Taiwan 2019: Ximen Hedo Hotel

Address: No. 35號, Section 1, Kaifeng St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

I treated my parents for their anniversary to a short trip to Taiwan last weekend. This is my second time to visit, and because of various reasons (cheap fare, visa-exempt for Filipinos, previous travel experience, cold weather, etc.), I decided to bring them to Taiwan so they can also experience first hand how gorgeous this country is.

As the only young and millennial adult to assist my parents for this trip, I did a lot of research to make sure we don't end up getting lost and lose time. We only have 3 days to spare and explore Taiwan so I had to make sure I'd make it worthwhile. Part of my research was the hotel I  booked from Agoda, and I'd like to share some tips and information I gathered and discovered about this place.

Nearest Taipei Main Station MRT Exit

Single Journey Token

If you are coming from the Taoyuan airport and will be taking the bus (1819) to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit you can go to is Exit Z10. If you will be taking the MRT express train to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit is A1 Exit 4.

The nearest MRT lines if you will be coming from Exit Z10 are the Bannan (blue) line and Tamsui–Xinyi (red) line. The red line is quite a few walk and 2 escalators away.

Tip when using the single journey token:
Entry: Tap the token on the turnstile
Exit: Tap the token first before inserting into the turnstile's token slot.

Breakfast

They serve buffet breakfast which starts 6:30AM to 10:30 AM. Their breakfast consists of salads, rice, sausages, buns, porridge, soup, and cereal. They serve coffee but no fresh juice. Instead they have carbonated juice and drinks.

At the counter near the breakfast area, you can see small biscuits or snacks displayed. These are free and you can get them anytime you want.

Room

We booked the Deluxe Triple room and were satisfied with the space and amenities. They replace complimentary water, tea bags, and coffee everyday. Toiletries are also complete. The only complication we experienced was on how to operate the shower. Although there was an instruction manual posted, it would be more helpful if they add a note that the faucet needs to be turned 180 degrees to the right. We had to get some help and call the reception but all is well and the guy was able to assist and help us with the shower.

Instead of the usual paper card that you hand by the door handles, they have a touch screen pad that you can use if you want to have your room made up. Same touch screen for operating the lights.

When turning on the AC, a card is provided for the instruction. Basically, you have to point the remote to red-orange sensor pad located on the ceiling.


Nearby Convenience Store, ATM Machines, Stores, etc.

There is a Family Mart just a few steps away from the hotel. On the other side, there is a 711 store. If you do not have an Easy Card yet or need to reload before you start your Taipei adventure, these two stores are conveniently near the hotel.

ATM machines are also near the hotel. If I remember correctly, I was able to pass by two ATM machines.

Also a block away, there are stores selling a variety of fruits. 

Luggage Service

Check in is 3PM but in case you get to arrive at the hotel before the check in time, you can leave your bags at the reception. People assigned to the reception speak good English so you won't have any trouble in explaining or asking questions. They are also very courteous and helpful.

Nearest Shopping District

The hotel is just10-15 minutes walk to the Ximending Shopping District.