Taiwan Itinerary Day 2: Amba Taipei @ Ximending

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On the second night of our Taiwan trip, we stayed at Amba Taipei. It is a boutique hotel backed by Taiwan’s Ambassador Hotel Group. Having just opened its doors in February 2012, it is soon becoming one of the most popular hotel name in Ximending.

Amba Taipei is conveniently located in Wuchang Street, deep in the heart of Ximending and within 5 minutes walk to Ximen station. The building which houses Amba Taipei is also home to Eslite book store, a department store and various other restaurants. Wuchang Street is also known as “movie street”; we even catch a late night movie at an uber cool cinema there.

We took the escalator from ground floor up to the lobby located at the 5th floor. The 162 hotel rooms are located from level 6 – 10.

Amba Taipai derives its name from its parent Ambassador Hotel. The hotel space revolves around the word ‘ba’, which means ‘let’s’. For example, reception is renamed as ‘wenba’ (let’s ask), main restaurant’s name is ‘chiba’ (let’s eat), dessert bar is known as ‘tianba’ (let’s sweet), etc.

Check in was dne swiftly; thanks to the friendly and helpful reception staffs.

Amba Taipei was created by some of Taiwan’s hottest architects, artists, music stylists and mixologists. Hence, every corner of the hotel is a work of art. We like this series of portrait art in particular. If you look closely enough, it uses a different combination of stickers.

Deluxe bath products made from local ginger can be purchased at the lobby. It is exclusively provided by socially responsible Taiwanese brand, Ginger. Every room comes with these miniature ginger bath products. We really like the products after trying it out, hence we brought home some shower gels and hand creams.

We were handed some MUJI discount vouchers as we checked in.

There’s even a  detailed map of Ximending area given. It was really useful as we moved around the many small alleys in Ximending. It listed down all the main attractions and restaurants.

Not too far from the check in kiosk is a reception rest area which make good use of the abundant natural light from nearby skylights and windows.

Amba Taipei also houses an uber chic and cool bar. Occasionally, bar-goers are treated to live band performances.

Our room is tastefully decorated with MUJI style furnitures, espousing a minimalist eco lifestyle. It may be located in downtown, but noise level is minimal as our room have double-paned window.

We continued to see more “ba” inside our room. “Chuanba” (Let’s Wear) flip flop is a nice gesture, there’s even a small note asking the hotel guests to bring take them home.

The vanity centre, shower room and toilet room are all separated. All rooms at amba feature complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi Internet, IP telephony and a 32- or 40-inch Internet TV offering satellite channels, built-in Skype and social media, and Internet videos.

The beds were so comfortable, especially after a long day of shopping and walking.

Breakfast is served at Chiba (Let’s Eat), which includes an open kitchen, communal seating and speedy counter service.

The restaurant offers a vast selection of juice, teas and open cooking stations where guests can choose from a wide range of dishes including eggs, porridge, waffles and much more.

The  extensive buffet breakfast awaits guests from 6:30am daily. Here’s the coffee and juice bar.

Chiba resembles a book bar; with shelves after shelves of comic books, warm yellow lighting and plush sofa seats.

All in all, Amba Taipei is an outstanding boutique hotel with excellent service and immaculate accommodation. It also offers excellent location – in the Shinjuku of Taipei, 5 minutes walk from Ximen station, vast selection of restaurants, attractions and nightclubs are within quick and easy reach.

Amba Taipei
77, Wuchang street Section 2,
Taipei 10843,
Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2375 5111
Website: http://www.ambahotel.com/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambahotel
Getting Here:
Alight at Ximen Station (Banqiao Line and Xiaonanmen Line), walk towards Chengdu Road from Exit No.6, turn right to Kunming Street and walk for approximately 3 minutes until you see amba TAIPEI on your right.

Next Up: agnès b. Café LPG @ Taipei, Taiwan