Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.
A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a holiday in Hong Kong, Taiwan & Palau. You can read my trip reports here:
- Review: Regent Hong Kong Hotel
- Review: Eva Air Business Class Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Hong Kong to Taipei
- Review: Capella Taipei Hotel (today)
- Review: China Airlines Business Class Airbus A321Neo from Taipai to Palau
- Review: Cruise in Palau with Four Seasons Explorer
- Review: United Airlines Business Class Boeing 737 from Palau to Tokyo
- Review: All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class Boeing 787 from Tokyo to Brussels
Review: Capella Taipei Hotel (Taiwan)
- Hotel website: Capella Taipei
- Location: Google Maps
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso
Opened in April 2025, Capella Taipei is one of the most exciting recent additions to the luxury hotel scene in Taiwan’s capital and represents the debut of Capella Hotels & Resorts in the country. The hotel brings the brand’s highly personalised style of hospitality to Taipei, but does so with a strong sense of place. Rather than creating a conventional grand city hotel, Capella Taipei was conceived as a sophisticated “modern mansion” – an intimate urban sanctuary combining contemporary luxury with subtle references to Taiwanese culture. The hotel features just 86 rooms and suites, giving it a relatively exclusive atmosphere despite the impressive range of facilities. Guests have access to five distinctive dining venues, an extensive wellness center, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the signature Capella Living Room. Acclaimed designer André Fu was responsible for the interiors, creating spaces that combine European residential elegance with Asian influences, warm materials and local artwork. The result is a hotel that feels serene and residential despite its location in the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Capella Taipei features in my list of the 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Taiwan.
Have you ever stayed at Capella Taipei? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.
In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):
- Pros & things I like
- Cons & things to know
- My verdict
- Tips for future guests & save money
- Best time to visit
- How to get there
- Photos
Pros & Things I Like
- Capella Taipei enjoys an excellent location at 139 Dunhua North Road in Taipei’s Songshan District, overlooking one of the city’s most attractive tree-lined boulevards. The location is surprisingly green for such a densely developed part of Taipei: mature trees line Dunhua North Road, creating an almost European-style avenue and providing an appealing contrast to the surrounding towers. Taipei Arena is nearby, while Taipei 101, the city’s major shopping areas and many of its cultural attractions can easily be reached by car or public transport. Another major advantage is the proximity of Taipei Songshan Airport, making the hotel particularly convenient for travelers arriving on domestic or selected regional flights. Taoyuan International Airport, which handles most long-haul international services, is considerably farther away (about a one hour drive).
- Capella Taipei is housed in a striking contemporary skyscraper rising above the tree-lined Dunhua North Road in Taipei’s Songshan District. The tower was developed in collaboration with Japan’s Mori Building Group and provides an appropriately modern architectural setting for the hotel. Rather than occupying the entire building, Capella is integrated vertically into the high-rise. Guests first arrive at a spacious ground-floor lobby, composed of a sequence of elegant, residential-style salons – an immediate introduction to the hotel’s “modern mansion” concept. From here, elevators whisk guests high above the city to the sky lobby on the 14th floor, which forms the heart of the hotel and is also home to the outdoor swimming pool and several guest facilities. The rooms and suites occupy the upper section of the tower, extending through the 17th floor. This vertical arrangement creates a wonderful sense of separation from the busy streets below, while the upper levels offer sweeping views across Taipei, including Taipei 101 and the mountains beyond from selected rooms and suites.
- The arrival experience immediately introduces Capella Taipei’s “modern mansion” concept. Guests enter through imposing bronze doors into an elegant marble-lined vestibule, where tapestries depicting Taiwanese landscapes provide an early connection with the destination. A graceful archway subsequently reveals the soaring main reception area, although the lobby is not designed as one enormous open hall. Instead, it unfolds as a sequence of interconnected spaces, almost like the reception rooms of an exceptionally grand private residence. These areas eventually flow towards Plume, the hotel’s sophisticated lounge, where a mural inspired by Taiwan’s native blue magpie provides another subtle local reference. The lobby’s architectural highlight is a spectacular sculptural spiral staircase assembled from hundreds of stacked hardwood blocks. It curls around Quiet Dynamics, a vertical artwork by Mexican designer Joel Escalona, creating a dramatic centerpiece.
- Capella Taipei’s magnificent interiors were conceived by renowned Hong Kong designer André Fu and his André Fu Studio. Fu based his vision on the idea of a “modern mansion”, inspired by his interpretation of Taipei as a city where intense urban energy coexists with quieter, almost poetic moments. This contrast is expressed through an understated combination of European residential elegance and Asian sensibilities. Soft neutral colors, graceful arches and curved architectural lines are complemented by marble, bronze, blond timber, tactile fabrics and carefully selected artworks. Rather than relying on obvious Taiwanese decorative motifs, local influences are incorporated in a restrained and sophisticated manner. The design also becomes progressively more intimate as one moves through the property, from the impressive arrival spaces to the Living Room and eventually the guestrooms. One of Fu’s greatest achievements is that the hotel rarely feels like part of a large skyscraper. Instead, the warm materials, residential proportions and beautifully curated furnishings create the atmosphere of an exceptionally elegant private home suspended above Taipei.
