[Related Post] A Night at the Airport: Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport – Room Review
When Ms. Bianco, the hotel’s gracious public relations representative, welcomed us for check-in, her thoughtful approach immediately set the tone for what would be an exceptional stay. Rather than rushing us through the formalities, she allowed us time to settle in and rest before personally guiding me on a tour of the hotel’s impressive facilities. My friend, meanwhile, decided to explore the swimming pool and fitness center independently.
My room was strategically located on the ninth floor, just steps away from the executive lounge “Jia Bin Xuan” (嘉賓軒). This elevated retreat features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the bustling airport below, complemented by comfortable seating areas and dedicated workspaces. Whether conducting business meetings or working on a laptop, the environment proves remarkably conducive to productivity. During moments when inspiration wanes, watching aircraft gracefully take off and land through the windows provides a meditative respite.
The lounge’s Happy Hours, running from 5 to 7 PM, offer an impressive spread including hot savory dishes, fresh salads, seasonal fruits, and decadent desserts—all available for unlimited enjoyment. Guests can also order crafted cocktails to complement their evening. Though tempted, I decided to save my appetite for dinner reservations later that evening.
Descending to the lower floors revealed the hotel’s fascinating tribute to aviation history. The first-floor lobby showcases an impressive collection of aircraft models, many crafted by Taiwan’s renowned Ruei Cing Industries, a celebrated manufacturer of precision aircraft replicas. The display wall features models created for China Airlines and various international carriers, creating a miniature aviation museum.
Particularly striking is the world map mounted nearby, with Taiwan’s Taoyuan airport positioned at the center, symbolically reaching out to all five continents. The floor’s design cleverly mimics airport runway markings, prompting Ms. Bianco to joke, “Perhaps we could host a paper airplane competition for families in the future!”
The centerpiece of this collection is a deep blue seaplane model, meticulously crafted to replicate the PBY-5 amphibious aircraft—the very first plane China Airlines acquired when the company was founded. This historical connection adds profound significance to the display, making it a must-visit corner for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The second floor houses Wei Fang Chinese Restaurant, where sophisticated Chinese interior design creates an atmosphere of refined elegance. Window-side dining areas offer views of lush greenery, infusing meals with a sense of scholarly tranquility that would appeal to literati of old.
The restaurant features both fully private and semi-private dining rooms. The six completely enclosed private rooms are particularly impressive, boasting spacious layouts, LED televisions, and stunning crystal chandeliers that create an atmosphere of unmistakable grandeur. The semi-private dining areas use elegant red silk partitions to create intimate spaces while maintaining visual connection to the broader restaurant.
The restaurant’s strategic use of red throughout the design brilliantly balances Chinese celebratory traditions with visual sophistication, avoiding any hint of garishness. This makes Wei Fang an ideal venue for weddings and celebratory banquets, with dining services available to both hotel guests and outside visitors.
The Yan Spa Center, also located on the second floor and open to non-guests, immediately captivates visitors with its stunning entrance area.
The ceiling’s wave-like design flows with water-inspired fluidity, creating a space so photogenic that every angle produces Instagram-worthy shots.
During our visit, spa staff shared updates about Terminal 3’s operational progress before guiding us through the facilities.
The couples’ treatment room particularly stands out, designed for partners to enjoy spa services together, complete with shared bathing facilities for post-treatment relaxation.
The second floor also houses a comprehensive fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines and weight training equipment. The adjacent swimming pool, according to my friend’s enthusiastic report, maintains exceptional cleanliness standards under the watchful eye of remarkably attentive lifeguards who remain focused on safety rather than personal devices—a refreshingly professional approach in today’s digital age.
Ms. Bianco arranged dinner reservations at Market Cafe on the first floor, which also serves the hotel’s breakfast buffet. For a hotel restaurant not exclusively dedicated to buffet service, the variety and quality proved genuinely surprising. The extensive selection includes fresh seafood, premium meats, and an impressive live cooking station where chefs prepare hot soups and noodle dishes to order. Fresh fruits and refined desserts round out the exceptional offerings.
One evening highlight was discovering duck blood and stinky tofu—a bold culinary experiment that demonstrates the hotel’s adventurous commitment to showcasing authentic Taiwanese street food to international guests. Curious, I sampled this quintessentially Taiwanese delicacy and found the duck blood remarkably fresh, though the tofu leaned toward the firmer side. Both were well-seasoned and flavorful, with a spice level that would likely challenge international palates.
The kitchen also prepared fresh laksa rice noodles upon request, demonstrating their commitment to personalized service.
After dinner, we ventured to the adjacent lobby lounge for cocktails. Following the bartender’s recommendation, I ordered their signature Taiwan-inspired Oolong Rum cocktail, featuring oolong tea and rum as the primary base. This creative libation incorporates lychee, coconut water, and sparkling water, finished with a dusting of ground oolong tea leaves. The aromatic tea fragrance greets you before the first sip, delivering a refreshingly clean summer flavor profile that perfectly captures Taiwan’s tea culture in liquid form.
The following morning brought another visit to Market Cafe for breakfast. Among the offerings, I was delighted to find roasted sweet potatoes—a beloved Taiwanese comfort food. Despite not typically eating breakfast, vacation calls for exceptions! My protein-rich meal included grilled mackerel, sweet potato, and a chef-prepared omelet, complemented by fresh salad and smoked salmon. Unable to resist, I also indulged in scallion pancakes and radish pancakes, leaving thoroughly satisfied.
Post-breakfast, I lingered by the window, watching aircraft takeoffs and landings in peaceful contemplation. Sometimes we must consciously set aside our digital devices, lift our gaze, and allow our minds to settle and empty—only then can we make space for a larger world to enter our consciousness.
When checking out, I inquired about hotel shuttle service and learned that convenient transportation to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 was readily available, with a shuttle departing imminently. With luggage in hand, I faced a delightful dilemma: which terminal to choose? But that’s the beauty of vacation—why limit yourself to predetermined plans?
This stay at the Taoyuan Airport Hyatt completely transformed my perception of airport hotels. Previously, I viewed such accommodations as necessary evils—small, cramped spaces for stranded travelers with limited options. This experience revealed something entirely different: a hotel that simply happens to be located near an airport, offering rooms, dining, and facilities that rival any international luxury property.
What sets this property apart is its unique “sitting and watching clouds rise” value proposition—the rare opportunity to observe the poetry of aviation while enjoying world-class hospitality. It’s a combination that proves airport hotels can transcend mere convenience to become destinations worthy of seeking out in their own right.
[Related Post] A Night at the Airport: Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport – Room Review
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Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport
https://www.hyattregencytaoyuan.tw/tw/