"Set the sceneThis former residential tower in Taipei’s buzzy Da An district blends in with its apartment-building neighbors and can easily go unnoticed for those strolling by. The interior, however, is a different story. Underneath the crimson-and-teal double-height statement ceiling in the lobby, a straight-lined visual feast plays out in a cozy living room and concrete-clad seating arrangements (where an honesty bar is stocked with ice-cold soda pops and beer on tap). Upstairs, rooms are spacious, teal-toned sanctuaries away from the city’s rush, while the 12th-floor restaurant is a destination in its own right for the fried chicken with seaweed mayo alone. What’s the backstory?For a city bursting with creative energy, Taipei has always been astonishingly short on exciting design hotels. The boutique-hotel savvy Kimpton group saw a gap in the market and transformed a former apartment building into the brand’s first Asian outpost. Shanghai-based architects Neri & Hu were enlisted with the interior design and created a minimalist masterpiece where typical Taiwanese architectural staples (tiled walls, window grills) mingle with arched walkways and a dash of mid-century modern–inspired bits and pieces, like the exposed orb-like bulbs hanging from metal pipes. What can we expect in our room?Rooms are pared-back but far from basic. Lots of blond wood with deep teal as the statement color, while bathrooms are white-and-steel affairs (save for some of the suites, where you can expect hot spring–like terrazzo to cover the floor and walls). There are other thoughtful touches too, like yoga mats and massage tools, as well as eco-friendly details: toothbrushes, combs, and other single-use items will only be given if you ask for them. How about the food and drink?Even if you’re not staying overnight, The Tavernist restaurant is worth a visit. Nomadic chef and Noma alum James Sharman has been given free rein over the kitchen and delivers an eclectic and ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by his travels around the globe: think ostrich tartare, scotch eggs, or snail-studded pork terrine. On the same floor, a cocktail bar continues the global theme with playful East-meets-West creations such as a Sichuan peppercorn–spiked sangria and a fresh riff on a whisky sour with black tea foam and scallop powder. What’s the crowd like?Despite the high-end feel, the hotel is remarkably casual. Everybody’s welcome, even furry friends, as long as they fit through the door. Instagram-snapping young things zip past elderly couples in the lobby and suited-up business bigwigs mingle with socks-in-sandals tourists during the daily social wine hour or free-flowing morning coffee. Anything to say about the service?The team is genuinely friendly and totally tuned-in. Whether checking in or coming back after a day traipsing around the city, a staff member will be waiting to welcome you back. What’s the neighborhood scene like?Da An is one of Taipei’s most cosmopolitan districts, and you could easily spend a day wandering around its grid of alleys packed with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants ranging from smart dining affairs and sceney drinking dens to local noodle joints. The hotel’s free rental bikes make exploring a breeze. Anything you’d change?Most rooms are entered through the bathroom. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it does feel a little odd. Also, a swimming pool would be nice in Taipei’s steamy weather. Is it worth it?Yes. Design junkies will love it, but the warm, switched-on service and restaurant dishing up comfort food from breakfast to dinner are the stand-out reasons to come here." - Chris Schalkx
