Hotel Lobby and a view of the outdoor patio of the cafeteria in the background
The hotel is a combination of both homey and business-like ambiance as contemporary art dominates the design of the hotel's interior, seen evident in the pragmatic furniture settings in the lobby's waiting area. In fact, to the left of the hotel, heading to the elevators to the rooms, there is a working area equipped with desks and magazines, and of course, free internet access.
Elevators
There are two elevators;
1)Access to St Ignatius Plaza - Hotel lobby is located at 6th Floor
2)Access to the guest rooms
Access to Guest Rooms
The access to the guest rooms (from Level 7 onwards) are strictly monitored with the access cards activation at the sensor installed inside the elevators; promising tight security and a privacy to the guests staying in this hotel, not to mention a peace of mind.
I always look forward to the security features provided by the hotel, which adds to that appeal when staying on my vacation. After all, there is no such thing as being too safe, don't you think?
Hotel Rooms
The rooms are fashionably contemporary and gives that mixed feeling of business and leisure together (having stayed for business trips most of the time), but I can't say I am not liking the rooms which were designed with practicality in mind and at the same time, the clean and no-nonsense colors and placement of the furnitures just makes it really comfortable.
I won't say that the room is homey, to be exact, but it is really, orderly and systematic, in its own sense.
I am a fan of simple and fuss free contemporary designs, and I must say the hotel meets my requirements. In fact, I actually liked staying in this hotel, because it just feels like home to me.
While many may find it a little too business-like to a certain extent, at the same time, I find its clean designs is appealing to my tastes.
The open concept of the bathroom, with the glass window overlooking the bathtub where the slides are automated reminds me of the business hotels which I used to stay at frequently.
Basic amenities are provided and neatly placed within a black box on the counter from the entrance into the room.
Body and Hand lotion
Comb
Hand Soap/Bath Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste kit
Shaving Kit with razor and cream
Shower Cap
Cotton Pads and Cotton Buds
Mini Bar Counter (All complimentary items, as there is nothing in the fridge)
It is interesting to note that the fridge is left vacant for the guests to fully utilize during their stay and it makes perfect sense, as there is a mall below the hotel, and just right beside the hotel is a 7-11.
Two bottles of complimentary mineral/drinking water
Coffee
Long Jing Tea
Green Tea
I loved how the hotel went to the extent of welcoming their guests with a plate of fruits and with knife and fork prepared on the coffee table.
It is this little touch which sets them apart and away from the other hotels, and I love how the hotel pampered the guests (yes, I like being pampered!)
I am glad we picked this hotel, and had no regrets at all; despite it being slightly higher on the price compared to the other options we could have had as the hotel was rated 4-stars.
The hotel compensated with the other facilities they offered at the price:
Gym
Laundry room (you could utilize the washing machines and dryers available in the laundry room to do free laundry, lightening that need to pack so many clothes while traveling)
Free Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
Television
Hair Dryer
Free Breakfast at the cafeteria
With awesome views from my window, I am more than happy to call this my home for my entire stay in Taiwan~
Overall review:
Hotel Ranking: ☆☆☆☆
Location: Good
Accessibility to Transportation/Other Location: Good
Facilities: Good
Amenities: Good
Cleanliness: Above Average
Service: Above Average (this is no Marriott or Hilton, but the warm touch by the hotel staff who greets and bows when they meet you at hallways just speaks more than hospitality)
Security: Good
Price: MYR300 onwards (On the higher side)
Food: Good
Overall: Good
I would recommend this hotel if you are planning to stay in Taipei, or getting around Taipei as the direct access to the restaurants, convenience stores and of course, the MRT station just makes it the ideal location for travelers.
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