Grand Hotel Taipei Review: Staying in a Feng Shui Gem with Kids and Sipping the Rolls-Royce of Bubble Tea

It’s been ages since I last visited the Grand Hotel Taipei, and stepping inside, I couldn’t help but exclaim the classic line: "Wow, this is basically a palace!" My child’s eyes lit up, and I felt a little thrill myself—this is Taiwan’s most storied hotel, walking in feels like stepping into a history textbook, complete with a royal ambiance. Why did I suddenly book a room here? Because I stumbled upon a deal on a platform from across the strait, where the room rates were significantly cheaper than in Taiwan, and even included a free upgrade! As a savvy mom, I couldn’t resist—palace-level accommodation at a budget-friendly price? Count me in! — 👩👧｜Family-Friendly Highlights The Grand Hotel is actually great for a family stay: ✔ The grand lobby naturally makes kids lower their voices ✔ Spacious rooms boost homework efficiency (with mom’s built-in supervision mode) ✔ Located in a legendary Feng Shui spot, kids sleep soundly, and moms wake up refreshed Unfortunately, it rained during our stay, so we couldn’t experience the pool that offers stunning views of Taipei City. I’ve heard it’s a photographer’s dream on sunny days—definitely coming back when the weather’s better. — 🏯｜Secret Tunnel Adventure: A Historical Mini-Excursion I planned to take my child to explore the Grand Hotel’s secret tunnel (it’s like the Hogwarts of Taiwan’s hotel scene), but: • Regular visitors: NT$250 • Hotel guests: NT$200 The price has gone up a bit, but with its history, stories, and atmospheric lighting, it’s still worth a visit. Next time, I’ll make it a proper experience during a Rotary Club gathering. — 🛏️｜Room Review There’s a touch of historical charm (like the aged elegance of a palace), but everything is well-maintained and clean. The bed was surprisingly comfortable! The night view of Taipei from the window was stunning. My child exclaimed, "Wow, so beautiful," and I silently added, "With this view and discount, this trip was totally worth it." — 🍽️｜Must-Try Culinary Highlights A visit to the Grand Hotel isn’t complete without trying these two iconic dishes: 🥤 Grand Hotel Bubble Tea — Made with Maokong No. 5 black tea and a golden ratio of fresh milk, aromatic even without sugar — Pearls are replaced every 3 hours, so chewy they’ll make you question reality — NT$230 per cup, you’re sipping luxury, legend, and the Rolls-Royce of bubble tea! 🍜 National Banquet Beef Noodles — Rich yet not overly salty broth, beef stewed to tender perfection — Springy noodles with a classic Taiwanese flavor — Rumored to be praised by foreign dignitaries (and this mom went for seconds) — 📌 Jenny Tips: ✔️ Compare prices before booking; platforms from across the strait sometimes offer surprises ✔️ The secret tunnel experience is great for family exploration, like a mini history lesson ✔️ Plan your pool photos for sunny days—don’t make my rainy-day mistake ✔️ The area is quieter at night, so bring some snacks for late-night cravings ✔️ Don’t miss the bubble tea and beef noodles—seriously, you have to try them! — 🧳 While the Grand Hotel isn’t the newest or trendiest, its old-school grandeur and cultural depth are unmatched by any modern, Instagram-worthy hotel. For kids, it’s a magical journey through time; For moms, it’s a chance to live history, sip pride, and savor memories in a Grand Hotel pilgrimage.