- Capella Taipei features just 86 rooms and suites, all designed by André Fu Studio and characterised by generous dimensions, floor-to-ceiling windows and a sophisticated residential aesthetic. During my stay, I was upgraded to a spectacular Pool Terrace Suite, one of the most impressive accommodations at Capella Taipei. The suite featured distinct areas for sleeping, relaxing and dining, all decorated in the same warm, understated style found throughout the hotel. A sumptuous king-size bed anchored the bedroom, while the luxurious bathroom combined beautiful marble surfaces with twin vanities, a freestanding bathtub and separate shower. The suite’s undisputed highlight was its huge private terrace, which dramatically expanded the living space outdoors. It featured several areas for relaxing, comfortable sunbeds, a private plunge pool and a separate Jacuzzi – an extraordinary combination in the middle of Taipei. Only two Pool Terrace Suites exist: a regular version and a Pool Terrace Skyline Suite overlooking Taipei 101, making this one of the most exclusive room categories in the hotel.
- A signature feature of Capella Hotels & Resorts, the Living Room is reserved for all hotel guests and plays an important role in creating the residential atmosphere that defines Capella Taipei. The lounge is conceived as an extension of the “modern mansion”: an elegant yet relaxed place where guests can sit, read, enjoy refreshments or interact with the Capella Culturists. Complimentary beverages are offered throughout the day, alongside afternoon tea and evening canapés, all available to every hotel guest regardless of room category. The Culturists act as both highly personalized concierges and ambassadors for the destination, helping guests discover aspects of Taipei and Taiwanese culture that might otherwise be overlooked. The Living Room also hosts a changing program of cultural rituals and activities. Mornings can include a traditional Taiwanese breakfast with porridge, fried dough sticks and soy milk, accompanied by nostalgic broadcasts from the 1950s, while other activities range from Chinese chess and Gomoku to learning about tea, local herbs and traditional remedies.
- Dining is an important part of the Capella Taipei experience, with five distinctive venues offering remarkably different culinary experiences:
- Ember 28 is the hotel’s sophisticated modern grill, where fire and smoke form the basis of the cooking philosophy. Perfectly marbled prime cuts are dry-aged for 28 days, while fresh seafood is transformed over flame and embers. Tableside carving and personalized service add a touch of theater to the experience.
- Rong Ju is Capella Taipei’s refined Cantonese restaurant, taking inspiration from two ancient banyan trees in the neighborhood, symbols of strength, wisdom and longevity. Traditional Cantonese cooking is presented with a contemporary touch, with highlights ranging from delicate dim sum served in bamboo steamers to aromatic wok-fired dishes.
- Two-Michelin starred Mizue is an intimate Japanese omakase restaurant inspired by traditional ryokans and the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. Shoji-style windows filter natural light into the elegant dining room, while guests watch the sushi master prepare a progression of delicate creations at close range.
- Located in the lobby, Plume is an elegant all-day lounge that changes character as the day progresses. It serves artisanal coffee and breakfast in the morning, followed by afternoon tea celebrating Taiwan’s rich tea culture. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more intimate, with cocktails inspired by Taipei’s natural surroundings.
- Also located in the lobby is Atelier Plume, a beautiful French-inspired patisserie where classic pastry craftsmanship is combined with Taiwan’s seasonal produce. Its display features freshly baked creations ranging from flaky croissants to beautifully presented fruit tartlets, making it an appealing spot for pastries and sweet treats throughout the day.
- The Glasshouse is one of Capella Taipei’s most distinctive social spaces, offering a sophisticated setting just a short five-minute stroll from the hotel’s main entrance. The complex comprises several distinct spaces, including Tilt, Cooper and Playback, each with its own personality and purpose. At Tilt, inventive cocktails showcase the distinctive terroir of Taiwan through creative ingredients and masterful craftsmanship, making it an ideal spot to begin the evening with an aperitif or signature creation. Playback takes a more intimate and atmospheric approach, combining the precision of Japanese mixology with curated vinyl and occasional live performances, creating a relaxed setting where music takes center stage. Completing the experience, Cooper is a refined and contemplative lounge dedicated to the world’s most coveted spirits and Champagnes. Its elegant surroundings and understated ambiance make it particularly well suited to lingering over a carefully crafted drink or enjoying a quiet conversation. Together, the three spaces give The Glasshouse a wonderfully varied character, with each venue offering a different interpretation of Taipei’s sophisticated nightlife.
- Capella Wellness is another highlight of the hotel and among its most visually distinctive spaces. Inspired by Taiwan’s mountainous landscapes, the spa is characterized by softly flowing curves, barrel-vaulted forms, earthy colors and subdued lighting, creating an immediate sense of calm. The wellness philosophy draws on nature and celestial rhythms, particularly the phases of the moon, while combining traditional herbalism and healing practices with contemporary wellness technology. Facilities include four individual treatment suites and a couples’ treatment suite with a Hinoki bathtub, together with a relaxation lounge, movement and mindfulness studio, sauna and steam rooms. More unusual is a flotation pod designed to create an environment of sensory stillness, complemented by advanced skin-analysis technology. The wellness area is also home to a spacious fitness center, equipped with modern Technogym equipment (personal trainers are available). Completing the wellness facilities is the outdoor swimming pool on the 14th floor, which provides a peaceful refuge above Taipei’s busy streets.
