Best Boutique Hotels in Taipei, Taiwan

The Dandy Hotel - Tianmu Branch is a fashionable 54-room boutique property in the quiet, affluent neighborhood of Tianmu. For travelers looking to avoid the hectic streets in the city center, this three-pearl option makes for a pleasant base from which to explore a few nearby attractions like the National Palace Museum, but it's removed from most tourist spots. The chic, minimalist rooms have unusually small windows, but the rich natural materials and designer furnishings are a plus. A lovely breakfast buffet is included in room rates -- there's even live violin music during certain mornings. Travelers looking for something in a busier area may prefer the Just Sleep - Xi Men Ding instead -- rates will be similar.

The Ambience Hotel raises the bar on mid-range properties, with its sleek white interiors and designer furniture. The 60 stylish rooms have rainfall showers and come with free minibars. Breakfast and afternoon tea are also included in the small restaurant and bar. On the downside, the location is removed from popular attractions, and it's a long walk to public transportation. But there are a number of dining options nearby. By comparison, the Caesar Park Taipei provides a more well-connected location, next to major transportation hubs, but it lacks the Ambience's chic and modern look.

The hip 50-room Swiio is a lower-middle-range hotel in the Wanhua District’s lively Ximending neighborhood. Being positioned midway between two MRT stations and within walking distance of shops, nightlife, and tourist attractions, it's a convenient choice for tourists -- particularly younger, budget-conscious ones who appreciate both contemporary style and modern conveniences. The latter include features (like a communal kitchen, self-serve laundry facilities and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi) as well as in-room amenities (most notably mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and Bluetooth speakers). The rooms themselves have a soothing minimalist look that’s in sharp contrast to the lobby’s artful eccentricities; unfortunately, they are short on space, and not all of them have windows. Travelers looking for another design-oriented alternative in the area can check out the smaller (but similarly priced) two-pearl Via Hotel instead.