Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 7703 8890;
www.wtaipei.com
;
10 Zhongxiao E Rd, Sec 5; r from NT$9300; ; Taipei
City Hall)
The W gets Taipei. It gets the naive, fun, technology-intoxicated vibe of this city
that's also surrounded by lush nature. So expect lots of wood, stone and cutting-edge
light installations (and a touch of Asian cutesiness). Also expect cityscape views that are
just as stunning as those of nearby hills gleaming with greeness on a sunny day.
Service is a bit odd here, though, and the black-garbed staff seem not always sure if
they are working in a hotel or a hot nightclub. But you will be indulged with whatever re-
quest they haven't anticipated. The hotel's WOOBAR (
Click here
)
is now one of the
city's trendiest spots, and the 10th-floor outdoor pool is Taipei's best for views and
design.
Grand Hyatt Hotel
HOTEL $$$
$$$
(Táiběi Jūnyuè Dàfàndiàn; 2720 1234;
www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com
;
2 Songshou Rd; r from
NT$7800; ; Taipei 101)
If you need a five-star in the Xinyi District and the W is
booked, the Grand Hyatt is a good option. Rooms are large, bright and have views of
either the city or the nearby mountains. Check online for weekend packages and other
deals.
A STINKY TOFU TOUR
Along with beef noodles, stinky tofu is one of those dishes that nearly defines
Taiwanese street food. So it's not surprising there's an entire street devoted to this
blue cheese (or stinky socks) of tofu and all its varieties: braised, barbecued,
steamed, skewered, stewed and deep-fried.
Shenkeng Old Street is in the town of Shenkeng, about a 10-minute drive east
from the Taipei Zoo. Once a prominent market and administrative area during the
Japanese era, the street's handsome arcades and Western-style mansions were re-
stored in 2012. Even if you have no interest in tofu, the historical blocks are pleas-
ant to stroll along, open to beautiful mountain views in the back, and there are
plenty of other dishes to sample as well.
Here are a few recommended places to indulge in the stinky stuff. Shops gener-
ally open from 11am to 7pm, and dishes are inexpensive.
Jin Da Ding
(Shenkeng St) At the start of the street is this stall that's said to have
been in business since the first stinky tofu vendors moved into the area in the
1950s. The tofu here is actually 'fragrant' and not stinky. Try theyuánwèi kǒuwèi
