In the vibrant district of Da’an, one can immerse themselves in a slice of Japanese hospitality at the MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Zhongxiao. This review is based on a two-night stay generously provided by the hotel.

Getting There

Arriving late into Taipei and departing early from the city, we found that it takes approximately thirty minutes by taxi to reach the Da’an District. Alternatively, Taipei Metro’s Bannan Line provides direct access to the nearby Zhongxiao station, merely a couple of stops away from Taipei’s main station, offering convenient connections to the airport and the national high-speed rail.

First Impressions

The hotel has embraced a minimalist Japanese design aesthetic throughout its premises. From the wooden accents to the cool greys, understated artwork, and earthy accessories, the MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel exudes a soothing and harmonious atmosphere.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by attentive staff who efficiently handled our check-in while also providing insights into breakfast and Japanese bath protocols.

The Room

We spent our two-night stay in a Deluxe Corner Room, though we had hoped for one of the uniquely themed rooms, regrettably, this wasn't available during our visit.

The room itself was generously sized at 35.3m². It followed a layout commonly found in other Taipei hotels, with the bathroom located immediately upon entering to allow for cleansing before retiring to bed.

The bathroom was subdivided, featuring dual sinks, a Japanese toilet (an amenity deserving wider recognition), as well as a shower and bath. Although the bath might be considered short for most individuals, the shower delivered a robust and consistently comfortable temperature.

Throughout the hotel, all shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner products were courtesy of the renowned Japanese brand Kao, offering high-quality toiletries.

At the time of our check-in, only a twin room was available. However, this proved not to be an issue as the beds were surprisingly spacious for a twin configuration, bordering closer to two queen-sized beds. The beds were pleasantly firm, providing ample support for a restful night's sleep without feeling overly rigid, as can be the case in some Japanese hotels.

The colour scheme in the room mirrored that of the hotel's overall design, with a predominant use of cool greys, accented by splashes of yellow. The addition of yellow artwork on the walls and a yellow sofa made the space more inviting, avoiding a corporate feel.

Adjacent to the sofa was a petite but manoeuvrable table, suitable for accommodating a laptop, although it may not be ideal for extended periods of work.

Our corner room afforded us a delightful view that encompassed the northern part of Taipei, extending towards the scenic mountains, offering a unique perspective of the nearby roads.

Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the hotel was commendable, with upload and download speeds consistently averaging around 55mbps during our stay.

The MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel generously provided complimentary Taiwanese tea, Lavazza coffee pods, and bottled water, replenished daily by their attentive team.

A notable feature in the room, which sets it apart, was the use of magnetic indicators for room status (e.g. "please clean," "do not disturb," etc.). This innovative approach proved highly effective, especially when compared to traditional door handle signs that often fall off, rendering them somewhat redundant. Placing one of these magnets on our door before heading to breakfast resulted in our room being promptly cleaned within an hour of our return.

Japanese Bathing in the Heart of Taipei

In keeping with Japanese tradition, MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel has incorporated a Japanese bath into their Taipei property. Split between male and female sections, these hot baths offer an excellent way to unwind at the end of the day or start afresh in the morning.

Access to the baths is included in the room rate, but there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. The opening hours are somewhat unconventional, spanning from 06:00 to 10:00 and then reopening from 15:00 to 00:00. Additionally, guests are required to bring towels from their rooms. Of course, in a Japanese bath, nudity is non-negotiable.

During our brief visit, we found the baths to be wonderfully peaceful, with no other guests present during our time. Regrettably, photography is not permitted in the bath area.

Comfortable Lounging and a Taste of Japanese-Italian Fusion

Situated on the second floor, MGH has created a comfortable lounge area for guests to unwind and mingle with fellow travellers. Complimentary bottled water and coffee are readily available to guests.

The lounge operates from 08:00 to 23:00, though it's worth considering extending these hours to 24/7, especially given that key card access is required for entry. For those who need to work on a laptop during their stay, the lounge offers a more conducive environment compared to the room, thanks to its superior table arrangements.

Featuring a fusion of Japan and Napoli, "Japoli" serves as the in-house restaurant at the MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel. While the restaurant primarily offers Italian cuisine throughout the day, the inclusive breakfast menu is a delightful mix.

The breakfast buffet predominantly comprises Taiwanese and Japanese options, with a wide selection to choose from. Of note, we appreciated the extensive variety of fresh foods, including grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits, providing a refreshing contrast to the fried dishes we had consumed in previous days.

While the healthier options were appealing, it's worth mentioning that Japoli can craft a delectable pizza. Over our two-day stay, the menu featured classic choices such as Margherita and Mushroom with Truffle Oil, both excellently prepared and on par with some of the best pizzerias we've visited.

For guests who find themselves hungry later in the day, Japoli extends a 10% discount on lunch and dinner.

Conclusion

MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel stands as a comfortable and impeccably clean establishment, ideally positioned in Taipei for those eager to explore the city's vibrant culture. While it may not rank as the most opulent property in the metropolis, the added touches, such as the Japanese bath and the tasteful design, elevate the hotel to provide a premium stay experience that will undoubtedly please many, including myself.