After spending one night in amba Taipei Ximending, we moved to amba Taipei Songshan to experience another location in another part of the city. The hotel got an urban vibe and offers dramatic views of Taipei 101 or the beautiful Keelung River. amba Taipei Songshan is located in Eastern Taipei, next to Songshan Station with direct access to Taipei Metro Songshan Station through Citylink, the shopping mall sitting on top of the station (look for exit 4A).
TIP: the sky bridge connecting the Citylink to the hotel is an instagramable place.
It is conveniently located a 15-minute drive from Taipei Songshan Airport and a 45-minute drive from Taiwan International Taoyuan Airport.
It’s a perfect location to explore one of the most famous night markets of Taipei, Raohe Night Market where amazing street food (even stands recommended by Michelin Guide) is awaiting you. The iconic Taipei 101 is just five-minute drive by shuttle bus, offered for free for all amba guests.
Reception & Lobby area
The reception is located on the 17 th floor and the lobby area offers astonishing views of Taipei 101 and the beautiful Keelung River. As we already got used to their open space concept, we were astonished by the spacious lobby and its design. The lobby contains a Fussball and a ping pong table, and some comfortable couches where you can relax, enjoy the view or even meet someone.
A SPIN game is also set up in this area, a sort of fortune teller as it’s done in Taiwanese tradition in the temples, but instead of praying, you have to ask yourself a yes/no question, insert a coin, spin the shaft, get the ball and open it to see your answer.
We visited amba Taipei Songshan in December, but unfortunately not on New Year’s Eve period when, in the lobby, they host the NYE party. The highlight of the party are the fireworks that are launched from Taipei 101 building.
The Rooms
The guest rooms are located on the 18th- 21st floor and each room number represent the year of something that was invented or has become known in that particular year. The hotel features 189 rooms, ranging from 27 sqm 101 view room to 107 sqm one-bedroom studio. You can choose rooms with Taipei 101 or the Keelung river and mountains.
Ours was a medium 101 view room, very comfortable with a bright, minimal design, large windows and colorful artwork. The luxury is redefined, not through glam, but rather through comfort and facilities, amenities. These include Smart WiFi with super high-speed data transfer rate of up to 200 Mbps and a separate access point in each room for optimal WiFi experience; Sony BRAVIA Full HD TV with built-in social media; Wireless Bluetooth amba design speaker with 360º stunning sound, eco-friendly wood flooring, comfortable beds with pure cotton linen, separate washroom and shower room.
If you forgot something at home, there’s a wide selection of amenities to keep, borrow or rent. Just check the list and get it in a glimpse. They even rent PlayStation and laptops! As we already got used in amba Taipei Ximending, ginger-based bathroom amenities coming from Two Acres socially responsible brand are included, amba design flip-flops to wear and take home are available as well and a pleasant surprise was an espresso machine with Nespresso origin coffee capsules installed in each room, of course, along with the traditional high-quality Taiwanese tea.
Hotel facilities
Que 1 is a spacious meeting room with an astonishing view of the Keelung River, where day private meetings, evening private dinners, wine tasting and food pairings are organised. It includes a kitchen counter where a chef can prepare food in front of the guests.
There is even a meeting room which has its own private hotel room, so the organiser of an event can be accommodated and have the meeting in the same place.
On the 18 th floor there is a 24-hour self-service laundry with washing machines, dryers, laundry detergent, and softener. Ice and water dispenser are available in the laundry room. A 24-hour gym is available for guests to use for free.
Restaurant
Que Woodfired Grill is located on the 17 th floor, on the left side of the reception area. Wall to wall windows and a seven-metre high atrium fill the dining room with natural light. By night, Que is lit up by giant bamboo lanterns.
Fact: there are 21 bamboo lanterns in the hotel, each with a unique design. It took 6 artists and 14 days to complete each lantern. Que restaurant has 3 lanterns, each of 3 meters high. amba Taipei Songshan supports traditional craftsmanship, so except these lanterns, there are other bamboo designs around the hotel. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion, be it a wedding, a romantic dinner or a business lunch.
We enjoyed this amazing restaurant at breakfast, which is an international buffet with chefs cooking in front of you in the beautiful open kitchen.
amba Taipei Songshan was a highlight of our trip to Taipei. It is conveniently located close to public transport, within walking distance to shopping and nightlife of Eastern Taipei area. The service provided by its staff is absolutely faultless. We highly recommend amba Taipei Songshan to anyone visiting Taipei.
amba Taipei Songshan
8 Section 7 Civic Boulevard
Taipei 11562 Taiwan
+886 2 2653 2828
For the best rates, book through their website: https://www.amba-hotels.com/en/songshan/
