amba Taipei Ximending – A Fun, Contemporary and Youthful Hotel

Foodies and shopaholics like me will know that Ximending is one of the most vibrant shopping and entertainment districts in Taipei, and has long been a hub of Taipei youth culture. Today, the district is undergoing a creative renaissance, combining historic sites with an emerging design and lifestyle scene. This helped draw even more locals and tourists to the area, and a great way to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere is to stay in the heart Ximending – at amba Taipei Ximending. The location of amba Taipei Ximending is extremely convenient and easily accessible by the MRT.

There are a total of 160 rooms, boasting a balance of simple, stylish design and functional features, designed for your comfort and connectivity needs. The room designs cater to different moods and tastes, ranging from quintessential Ximending with original artworks inspired by the area’s cinematic and musical heritage to subtler, contemporary themes. You should also stop by every floor and take a look at the wall murals along the corridors and on the lift doors. I really like that all the rooms are smoke-free, and incorporate eco-friendly materials and all-natural products for a greener, healthier environment. All guest rooms have recently been refurbished with new furniture, new flooring, extra LED lighting, and more.

I recommend starting your day at chiba (吃吧) café/restaurant. “吃” translates to “eat” in Chinese. The buffet breakfast spread will leave you spoilt for choice. In the afternoon, you can relax at tianba (甜吧) bakery. “甜” translates to “sweet” in Chinese. Why not pair an aromatic coffee with a sinful dessert ranging from New York cheesecake to tiramisu? I practically lazed the afternoon away indulging in sweet treats while people watching at tianba’s alfresco courtyard.

There are many street food, cafes and restaurants in Ximending, but if you’re looking for comfort food, chiba café/restaurant is the ideal choice. Do dine here with a big group of friends and try their Big Italian Mama’s Cheese & Charcuterie Board. They have a good selection of mains, pastas and pizzas too. The Tropical PPAP pizza offers you a taste of tropical paradise with spicy pineapples, ham, bacon, fresh green apples, onions, house blend cheese, and tomato-basil sauce. For a healthier choice, you can get the Grilled Salmon with Orzo.

End your night at the tingba (听吧) music lounge. “听” translates to “listen” in Chinese. The walls of the lounge are covered with more than 300 vintage denim jeans, classic vinyl records, and recycled music speakers. Sip on cocktails created by internationally renowned mixologist Jean Marc Nolant while listening to an uplifting mix of contemporary music from R&B and hip-hop to jazz fusion and local sounds. I sampled two out of eight very interesting and original signature cocktails made with generous pours of house-infused liqueurs and fresh organic ingredients.

There is plenty of things to do, see, shop and eat when you stay at amba Taipei Ximending. The Red House Theatre, Taipei Cinema Park, Wannian Plaza and Zhongshan Hall are all within walking distance from the hotel. Moreover, the Ximending Pedestrian Area, featuring a wide range of shopping options from the latest fashions to delicious Taiwanese street snacks, is right on the hotel’s doorsteps. If convenience is the key factor when it comes to deciding on your overseas accommodation, I’m pretty sure amba Taipei Ximending suits you.

amba Taipei Ximending
Address: 77 Section 2 Wuchang Street, Taipei 10843 Taiwan
Contact: +886 2 2375 5111
Website: https://www.amba-hotels.com/en/ximending/

Note that this is an invited stay, but the opinions are the writer’s own.