Unveiled in July 2016, the hotel did justice to amba’s homegrown, new-gen brand identity, with a great location and functionality to boot, finds Prudence Lui
Location
amba Taipei Songshan occupies the top floors – levels 17 to 21 – of the mixed-use Ruentex Songshan Station Complex, adjacent to Taipei Metro’s Songshan Station and connected to City Link Mall by a sheltered bridge on the third floor.
Moreover, the Songshan neighbourhood is within walking distance of icons like Rainbow Bridge, Ciyou Temple and the Raohe Night Market for tasty local snacks and crafts.
Located in eastern Taipei, the hotel is only a 15-minute drive from Songshan Airport and just 10 minutes to Taipei 101, Xinyi commercial district and Nangang business district by free shuttle service.
Room
I stayed in the special Corner Extra Large 101 View room, the third largest room category at 40m2.
Space is ample, and so is the daylight from the glass windows looking out to Taipei 101 and Keelung River and mountains.
It was a nice surprise that the bathroom also provides a view of the river from the semi-open air bathtub. But as I was here in winter, I was happy to stay indoors for a quick shower.
As a tech-savvy traveller, I found the Wi-Fi and super high-speed data transfer rates, six power outlets and three USB charging ports to be very useful.
The hotel’s sustainable and green efforts include the use of eco-wood flooring in the guestrooms, and phthalate-free and recycled woven vinyl carpet in the corridors.
What impressed me were the fun magnetic door signs in place of paper ones allowing guests to denote room status.
F&B
The 150-seat Que restaurant on level 17 is the only outlet in the hotel for dining and drinking. Still, you get enjoy the dramatic Taipei skyline and wood-fired meats and seafood – all responsibly-sourced and hormone-free – from this modern chophouse.
Guests can watch chefs in action in the open kitchen set in the middle of the restaurant. And since there is no room service in hotel rooms, guest may order from Que and pick up the order by themselves.
Facilities
With up to 928m2 of versatile event space, the hotel can be ideal for creative meetings and special events.
For instance, the Que restaurant is designed with built-in facilities like speakers and can accommodate a 150-seat meeting while The Studio on level 17 is suitable for an intimate gathering of up to 10 guests.
I appreciate the ‘thoughtful extras’ which include a self-service laundry room, ice & water machine and 24-hour fitness room on level 18, plus an array of entertainment and fitness equipment available for rent, such as weights, yoga mats, board games and an Xbox console.
Set to be completed in 2Q2017 is a a communal games room featuring a ping pong table and with room for up to 18 guests.
Verdict
Not only is the hotel is super conveniently located, it also caters to a perfect mix of fun and business needs.
No. of rooms 189
Rates NT$5,400 (US$168.90) to NT$8,200, subject to 15.5 per cent service charge and tax
Contact details
Tel (886) 2 2525 2828
Email reservations@amba-hotels.com
Website: https://amba-hotels.com/en/songshan
