(Review) amba Taipei Ximending: A youthful take of the city

I fell in love at Ximending as soon as we get off our taxi. We were rolling our luggage from the busy streets to the hotel, yet it didn’t matter at all. My eyes were already feasting at the shops surrounding the area. This neighbourhood is truly alive and I can’t wait to explore this side of the city.

Tucked in the middle of the bustling streets of Ximeding, is a seemingly secret passage to what we can call a hideout. Amba Taipei Ximending Hotel is situated in the middle of what we can say the ‘Harajuku of Taipei.‘ Busy, Youthful, and glittering, just the right place to go if you really wanted to see Taiwan’s fashion, and subculture.

We stayed at amba Taipei Ximending for two nights and this is what I have experienced.

First Impression 

I do not know why but upon our arrival outside the hotel, the place makes me feel like I was walking in the streets of Malate in Manila, or maybe I am just imagining that if ever Malate would be develop it could have been something like this.

amba Taipei Ximending is located at the 5th floor of the building where in a mall is also situated. Just imagine how many people come and go in this area. This is truly the best spot for people watching.

The hotel entrance is different from the mall entrance itself and is a bit hidden at the back. On our way inside, we pass by the hotels coffee shop. At the elevator, a staff wearing  an amba shirt assisted us on our way up.

After signing some papers, we were directed to our room at the 7th floor.

Room 715

Rooms at amba Taipei Ximending hotel can be categorized in to 6:

• Smart room
• Medium room
• Large room
• Extra large room
• Loft room room
• Balcony room

What we got was a medium size room with a window perfect for a morning view. I find the room very hip, straightforward yet very ergonomical. We were so happy when we first opened our room door. It actually excites me specially if how it looks like in reality exceeds my expectations. Amba Taipei Ximending really made sure that the young crowd would enjoy their stay in the hotel.

It got a huge mirror coupled with unique lightbulbs, a quick heating electric kettle, a mini fridge. There is also free coffee, complimentary bottled water and each room got this famous Taiwanese tea. We were told that this kind of tea is a bit hard to find in Taiwan nowadays. Each also got this free trendy amba flip flops that is perfect whenever you explore the streets in Ximending.

Of course we can never forget their extra-huge bed! I think the bed can squeeze in 3-4 people on it.

Here are the other features of the room;

• Free high-speed fiber-optic based WiFi Internet access
• Sony BRAVIA Internet TV with built-in Skype and social media connections
• Satellite channels include CNN, HBO, FOX Sports, Travel & Living, Disney, NHK, and Phoenix
• Writing desk or laptop stand
• Conveniently located 110V universal power outlets
• Voltage converter upon request
• Muslim-friendly accommodation

The room generally felt really relaxed. I think this is the goal on how they designed the whole hotel. They particularly handpicked items that guest would just need.

It is actually a bit ironic how this hotel seem to have this peaceful and youthful vibe inside while being surrounded by noise. It was like a escape room where you can feel relax and peaceful after hustling the street.

After resting for awhile, we decided to roam around the hotel and check out some of the amenities we could possibly use.

Things to do inside the Hotel

As I said awhile ago, part of the hotel is a mall. At the ground floor you will find the coffee shop tianba and the street salon (amba); there is also a Starbucks, M.A.C, Vivienne Westwood, Origins, and more in this floor. Levels 2, 3 & 4 are composed of different famous brands like MUJI, Nike, addidas, and Puma.

The hotel area starts at the 5th floor, where you will find the lobby, chiba, tingba and other creative spaces. Here we were able to meet Ms. Pat, the Hotel Marketing Manager. She willingly toured us in the area.

Ms. Pat told us that upon our arrival the hotel was already 98% full. Their clients were a mix of locals and travellers from different country. And as soon as Taiwan announced that Filipinos can visit the country visa-free, a huge amount of Filipino guests arrives.

 

We were also told that some of their guest so love this place they even stayed more than a month.

We were first brought to floor 6.

Guest rooms are found starting at 6th floor up to the 10th. Each floor is themed differently. The 6th floor is the music themed guest room. This is also where you can find a free self service laundry. This is actually very handy specially for those who are staying in the hotel for a longer period.

