Grand Hyatt Taipei Review: Is it worth it?

Current Price for Grand Hyatt Taipei:
bit.ly/GH-Taipei
Full Review Here:
taiwaneater.co...
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The Grand Hyatt Taipei is a 5-star hotel located right next to Taipei 101. But is the experience worth the price? In my humble opinion, it is not a great value when using cash, but pretty good when using points!
I only stayed at the GH Taipei for New Year’s Eve to watch the fireworks. I happen to live in Tamsui which is a 80-minutes North of Taipei…and is an amazingly affordable suburb. More on that in the future. I learned that if the weather is good, you really don’t have to stay close to Taipei 101 to see the fireworks.
[Price] Grand Hyatt Taipei
Naturally, I’m very cheap. I want to get the best experience for the lowest price possible. I booked the Grand Hyatt Taipei for one night using 15000 Hyatt points. This was an amazing deal because I booked the Grand Hyatt Taipei for New Year’s Eve 2019 going to 2020. Cash rates for the night were going for over $550 so I got more than 3 cents per point in value. That’s a big win if you’re super into hotel points and getting a great deal.
Points: 15000 Hyatt points per night
Cash: $250-300 USD/night
Cash New Year’s Eve: $550+/night
On a typical non-holiday event, you can book the Grand Hyatt Taipei for about $250-300 USD/night. Is it worth it? It depends on your level of disposable income and what you’re looking for.
The GH Taipei is located in the Xinyi district of Taipei, aka Downtown Taipei. It’s a 5-minute walk to the subway station, right across the street from Taipei 101, Taipei International Convention Center and you’re surrounded by all the high-end malls (there’s about 10).
There’s a mall in Taipei 101 and even more malls all along the street to Taipei City Hall. If you’re in Taipei for high-end shopping or a convention, the GH Taipei is a phenomenal location.
Do you really need to stay that close to Taipei 101?
No. Taipei has an incredible public transportation system. Getting around via subway is significantly faster than driving. During rush hour, the subway trains appear every 60 SECONDS and average 3-minutes between trains during normal operating hours.
When looking for where to stay in Taipei, my personal favorite area is the Taipei Main Station area because it’s a hub for every public transportation option in Taiwan.
Now I know most train stations in big cities around the world tend to be a rough area. Pretty much the area where you’re most likely to be robbed of ripped off. Things are a little different in Taiwan.
Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. Really, look it up. Taipei also happens to be one of the most cleanest and modern cities in the world.
[Hyatt Status Benefits]
For my stay I happened to have Explorist status with Hyatt. I got that instantly for doing a status match but had no intention of actually qualifying. Hyatt Explorist status isn’t that useful since it only gets you express check-in and late check-out.
Hyatt Explorist Benefits:
Upgraded Room excluding Suites and Rooms with Club lounge access (when available)
Elite Check-in (this doesn’t mean early check-in, just an express line)
2pm Late Checkout
Since I was here for New Year’s, I definitely wanted to use that status match to capitalize on those benefits. You could also get room upgrades with Explorist status, but when a hotel is practically sold out, the chances of that happening are very slim…with Hyatt. I mention “with Hyatt” because they aren’t that generous with upgrades. Even though Explorist is their 2nd highest status tier, the benefits are limited.
Personally, I prefer Hilton because they are VERY generous with their 2nd highest tier. They are generous with their suite upgrades, lounge access and my favorite part is the free breakfast. On a free night, I got upgraded to the Royal Suite at the Hilton Vienna and it was ridiculous.
World of Hyatt Elite Member Check-in Line
[Checking-In]
I arrived at the Grand Hyatt Taipei at 1pm with high hopes that I could get early check-in. When you have status with a hotel, this is typically expected. I’ve been allowed to check-in early in the past with other Hyatt locations, but at the Grand Hyatt Taipei there is NO early check-in on New Year’s Eve. At least I’m hoping it’s just NYE.
I tried checking-in at 1pm and was told that the computers won’t allow anyone to check-in until 3pm regardless of status level. OK, I’ll come back at 3pm.
When I returned at 3:05pm, the line to check-in was SUPER LONG. Because there were so many people that arrived early expecting to be able to check-in. This is where the Hyatt Explorist status made a huge difference in my experience. I was able to jump into the elite check-in line and had my key card in less than 30 minutes. The wait for the general line was definitely over an hour.

[@onlyonesky9611]

It sucks with no early check in, I had that experience at Grand Hyatt Taipei too. I don't like Hilton, highest tier Diamond gives you 12.50 a day and none of their Lounge is open. Hyatt will offer free meals from their hotel restaurant and some lounges are open (minus Hyatt Regency).

[@clarissalai6609]

Nice review

[@FullValueDan]

Thanks!

[@小譽導遊]

Subscribed😁
Hi Your video is very delicate with your explanation. Are you Taiwanese?

[@FullValueDan]

Thanks! I'm not Taiwanese, but I do love Taiwan!

[@Billytaps123]

Hyatt or gyatt

[@XfantBS]

👍🏽