Stewart L.
Yelp
I split my first trip to Taipei and Taiwan between the Grand Hyatt and this hotel. The Hyatt was great, but MO is my favourite hotel brand, so I had to try this location. The Hyatt has a better location, more dining options and adjacent high-end shops, but MO is much smaller and thus more personal and luxurious, with super service.
The hotel and its adjacent shopping mall (The Arcade) have European styling, complete with an inner courtyard with colourful umbrellas and dining tables. The hotel's exterior has a trompe l'oeil effect, where what look like single windows in fact embody several rooms. Parts of the hotel (several restaurants, the ballrooms/meeting rooms and business centre) are actually within the Arcade structure, which was a bit confusing since the hotel and Arcade have separate elevators. The outdoor pool sits above part of the Arcade.
My room was a standard Deluxe King; I was eligible for a room upgrade but apparently none was available. The room was nevertheless quite spacious and plush. The entryway was dark because the walls are black and dimly lit. There was the signature MO valet closet, where staff can place your laundry, shined shoes, etc without entering the room. There was a powder room (non-Japanese WC and sink), plus a separate bath with another sink, large shower with 3 heads and great water pressure, and a tub that can open into the bedroom. The walk-in closet/dressing area had a vanity. The room had sliding screens instead of sheer curtains, plus automated blackout curtains. There was a chaise and large marble desk, but no easy chair as seen on the website. There was an extensive minibar, plus coffee machine and a water-boiling machine. Water bottles were made of glass.
The hotel has 6 dining options; I tried 3. Cafe Un Deux Trois serves a wonderful buffet breakfast and semi-buffet lunch in a very stylish dining rooms. I did notice at lunch, the desserts are not replenished, so get yours early.
Jade Lounge has afternoon tea (seems pretty popular) and light bites in rooms that feature peacock feathers. My club sandwich was decent.
The Mandarin Cake Shop is located in the courtyard and had enticing sweet treats plus a few savory ones.
Ya Ge (fancy Chinese), Bencotto (fancy Italian) and the MO Bar are located in the Arcade, which also has some restaurants not affiliated with the hotel, including the one with the courtyard umbrellas.
The Spa seemed quite nice but I did not book a service. The fitness centre was a decent size. The Oriental Club for Club Access guests is next to the Spa.
Overall service was excellent, with some staff remembering my name.
The closest MRT station was Nanjing Fuxing on the Brown and Green lines, a 10 minute walk. There are dining options closer to the MRT station, including Hooters, and there's the petite Liaoning St. Night Market just beyond.
Overall great stay. This MO holds up to the brand's standards.