On the other hand, the 7th floor is where you will find a  14-meter wide painting of Ximending neighbourhood. This wall is famous to most of the guest specially for those who loves taking selfies or photos for social media.

Floors 8,9 & 10 were also designated for more guestrooms. It is almost the same like the once we visited so we didn’t bother to check it out.

We visited one extra large room at the 7th floor. It was a 36-square meter room with a King sized bed (or can also be a 2 twin beds). As we were told, this kind of room can already accommodate 3 adults and 2 children aged 12 or under. It got a sitting area with an oversized day bed big enough as an extra bed, a huge mirror and a separator curtain that can be closed or open for privacy. It actually looks the same as our room but with added lounge area and more spaces.

chiba Restaurant

We went back at the 6th floor to check out the restaurant. In line with the hotels name, they called this place as chiba. The Chinese phrase ‘chi’, which means ‘to eat’.

chiba is an international cafe that features an open kitchen filled with fresh produce, communal seating, and a rich display of collectibles, memorabilia, books and even organic herb plants. Have I told you already that amba upholds its branding to only use Eco-friendly materials and all natural products to advocate a healthy, sustainable environment.

That is one of the reason why you’ll find up-cycled displays around the place. I love how they focus on the details. There are always something to catch your eye on every corner at the 6th floor.

 A closer look at this art

 Have you notice the other MJ? 

On our stay we were able to try their famous Detroit-style square pizza. Other choices also includes healthy salads, pastas, steaks, and seafood dishes that are inspired from authentic American and Italian preparation methods.

amba Ximending hotel also offers halal  foods for Muslims. Though one should need to call or inform them at least an hour before your dining schedule so that they can prepare a separate/specific meal for you.

I think, soon, they will also be offering or incorporating Filipino dishes in their menu.  This is to supplement the increasing numbers of Filipino guests. We were actually asked which Filipino dishes should be added in their menu.

Personally, I would love to have Dangit, Salted Egg, Fried Milkfish and Tocino for breakfast. They could also add up Adobo, Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Afritada, Menudo and/or sisig in their menu.

Chill at tingba

On the other side of the restaurant you will find tingba. In Chinese, ‘ting’ means ‘to listen.’ This area of the hotel is the perfect place to chill and relax as well as to listen to the hippest beats Taipei has to offer.

The area was so Instagrammable, we decided to stay in the area a little bit longer. The walls were covered with more than 300 vintage denim jeans, classic vinyl records, and recycled music speakers that add to the charm of this playful music lounge.

At the far side near the stage, a separate room that is evenly instagrammable is designated as the smoking area.

Trivia: The well-known Ximending Pedestrian Area was the first pedestrian area built in Taipei and is the largest in Taiwan.

Places around the corner

If you love shopping, being in this place could be perfect for you. amba Taipei Ximending hotel is located within the Pedestrian Area in Western Taipei and is part of the fashionable Eslite shopping complex on Wuchang Street. The place is situated just five-minute walk to Ximen Metro Station. It is the perfect base for exploring trendy Ximending and fun Taipei, with easy access to Red House Theater, Bopilao Old Street, Red House, Taipei 101, Shilin, Beitou, and more.

Check out: Things you need to know about Taiwan (Itinerary, Budget, Where to stay etc.)

If you are aiming to dine in at the popular Modern Toilet restaurant, the place is just a street away from the hotel. The place is also perfect for food tripping, shopping gifts and strolling late nights for most of the establishments within the area closes later than the rest in Taipei.

 

Final Verdic

If given a chance to return to Taipei, I would definitely reconsider staying again at amba Taipei Ximending hotel. First, I love the location. It is near to everything you would need. It got an easy access to the MRT station and there are lots of shops to explore within the place. The location is never boring.

The hotel staff knows how to communicate in English, which makes my stay better. They are really kind and helpful as well.

The room are big and is fairly stylish and clean. Of course I would never be this happy to have that cool hotel branded flip-flops!

If you are the kind of person who loves to shop, party and to be surrounded by people, but then also likes a quiet alone time, amba Taipei Ximending hotel is just the right place for you.

Average Room Price: ₱5,300 – ₱8,900

amba Taipei Ximending Hotel | 10843, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Section 2, Wuchang St, 77號

Until our next discovery in the City!

またね Mata ne! 

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