Those who have known me for some time are well aware that I haven’t truly rested during the summer months for the past six or seven years. Even when I did arrange trips, I was often caught up in the mindset of “Oh, I’ll have to dive headfirst into another work challenge when I return.” I’m not someone who can simply “play wholeheartedly when it’s time to play.” Instead, I’m the type who, even while traveling, constantly thinks about how to weave the beauty of the current journey into my work.
This year, I was finally able to put an end to such days. Many people, seeing my bright smile, would ask, “Are you planning any overseas trips?” I’d shake my head with a smile. All I wanted was to rest properly—to do whatever I felt like each day, without any to-do lists, calendars, or schedules to rush through. Just as I was halfway through drawing the circle of this full stop, an invitation email appeared in my inbox, and I gladly accepted.
On the appointed day, I took the airport MRT to the Airport Hotel Station. Within 10 steps of exiting the station, I spotted the strikingly modern Hyatt Regency at the airport. Previously operated by the international hotel chain Accor as the Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, it transitioned to Hyatt management in January 2025. Over the past six months or so, Hyatt has been systematically renovating and upgrading all facilities within the hotel, signifying that this airport hotel—a representation of our nation’s gateway—is progressively elevating its standards.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, I noticed that above the reception desk, in addition to the original “Wings of the Sky” art installation, a bird’s-eye view of the Taipei Basin at night had been added as a backdrop. Ms. Bianca, the hotel’s PR representative who received me, explained that this was designed to allow hotel guests to continue the travel mood of overlooking Taipei from an airplane during their stay.
After checking in at the reception desk, Ms. Bai escorted me to my room and arranged to return in an hour and a half to show me around the hotel facilities. I plan to cover that part in another article, so for now, let me focus on the in-room experience.
I stayed in an airport-view room on the ninth floor, right next to the executive lounge. Upon entering the room, I found wardrobes on one side and the washroom and shower area on the other—a layout not too different from most hotel rooms.
The room’s furnishings were elegantly minimalist, featuring a large bed, a desk and chair area, and a lounge chair with a side table by the window. The wall displayed artwork depicting a nighttime airport runway, which, combined with the colors of the room’s partitions and fabrics, created an overall darker palette. For weary travelers arriving at the airport for transit stays at night, or business travelers visiting Taiwan who work outside during the day and return to the hotel only in the evening, these calming colors help soothe tired minds and bodies.
The bedside area was well-equipped with all the necessary power outlets. Whenever I stay at hotels where there are no outlets near the bed, it bothers me—it shows a lack of understanding of modern people’s dependence on their phones before sleep and upon waking.
Business travelers need a comfortable workspace, and there was just such a compact yet clever space next to the television. I wonder how many people are like me—when working on a computer or doing household chores alone at home, I still prefer some background noise, usually keeping the television on to strike a balance between solitude and staying connected with the world.
The mini bar was truly mini, cleverly utilizing the space within a decorative column that divided the room. It housed a coffee machine, electric kettle, refrigerator, cups and dishes, and the usual hotel room amenities like coffee capsules, tea bags, and instant coffee packets.
I particularly loved a thoughtful detail in the room: the washroom partition door. It was cleverly hidden within the partition shelf, appearing at first glance to be merely decorative separation between the walkway and washroom. However, pulling the handle would close off the washroom completely, providing both privacy for traveling companions sharing the room and maintaining the space’s utilization and aesthetic appeal.
The vanity area separated the shower from the toilet. The mirror was every woman’s favorite—a makeup mirror with near-daylight color rendering.
The bath products were from Deep Nature, a French aromatherapy brand, and the shower offered both rainfall and handheld showerhead options.
The toilet featured a bidet function with temperature-controlled seating.
Of course, I must return to one of the main highlights of this trip: quietly watching planes take off and land.
The Hyatt Regency faces the Terminal 3 currently under construction. According to Ms. Bianca, some of Terminal 3’s gates are expected to begin operations in the third quarter of this year, serving three national carriers: China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines. However, due to the complex design procedures originally planned by the British design team, which led to multiple failed bids and subsequent design modifications, the main terminal building is expected to be completed in 2027.
When you can’t travel, spend a night at the airport! In my past experiences, staying at airport hotels was usually due to flight changes, reluctantly accommodating at hotels near the airport, making most experiences feel resigned. However, this stay was different—perhaps because of my relaxed mood, I could better appreciate the beauty of having nothing to do. Watching planes take off and land allowed me to experience the excitement of travel while anticipating my next journey.
The next article will introduce the hotel’s dining options and special interior design features.
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Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport
https://www.hyattregencytaoyuan.tw/tw/
1-1 Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan City (Airport MRT “Airport Hotel Station”)