One of Taiwan’s leading 5-star hotels unveils phase one of its refurbishment
First opened in 1994, Taipei’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel remains one the most prestigious stay options in Taiwan’s capital, boasting 43 stories and an unparalleled view of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Xinyi. But as with any hotel that’s ahead of its time, time itself catches up and new contemporary hotels have captured the imagination of new visitors to one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Timely then, that as of June 2014, the Shangri-La property has begun unveiling a massive refurbishment project costing NT$1.5 billion (US$ 50 million) that is set to see the 5-star hotel reestablish itself in the city.
It’s 20 years since Far Eastern Plaza first opened its doors to reveal 420 guestrooms based on the theme of the mythical city of Shangri-La, a fictional city created by author James Hilton in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon.
Now the hotel is revamping all 420 rooms, with 240 revealed in stage one from floors 9 through 23, which was completed last month. It's the first time that the rooms have been given a makeover adding soft-tone colors and new modern features such as 40-inch LCD flat-screen TVs, a second 17-inch LCD flat screen for the bathrooms, HDMI devices to connect laptops to the screens, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Far Eastern Plaza is also also adding a new category, the Premier Room, with walk-through closets connecting the bedroom and bathroom. The rooms have a homely atmosphere that suits families or long-term guests, with ample light from the windows not only showcasing a panoramic view. The feeling of a personal living room is enhanced by window side sofas, a coffee table and an ottoman sofa.
Hong Kong’s award-winning design team AB Concept is behind the refurbishment, focusing its interior design technique on ensuring form and function.
The design team duo of founders Ed Ng and Terence Ngan previously created the concepts for the Shang Palace Cantonese restaurant and Li Bai Lounge, and this month were recognized for their redesign of the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La, Sydney.
“It is with much pleasure, that we proudly present the first phase of newly renovated rooms and suites featuring the hotel’s famous Sung Dynasty theme and timeless elegance, as well as a contemporary residential atmosphere with modern technology,” said The Far Eastern Plaza’s General ManagerMarcel N.A. Holman
“Providing authentic services and up to date facilities is the hotel’s long-term commitment to our guests. Over the past years, we have completed a series of upgrading projects, including all restaurants, bars and lounge, ballrooms and most function rooms. The rooms and ground floor upgrades are part of our overall plan to offer guests the ultimate luxurious and comfortable home away from home.”
The refurbishment process is set to continue to work its way up the hotel, right to the glittering swimming pool atop the roof, taking in the 180 remaining rooms and the Presidential Suite, from May 2014 until all is unveiled in January 2015.
In addition to the room revamps, the hotel driveway, Horizon Club Lounge, the popular “The Cake Shop” bakery on the ground floor and the Lobby Court – famed for its Taiwanese Tea sets, are all due undergo thorough modernization over the next few months.
