Humble House, Taipei

Humble House, Taipei



Humble
House offers respite in the middle of Taipei’s bustling
Xinyi district. It’s perfect for travellers who want a location at
the heart of the city, without being subjected to its madness. On
first glance, Humble House’s muted tones and understated luxury
could lead you to believe that it’s just your average business
hotel – but further inspection will prove you wrong. (It is part of
design hotels after all.)

The hotel’s clean lines are in fact part of a minimalist
Japanese philosophy, and the Taiwanese owners have dispersed their
spectacular 600-strong collection of art throughout the property to
encourage visitors to develop a deep emotional connection with it.
The lobby features a suspended paper and light installation by
London artist Paul Cocksedge and a video installation called The
Day of Perpetual Night by Yang Yongliang makes you wish that they
had taken longer to arrive. Their rooftop garden and pool is home
to a number of interesting sculptures with a view of none other
than Taipei 101. What’s more, Humble House prides itself on its
green accreditations from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan,
scoring a Diamond certification in Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED).

Rooms

The 235 rooms design won’t blow you away but they are
comfortable and functional They are decorated in the hotel’s
signature earthy tones and are decently sized (the smallest weighs
26sq metres and the biggest 73sq metres). Each room features a
Posturepedic mattress, free wifi and a singing and dancing TOTO
toilet. Many of the rooms are also hypoallergenic – a bonus for
those travellers who are always getting sick. Suites offer an
additional butler service.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is a buffet (aka feast) in the hotel’s main restaurant
with a selection of fresh smoothies and juices on offer.

How about lunch and dinner?

Lunch, dinner and tea ceremonies can all be spent at the Italian
restaurant La Farfalla. Here you’ll find dishes like crab and
tomato risotto, smoked chicken with fennel and cucumber and smoked
duck salad. Apparently more than 3,000 bottles of premium alcohol
are stored in their cellar…

Is there a bar?

Yes, in fact there are two. There is a small bar next to the
restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel but the sixth-floor
garden and Terrace Lounge is the more enticing option for
cocktails.

Things you should know

If you’re used to small boutique hotels, you should know this
isn’t exactly ‘humble’; it’s still a large hotel with a business
aesthetic. The vibe however, is much more calm and zen than other
popular hotels in the city, like the W. It is also practical,
located only a 40-minute drive from Taoyuan International and 15
minutes from domestic Songshan (to Asian neighbours).

Within a short walk you can find…

Taipei 101 – Taipei’s most famous landmark, which until last
year was the tallest building in the world. Frank – Xinyi and its
neighbouring districts also play host to the city’s best nightlife.
In warmer months head to Frank’s, one of the city’s only rooftop
bars, for a spectacular view and beautiful crowd.

MRT station Taipei City Hall – Jump on the underground and it’s
only a couple of stops to the centre of downtown (get off at
Zhongxiao Fuxing or Zhongxiao Dunhua).

Eslite – A giant and aesthetically pleasing mall with one of the
best bookstores in the city, featuring magazines, graphic novels
and more. This hotel is a member of
Design Hotels.
Rooms from £306.

Discover More
City Guide: Taipei, Taiwan