- Capella Taipei encourages guests to explore beyond the hotel through its Capella Curates program, which focuses on authentic encounters with Taiwanese culture rather than conventional sightseeing. One of its signature experiences is a Tea Journey into the mountains of Pinglin, an area renowned for Wenshan Pouchong tea. Guests receive access to a private tea farm, where an expert explains how different varieties are identified and how the freshest leaves are selected. The experience includes approximately 20 minutes of tea picking before continuing to a tea house to learn about important stages of production, including withering, frying and rolling. Another experience, Songshan Reverie, remains much closer to the hotel and explores the history of Dunhua North Road and the surrounding Songshan District. Beginning beneath the neighborhood’s majestic banyan trees, the walk examines public art, local history and the evolution of nearby Songshan Airport, which dates back to 1936. These curated excursions are complemented by the cultural activities organised in the Living Room, ensuring that a stay at Capella Taipei maintains a meaningful connection with the destination.
- Capella Taipei is part of the Singapore-based Capella Hotel Group, which operates two luxury hospitality brands: Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts. Capella has built its reputation around highly individual properties that emphasize craftsmanship, personalized service and a meaningful relationship with their destination rather than imposing the same design formula everywhere. Its portfolio is concentrated primarily in Asia-Pacific but is expanding into the Middle East and Europe. A recurring element at Capella properties is the Living Room, where Capella Culturists help guests engage with the local destination, while wellness is another important pillar of the brand. Capella’s spa philosophy takes inspiration from celestial and lunar cycles, combining these ideas with local traditions and contemporary wellness practices. Capella Taipei fits naturally within this philosophy: its intimate scale, André Fu-designed interiors, locally influenced dining and carefully curated cultural experiences make the property feel distinctly connected to Taiwan while retaining the refined and highly personalized style for which the Capella brand has become known.
Cons & Things To Know
- Capella Taipei is, without question, a terrific hotel and ranks among my favorite city hotels in the world. There is honestly very little to fault, and my overall experience was exceptional. The only incident worth mentioning occurred after my departure, when the hotel contacted me to say that a light fixture on the terrace had been damaged during the routine room inspection and initially asked me to cover the replacement cost. As I was certain that I had not caused the damage, I was able to demonstrate this because, as part of documenting my stay for this blog, I had taken photos and video of the terrace shortly before leaving the room. The footage clearly showed that the fixture was intact at the time of my departure. To the hotel’s credit, the matter was subsequently reviewed internally, and I was informed that no further action would be required from my side. While I was understandably surprised by the initial assumption, I appreciate that misunderstandings of this kind can occur at any hotel, and I am pleased that the matter was ultimately resolved professionally and without further issue. It did, however, make me wonder what the outcome might have been had I not happened to have this photographic documentation. This was an isolated incident and had no meaningful impact on my overall impression of Capella Taipei, which remains one of the finest city hotels I have experienced.
My Verdict
- Layout: 9/10
- Design: 10/10
- Pool: 9/10
- Rooms: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Breakfast: 9/10
- Spa: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Wow factor: 10/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall experience: exceptional – 9.2/10
Tips & Save Money
- Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Capella Taipei when booking through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD food & beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Capella Taipei (and/or receive many free perks).
- Room tip: For the most memorable stay, consider one of Capella Taipei’s Pool Terrace Rooms, which pair elegant interiors with a private terrace and plunge pool. If space and privacy are a priority, the Pool Terrace Suites take the experience even further, with generous indoor and outdoor living space, a plunge pool and Jacuzzi.
- Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Taipei is generally from October to April, when temperatures are more comfortable and humidity is lower than during the summer months. October and November are particularly pleasant, with daytime temperatures typically around 23–28°C (73–82°F), while March and April offer similarly mild conditions at around 20–26°C (68–79°F). These months are ideal for exploring the city, although occasional rain is still possible.
December to February is cooler, with temperatures generally ranging from 15–21°C (59–70°F), and can be damp and overcast. The summer months from June to September are hot, humid and wetter, with temperatures often reaching 30–34°C (86–93°F), while typhoons are also possible. For the best combination of comfortable temperatures and relatively favourable weather, October–November and March–April are my preferred periods to visit.
How To Get There
From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), the easiest and most comfortable option is a private car or taxi directly to Capella Taipei, with the journey typically taking around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Capella Taipei also offers a private Mercedes S-Class airport transfer, currently priced at TWD 4,200 one way. For a more economical option, the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express takes around 35–38 minutes to Taipei Main Station, followed by a taxi to the hotel.
Photos
Below is a selection of my photos from Capella Taipei. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the restaurants, click here.
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Reminds me of a New Zealand hotel accused me of stealing a laundry bag. And tried to charge me! Housekeeping never replaced the laundry bag I used for hotel laundry service!