A member of the Four Seasons Hotel Group, the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei was the first hotel in Greater China to offer Pure Allergy Rooms. I requested to stay in one for several nights during a wonderful visit to that wonderful city in 2010.
What I remember most was the sense of calm that I experienced when I entered the room. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it was the gentle humming sound produced by the air purifier.
I found it rather soothing – a bit like the sound of the sea far off in the distance. By day, it provided a calming environment in which to work. At night, it was like a gentle lullaby that helped me fall quickly sound asleep.
Reducing Stress of Allergy Sufferers
But there is more to air purification than providing a restful environment. For allergy or asthma sufferers, Pure rooms can be a godsend.
“Allergy prone guests traveling abroad must pay particular attention to the environment, weather, and food,” says Morton Johnston, the hotel’s affable General Manager,
“And sometimes they must prepare medicine in the event of some allergy induced reaction. This, of course, is an inconvenience and may provide serious stress and pressure on the guest. Pure rooms can ensure a safe and comfortable stay, putting travelers at ease.”
Up Close and Personal
The Grand Formosa Regent Taipei is conveniently located on Chung Shan North Road, Taipei’s premier shopping street, with elegant designer boutiques just a hop, skip, and a jump from the hotel’s front door.
The interior spaces – by Hong Kong’s Chhada Siembieda & Associates design group – are both tasteful and sumptuous. From the lobby to the restaurants to the spa, they are spacious and contemporary with distinctive pan Asian influences.
There are 538 guest rooms, including 60 suits. Standard rooms measure 45 square metres – far above average in Taipei.
The marble bathrooms are particularly impressive. There are deep soaking tubs and separate showers. But the stars of the show are the toilets. Not only can the seats be heated, the bidets feature warm, pulsating water, as well!
Public Spaces
Located in the penthouse, the Wellspring Spa has Bali written all over it. There is an Executive Club, where I feasted on fabulous breakfasts each morning. This was followed by a trip to the Health Club and Sauna, where I tried to burn off the calories I consumed at breakfast.
The Grand Formosa Regent Taipei has fully eight food and beverage outlets. Included are two restaurants serving Japanese food, a brasserie serving all day buffets from an open kitchen, a café serving fusion cuisine, an American style steak house, a restaurant serving light meals and beverages, and a fine dining restaurant serving Cantonese food.