A Highly Recommended Japan Quality Hotel in Central Taipei

TEXT | RAY HECHT
PHOTOS | CHEN CHENG-KUO

According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, over six million travelers visited Taiwan in 2024. Visitors to Taipei find a wide selection of excellent modern hotels. The MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao is a notable choice, combining Japanese charm with sleek design and enjoying a convenient location near many of Taipei’s popular attractions.

Conveniently located in Da’an District, just outside Exit 3 of MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station, MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao is centrally located in downtown Taipei, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

While the Mitsui Garden Hotels brand has 36 properties across Japan, the Taipei Zhongxiao branch, opened in August 2020, marks the group’s first international venture.

MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao
Hotel entrance

This hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers, attracting a significant number of international guests, particularly from Japan. Throughout the property, guests will find signage and information in Chinese, Japanese, and English, and the attentive staff is fluent in all three languages. Complimentary parking is available for guests with vehicles from 3pm (earliest check-in) to 12pm (latest check-out) during their stay.

Reception

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a sparkling-clean lobby featuring a traditional Japanese sunken seating area. The hotel seamlessly blends Taiwanese and Japanese aesthetics, with a ceiling crafted in traditional Japanese style and a front desk showcasing a natural rock design reminiscent of Taiwan’s majestic mountains. The walls are adorned with natural ceramic gray rock, adding to the unique ambiance. Furthermore, the lobby features a captivating display of landscape photographs by the renowned late Taiwanese photographer, Chi Po-lin. Throughout the hotel hallways, you can also enjoy a curated collection of works by other celebrated Taiwanese artists.

Japanese-style sunken seating area in the lobby

On the second floor, guests can relax in a dedicated lounge area, enjoying complimentary tea and coffee. The lounge, which is open daily from 8am to 11pm, offers a pleasant view of lush trees and buildings of the National Taipei University of Technology, located across Zhongxiao East Road.

Lounge on the second floor

With 17 floors and nearly 300 guestrooms, the hotel offers a diverse selection of accommodations to cater to every traveler’s needs. Room options range from the compact yet comfortable Standard, 1 bed Queen, with balcony (21m²) to the spacious Junior Suite, 2 beds (60.4m²). Guests can choose from single, double, or triple-bed configurations. For families, the hotel provides convenient rooms with a private hallway, ensuring comfort and privacy for all members.

Standard, 1 bed Queen, Corner room
Deluxe, 2 beds, Corner room
Deluxe, 3 beds
Standard, 2 beds
Deluxe, 1 bed King
Junior Suite, 2 beds
Bath area of the Junior Suite with bathtub

Each room features an illuminated headboard and a comfortable sofa adorned with cool- or warm-toned cushions. Above the beds, woven wall art celebrates the rich artistry of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures. For added comfort, closets are stocked with plush pajamas for guests to enjoy. A range of cable channels, including popular English-language networks such as HBO and Cinemax, as well as access to streaming services like Netflix are available.

Unlike the standard teas and coffees and an electric kettle provided in all rooms, deluxe rooms feature high-end coffee pod machines for an exceptional morning brew. Beyond the recommended deluxe accommodations, three types of concept rooms offer special Taiwanese experiences.

Ceramic tea pot and cups

These include the Retro Room, Superior, 2 beds, which is inspired by the picturesque scenery of Jiufen, a charming mountain town on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast.

Retro Room, Superior, 2 beds
Retro chairs and lamp

The Nostalgic Room, Standard, 1 bed, Corner room evokes the ambiance of traditional private homes in old Tainan City in southern Taiwan.

Nostalgic Room, Standard, 1 bed, Corner room
Balcony outside Nostalgic Room (not accessible)

The delightful Sweets Room, Deluxe, 2 beds captivates guests with its vibrant and colorful decorations.

Sweets Room, Deluxe, 2 beds

All hotels typically provide “Do Not Disturb” and “Make Up Room” signs. At the MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel, these signs are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, featuring a stylish magnetic design. Notably, the hotel also provides a unique “We Are Safe” sign, a thoughtful feature often seen in Japan. This sign is intended to be displayed after an earthquake, reassuring the hotel staff that guests are safe and do not require assistance, even if the hotel needs to conduct room checks. This thoughtful provision offers added peace of mind for guests.

Door signs

The most notable amenity at the MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao is undoubtedly the top-floor Large Public Bath area. This unique feature offers a truly authentic Japanese experience for relaxation. Large stylish tubs invite guests to unwind after a busy day, enjoying a warm soak while admiring the hotel’s sky garden through the windows. Separate facilities for men and women, complete with spacious changing rooms, ensure a comfortable experience. Indulging in the Large Public Bath area is a highlight of any stay at MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao.

Top-floor Large Public Bath Area
Bath area with nighttime view

Breakfast is served daily in the restaurant on the first floor from 6:30am to 10:30am (Last entry 10:00am). For quick refreshments, a vending machine on the 17th floor offers instant noodles, chocolates, and a variety of popular Taiwanese souvenirs, including pineapple cakes.

The vending machine

Located directly adjacent to MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station, the hotel gives guests convenient access to all areas of the city. This station serves as an interchange point for the Blue (Bannan) and Orange (Zhonghe–Xinlu) Lines. The Blue Line provides direct access to Taipei Main Station, a major transportation hub with a convenient connection to the Taoyuan Airport MRT. The Orange Line offers quick access to tourist spots such as Xingtian Temple and Yongkang Street (Dongmen Station).

Exit 3 of MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station a short walk from the hotel

For those wishing to explore the city by bike, a YouBike public rental station is conveniently located near the hotel. Within walking distance, guests can also visit SYNTREND, a modern mall featuring a wide array of shops selling high-tech electronics, toys, and lifestyle items. Another nearby point of interest is Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a vibrant cultural hub with exhibition halls, shops, a movie theater, and more.

YouBike station next to the MRT station

About the author

Ray Hecht