Taipei M Hotel Main Station

With a total overhaul in mid-2016, the Taipei M Hotel Main Station still feels fresh and new, if somewhat generic, in an area packed with mid-range options. Situated in a blocky concrete and glass building, the reception area is spacious and contemporary with beige floors and wood paneled walls though, oddly, there’s no real place to lounge. The main common spaces include two astroturfed outdoor sitting areas, which feature nice wood patio furniture and bench swings, and the big breakfast area and gym (yes, they occupy the same space). With a convenient location, competitive price, and practical amenities, this hotel attracts a range of travelers, including families who make use of the three- and four-person guest rooms.

Taipei M Hotel Main Station is located in Taipei’s central government district of Zhongzheng, a bustling area and transport hub, with plenty of restaurants in walking distance. The 2-28 Peace Memorial Park, dotted with pavilions and historic monuments, is just a five-minute walk; the Ximending shopping area can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot; and the Ninxia Night Market is just over a 15-minute walk. As the name suggests, Taipei Main Station is also nearby, just an eight-minute walk away. It’s a little over an hour to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, though it’s a straight shot from the main station on the Airport Line; driving will take about 30 minutes. Be aware that the hotel offers no on-site parking.

While guest rooms are simple -- with little in the way of decor or even color -- they're contemporary and streamlined featuring wood or carpeted floors, neutral walls (some are textured gray, others have the look of modern wood paneling), accent headboards, and white bedding. Bathrooms vary but tend to lean toward modern as well, with beige tiled floors, gray tiled walls, little square sinks, and roomy shower stalls, though the bathrooms themselves can feel small. 

Fashion Double Rooms start at a tiny but functional 172 square feet, while the largest Executive Family Room is almost double in size. Family Rooms can sleep up to four guests, and Triple and Double Rooms are also available. Larger rooms may add sofas, and luxury rooms can include bathtubs. Note that entry-level rooms feature open, rather than closed, wardrobes and some on the interior of the hotel do not have windows. 

All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free bottled water, refreshed every day. They also have big 40-inch HDTVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms amenities include slippers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Guests find the rooms clean and comfortable, but some say that walls are thin, so light sleepers may want to pack earplugs. 

Taipei M is fairly well-equipped when it comes to features, though it's lacking in some departments and others have quirks. Most of the hotel’s amenities are in an open area on the 10th floor. This includes a breakfast area with big tables and a buffet, a “bar” area (though no alcohol is served), and a gym, which -- yes -- shares the same space as the dining area, though it’s somewhat cordoned off. Nearby, there is a self-service laundry room with several washers and dryers and an astroturfed rooftop terrace with bench swings and sitting areas. (There’s another outdoor sitting area near the entrance.)

Breakfast is serviceable and included in the room rate, but expect Eastern rather than Western dishes (noodles and tofu rather than cereal and eggs), though there is toast. The breakfast area features a comprehensive drinks station where tea, coffee, and other drinks (like juice) are available for free 24/7. While there’s a small, four-seat bar, the bar does not serve alcoholic drinks, and there is no full-service restaurant. Guests do complain that the breakfast area can get overcrowded during peak hours.

Though oddly placed, the gym is nicely equipped with modern cardio machines and some weight-lifting equipment, including a small rack of free weights. The hotel has one meeting room, plus a business center with a computer, photocopying, faxing and scanning services. (It’s located in a separate but nearby building.) Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free. The front desk is open 24 hours and multilingual staff offer some concierge services, can arrange airport transfers (extra fee), or store luggage. For guests traveling with children, the hotel has cribs, high chairs, and baby bathtubs. Pets are not allowed, and there is no on-site parking.