There’s something about the close of the year, a festive feeling in the air that brings joy and happiness. We round up eight MICHELIN-listed hotels that have gone all out to ring in the season with beautiful decorations, several of which boast views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Humble House Taipei
Humble House Taipei may be minimalist in style; but look closer to appreciate its many unique details. Hidden in the sixth floor, the sky garden is an oasis of peace in the bustling Xinyi District.
More than 600 pieces of art line the lobby to the guest rooms, transforming the hotel into a gallery like experience. From its Italian restaurant and lobby bar, to the outdoor swimming pool and city view guest rooms, Humble House Taipei offers excellent views of Taipei 101 from every corner, making it a popular choice for enjoying the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
InterContinental Kaohsiung
Located in Qianzhen District in Kaohsiung, the InterContinental Kaohsiung’s close proximity to the shopping district and famous attractions, such as the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center and the famous 85 Sky Tower, belies its quiet and calm atmosphere, echoing its coastal surroundings. Aside from the digital art installations and luxurious room amenities, the hotel’s biggest draw might be its beautiful suites overlooking the Kaohsiung Harbor.
This year, an eight-meter-high Christmas tree composed of 182 large light balls has been erected outside the hotel, with the lights coming on from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily and snow machines on blast every hour from 6:00 p.m. to create a magical snowy scene. Inside, snowflake projections and cozy fireplaces, as well as a life-sized gingerbread house that took the culinary team 150 hours to create, all add to the festive atmosphere.
Mandarin Oriental Taipei
Mandarin Oriental Taipei, with its sweeping European-style architecture, has always been a popular place to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmas and New Year. In addition to the Christmas trees in the lobby and front atrium, the Christmas decorations on DunHua North Road are a must-see attraction.
The feast for the eyes is complemented by the festive desserts offered at the hotel lounge's afternoon tea and the hotel's cake shop. Christmas sweet treats served at the hotel's lounge this year come in the form of Christmas trees, ornaments, and snowmen; while the hotel's cake shop offers single-serve cakes decked out like the Nutcracker, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a classic Christmas Tree, as well as larger cakes in Christmas Carnival and White Forest themes.
Palais de Chine
Palais de Chine is located right at the heart of Taipei Main Station, a transportation hub served by the Railway, High Speed Rail, and Metro. A handsome antique horse and plush velvet sofas welcome guests at the lobby while an eclectic mix of traditional Chinese and modern art creates a distinctly surreal atmosphere.Every year, Christmas trees in different styles are set up throughout the hotel, warmly lit by hanging golden lights. A light-up ceremony is conducted each December to kick off the festive season, while the past two years have seen crowds line up for a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The VIP lounge on the 17th floor offers cocktails, snacks, and a magnificent view of Taipei 101; perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration away from the crowds.
Regent Taipei
Known for its diverse dining experiences, attentive hospitality, and convenient location close to the Nanjing business district in Zhongshan, Regent Taipei also attracts crowds for the giant Christmas trees it erects in its three-storey atrium each year.
This year, the hotel has taken New York as its festive theme, complete with a Christmas tree by iconic jeweler Harry Winston, and a light show every hour from noon daily. Santa himself makes an appearance for photo-ops from 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 p.m. on weekends. From Tuesday to Sunday at 6:30 p.m., the hotel organizes choirs and orchestras to perform Christmas carols at The Christmas Winter Market held at its atrium, filling the atmosphere with festive energy as shoppers browse for gifts, from music boxes and candy to gingerbread houses and Christmas-themed cakes and desserts.
RELATED: The Best Restaurants for Teppanyaki in Taipei and Taichung
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei is the tallest hotel in the city. Its elegant interiors combine Chinese and Western elements, while its most attractive feature is the rooftop swimming pool with a panoramic view of the city and Taipei 101. An annual New Year's Eve party is held by the pool for guests to enjoy the fireworks. Guest rooms and the lounge (hero image) feature similarly attractive views of Taipei 101 and its fireworks, making the hotel a popular choice for the New Year’s celebrations.
The hotel goes all out each year for its Christmas decorations, the most anticipated element of all being the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree at the plaza of The Mall. This year, red and gold baubles and lanterns will stream down from the seventh floor to Dunhua South Road. Guests are invited to pen their New Year’s wishes on hot air balloon-shaped cards and hang them on a Christmas tree erected at the lobby. On December 16th, 17th and the 23rd to the 25th, an orchestra will perform Christmas carols from 6:00 p.m., bringing joy and a beautiful festive atmosphere. This year, the lounge at the sixth floor has turned itself into a dream bar, decorating with over 8,000 fascinating Christmas balls and lights.
The Okura Prestige Taipei
Located in Zhongshan District adjacent to the Taipei Main Station, The Okura Prestige Taipei boasts convenient transport and close proximity to premium department stores and shopping districts. Wind deep through the alleys to explore stylish shops and independent boutiques, while enjoying the lush greenery of Zhongshan North Road.
The Okura Prestige Taipei is known for its meticulous Japanese hospitality, but come Christmastime, it also flaunts grand European flair with classical pillars and crystal chandeliers. This holiday season, a beautiful Christmas tree welcomes visitors in the lobby, while a highly anticipated gingerbread castle on the second floor adds to the festive atmosphere.
W Taipei
The W brand of hotels is known for its energetic contemporary design and W Taipei is no exception with its bright colors and modern lines, combined with sleek wooden furniture, standalone bathtubs, and luxe bedding. Here, fashion and comfort come together to allow people to find a relaxing corner in the busy city. W Taipei has several room types with a view of Taipei 101, such as the Fantastic Room and the Extreme Wow Suites, which are popular choices for enjoying the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Photos courtesy of the respective hotels.
Original article in Chinese and translated by Rachel Tan
RELATED: 10 Hotels in Hong Kong with the Best Views of Victoria Harbour
