Information about Taipei

wrote in message
...
This is going to be my first trip to Taipei. I will be there
in a month. It is time to book a hotel and I need help.

I have been checking hotels on the internet. However,
my main problem is to find a nice neighborhood where
to stay. This is basically the help that I am looking for.

There are good hotels very near the main train station
and the subway. Is this neighborhood fun and "safe"
to walk around at any time? Are there "better" places
than this?

I love to walk and I enjoy using public transportation.
I don't mind taking taxis, but public transportation puts
me in contact with many different people, which I
enjoy observing [I don't speak the language.]

Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!


You might want to also try rec.travel.asia.

I've been to Taipei coutless times for work and have stayed at various
hotels throughout town. My favorite hotel is the San Want Hotel (used to be
called the Asia Pacific Hotel) on Chungsiaou East Road Section 4. This
hotel is situated in a lively area with lots of shopping, restaurants and
night clubs. Lots of cool little boutiques and eateries in the allys around
Chungsiaou E. Rd. and I've always felt safe wandering around there. There's
also Civil Rd within walking distance, with lots of cool nightclubs and cute
little eateries. The MRT (subway) is right in front of the hotel entrance.
I also like the Brother Hotel on Nanking East Rd, if only for location.
It's also next to the MRT.

Not all of the restaurants have english menus or English-speaking staff, but
most will display the menu in front of the restaurant. If this is your
first time, then I'd recommend against the Grand Hotel, Sheraton Hotel 4
Points, Imperial Hotel, and Rebar Crown Plaza as they are not near as many
English-friendly neighborhoods.

The American district is around Tun Hwa North Rd. between Nanking East Rd.
and Min Sheng E. Rd. It's o.k. if you like TGI Fridays, Hooters and such.

Try to avoid taking a taxi from the airport as it can be expensive. If you
are flying EVA, they have a bus that goes into town for about NT $120 (about
US 3.50). Someone working the desk can give you a taxi card if your
destination is not within walking distance of the bus stop. A taxi will run
around NT $1100-1500 (although it's been a while since I've taken a taxi
from the airport).

Have fun! Most Taiwanese people I've met have been friendly wonderful
people.

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 05:23:54 GMT, "Blake S"
wrote:
Thank you so much for your reply and information.
I will explore your suggestions. I was also suggested
the Caesar Park Hotel, but San Want seems to be
located in a nicer neighborhood.

Thanks again.


The Caeser Park Hotel is the old Hilton under new management. The poster
below notes that this hotel is a little run down, but I haven't stayed there
myself.

In article . net,
Blake S wrote:

The Caeser Park Hotel is the old Hilton under new management. The poster
below notes that this hotel is a little run down, but I haven't stayed there
myself.

That ex-Hilton used to be the premier hotel in the early 70s....