Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Tainan

BACKGROUND Both Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Taipei and this Shangri-La in Taiwan’s oldest city share the same owner. It opened in 2009, adding a much-needed contemporary product to a market that still shows a dearth in this department. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Just like its more established sibling in Taipei, this property follows the shape of a soaring column with the guestrooms starting from the 11th floor and ending at the 37th floor. A handsome sculptural piece at the reception desk, which appears in many of the hotel collaterals and website, seems to echo the design of the building. A refreshing understated charm runs throughout the entire property, including the guestrooms (unlike some other Shangri-Las that are not shy about proclaiming their Oriental-ness), but it was a bit jarring to spot a prominent display of elves in a whimsical garden setting in the lobby. WHERE IS IT? The hotel is located next to the National Cheng Kung University, Far Eastern Department Store and old Tainan train station. The high-speed railway station (Gao Tie) is 15 minutes away by car, while Tainan’s domestic airport is 25 minutes’ drive away. ROOM FACILITIES At 50 sqm, my deluxe room felt more like a mini suite, but I would have liked to reposition the work desk, which looked out to the city – others may feel differently, but I want no distractions when I’m working. However, the electrical outlet panel was conveniently embedded on the left side of the table. The 42-inch flatscreen TV was mounted on the wall facing the bed, which did away with the need for a sideboard. Controls for the lights and curtain were located beside the bed. Shangri-La should be congratulated on promoting a chain-wide free internet policy, as this removes the anxiety about connectivity whether in one’s guestroom or moving about the hotel. RESTAURANTS AND BARS These are spread out over different levels, with the Lobby Lounge and The Shop (selling breads, pastries and take-out coffee) on the ground level; Mezzanine Bar on the second floor, the Café for all-day dining on the 10th floor and Shanghai Pavilion, serving dim sum and Huaiyang cuisine with a panoramic city view, on the topmost 38th floor. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES As with several Taiwanese hotels, Shangri-La Tainan boasts an auditorium on the ninth floor seating 250 people, while nearby is a boardroom for 18. Most of its meeting rooms are found in basements 1 and 2, including the stylish Marquee Living Room, which can host a reception for 100 guests. LEISURE FACILITIES Located on the seventh floor is an outdoor heart-shaped pool with a set of cabana-style divans, and a health centre with all the latest equipment. The spa offers an extensive menu of therapies, with treatments such as the deep tissue massage, targeted back massage and leg massage all good for the worn-out business traveller. VERDICT It was a real pleasure to retire at night to the spaciousness of the deluxe room. I couldn’t help wishing the non-premium room categories of the future would follow this template.

TESTED BY

Margie T Logarta

HOW MANY ROOMS?

333 guestrooms and suites, comprising 28 Superior rooms, 211 Deluxe rooms, 22 Executive rooms and a Plaza Suite, while on the Horizon Club floors – whose occupants enjoy the use of the 24th floor club lounge – there are seven Horizon Club Superior rooms, 39 Horizon Club Deluxe and three Horizon Club Executive rooms, two Horizon Plaza Suites and a Presidential Suite. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available.

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS

The well-known Shangri-La brand of service that provides free wifi throughout the entire hotel and attentive service that manages not to be intrusive.

PRICE

Deluxe room stay in mid-September starts from US$105

CONTACT

89 Section West, University Road, Tainan, 70146, Taiwan; tel +886 6 702 8888; www.shangri-la.com 3 RESTAURANTS 2 BARS 1 POOL FREE WIFI 24HR ROOM SERVICE 1 SPA 11 MEETING ROOMS 1 BALLROOM 1 AUDITORIUM