I was halfway through my tour of Taipei, and was scheduled to stay with this property in the Zhongshan District. Honestly, I didn’t know much about it, but a cursory search resulted in some rave reviews and striking photos. Well, I’m so very happy I accepted the invitation – I loved everything about this place! Enjoy my GLORIA RESIDENCE Review…
By Nathan Allen
It is a hotel, but the rooms also function as full service apartments. This makes them perfect for long-stay arrangements…they have even housed Hollywood stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Jackie Chan during their previous movie shoots in Taipei. It would have been surreal to look up and see them sharing the elevator with me!
I do have photos of the other rooms, but I will start with the unit I stayed in. I believe it’s called the “Abundance” room type, and it has all the comforts of home. As was the case with my previous stay at Hotel Quote nearby, the mini bar here is 100% complimentary. Nice!
However, this time there is also a full kitchen, complete with dishes and silverware. There is even patio with a washer and dryer for clothes – though I believe there is an option for a butler’s assistance, if preferred.
I felt right at home with the interior design in my room…I love the almost minimalist decor, and the oak wood paneling on the walls and flooring.
Below you can see one of my favorite touches – a rotating flat screen television built right into the wall! Guests on the couch in the living room can enjoy it, then flip it around to the bedroom to enjoy a comfortable movie in bed. Ingenious.
Speaking of the bed, GLORIA RESIDENCE features the same heavenly Simmons mattresses that I experienced at Hotel Quote the night before. Together with a luxurious down comforter / pillow set, enjoying a night’s rest here is an experience in and of itself.
Below is a glimpse into the “Oasis” room type. The decor is consistent throughout the hotel…not over the top, not underdone…for me it’s just right. This is the perfect place for business travelers or families during a stay in Taiwan.
Oasis was my favorite room type. It includes a guest room with separate aircon controls. The master bedroom has its own bathroom as well.
I enjoyed the layout and the bright, airy feeling of this unit…the “feng shui”, if you will.
Bathroom Details
The OUD toiletries and soaps were tastefully chosen, and as you would expect, the bathroom provides all the other amenities you might need. Also like Hotel Quote, there is an incredibly sophisticated electronic toilet. Yes, that means a bidet. It’s quite convenient.
An impressive “walk in” closet can be found in the “Royal A” room type.
Room Amenities – My Gloria Residence Review
As mentioned before, there is a complimentary mini bar available in all rooms, and plenty of other conveniences, such as an ironing board, hair dryer, slippers, bathrobe…etc. The large safety deposit box is something I always appreciate, and I commend them for allowing enough space for a 13 inch laptop (it’s just for peace of mind..I certainly didn’t have any doubts about safety here).
No complaints about the wifi in the room, either.
The Lounge On Floor B1
This comfortable and sophisticated lounge is available 24 hours a day, and offers snacks, seating, TVs and computer access if needed.
As you can see, it’s quite tasteful and elegant, but what really struck me about the lounge was what was said to me upon exiting it. The attendant simply acknowledged me with a smile and said warmly “see you tomorrow, sir“.
Such a simple gesture, but it means so much…it shows that the staff cares enough to know exactly who I am, and how long I will be there for. I mean, it’s a big place, and it was just my first day. I had never even seen this staff member before. I was impressed by that.
Anyhow, the complimentary breakfast buffet provides a nice assortment of western and Asian options for guests. I did not experience lunch or dinner here, but I did get to experience a mouth-watering lunch next door at their sister restaurant “CHIOU HWA”. You can check that out HERE.
(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)
Heated Swimming Pool
On the ground floor, guests can enjoy the indoor swimming pool as well. It’s 18 meters long, and open during certain hours each day (there may be a change in hours depending on the season, so it’s best to inquire about this during your stay).
That wraps things up for GLORIA RESIDENCE, my next and final stop during my first tour of Taipei is swanky HOTEL PROVERBS…stay tuned for that! Special thanks to Calvin, Irene, and all the wonderful staff there at the hotel. It was nice to feel right at home.
Location & Booking
The hotel is conveniently located in Taipei’s Zhongshan district, just a short walk from the Shuanglian Station on the Danshui MRT Line.
You can find more info & reviews about GLORIA RESIDENCE Taipei on Agoda HERE
For Booking. com, you can click HERE
– Nathan Allen
www.idreamedofthis.com
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