Fullon Hotel Taipei Central – a review

This was actually the second hotel I stayed at during my time in Taipei, as my first choice, Rido Hotel, was a hair-raisingly disgusting experience (which I’ll save for a TripAdvisor review). Imagine opening a drawer to find someone else’s intimate souvenirs, or spotting a curious hole in the wall—home to an in-room ‘security camera’—suspicious, I know. The final straw was the bathtub, which emitted an unsettling stream of black floating bits from the jets. I absolutely would not recommend. My photographer and I are still recovering from this experience, though I suspect they’ll never feel clean again.

Now, on to the review of the lovely Fullon Hotel I found at 2 a.m. with the help of Expedia. As someone fortunate enough to work with large travel companies, I like to make sure they are the best in every way before considering any form of brand advertising or affiliation. Booking a room at Fullon Hotel Taipei Central in the middle of the night was remarkably easy. Despite the stress of finding a new place at such a late hour, Expedia’s interface made it simple to filter options by safety and cleanliness. Within minutes, I found a hotel that met all my criteria. The Expedia team exceeded my expectations, helping me transfer hotels smoothly and even messaging to confirm my safe arrival.

The Location

The Fullon Hotel Taipei Central is located in the quiet Da’an area of Taipei, which I prefer for its peaceful atmosphere away from the large crowds of Xinmending. Taipei is filled with green spaces, and the hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Da’an Forest Park—a perfect spot to escape the city’s bustle. Directly opposite are speciality markets: Jianguo Holiday Flower Market and Jianguo Holiday Jade Market. The flower market looked stunning online, though unfortunately, it’s open only on weekends. My favourite area in Taipei was Xinyi, just a quick 20-minute MRT ride from the hotel. The original Din Tai Fung is a short walk away, but it now only offers takeaway service; for dining in, the Xinsheng branch is the closest option.

Da’an, like the rest of Taipei, felt incredibly safe. Still, I took standard precautions: sticking to main roads and popular routes, avoiding headphones while walking, and steering clear of dark alleys. Even at night, the city felt secure, although I usually returned early after long days of exploring.

Transport

Public transportation from Fullon Hotel Taipei Central is highly convenient. Taxis and ride-sharing are available 24/7, and several MRT stations are within easy walking distance, making city exploration effortless.

Arriving at the hotel late at night was a bit confusing. I took an Uber; it was only a 4-minute drive from Da’an MRT Station exit 6. The next morning, I checked the map and saw that it’s a straight walk to four different MRT stations: Da’an Park MRT (red line) is a 7-minute walk, Da’an Station is 11 minutes away, Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (blue line) is 20 minutes away, and Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT (yellow line) is 13 minutes away. I mainly used Da’an Park MRT because the walk was flat, well-lit, and partially covered.

Getting to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport by public transport takes just over an hour, and Taipei Songshan International Airport is about 35 minutes by MRT.

The Room

Booking and checking in late at night came with an unexpected bonus: a complimentary upgrade to a superior double room on the 11th floor. The room was spacious and very quiet, though the only windows were in the bathroom. I enjoyed a huge king-sized bed, a comfortable chair, and a dedicated workspace. Compared to the typically tiny Japanese business hotels I have stayed in, the Fullon Hotel exceeded my expectations for space and luxury.

I also had a large wardrobe with a safe, providing convenient storage for my belongings. Being able to fit my suitcase in the wardrobe is something I always appreciate because it makes the room feel more spacious. I appreciated having a dressing table, a TV, a kettle, coffee and tea facilities, and a fridge. Having several in-room facilities allowed us to enjoy breakfast in the room before heading out for the day.

Some reviews mention noise issues, but I found my room to be peaceful. Even though my window faced the busy Jianguo Main Road, I didn’t hear any traffic. That said, staying next door to the function room did mean some noise one evening when the hotel hosted a company party—complete with workplace karaoke (yes, I joined in). Still, the party ended by 10:30 p.m., so I slept soundly. Fortunately, events aren’t a nightly occurrence, and the rest of my stay was undisturbed.

The Bathroom

Long-time readers may recall my infamous Vietnamese bathroom window saga—well, the bathroom window made a comeback in Taipei. This bathroom had two windows: one facing outside, and another separating the bedroom from the bathroom. The interior window offers a full view of the toilet (fortunately, we kept the blind closed). I understand the design choice, since it’s the only way for the bedroom to get any natural light, but it could be awkward if you’re travelling with friends.

The bathroom was absolutely huge, possibly bigger than some hotel rooms I have stayed in previously. It was separated into two parts: the Japanese toilet and sink/vanity area made up the dry area. A door separated this from the shower and bathtub. My only moan was the step into the shower; it was a great spot for my photographer to kick. The shower was separate from the bathtub, making it so much easier to shower.

The View

Weirdly, only the bathroom had windows, but I can’t complain. The view was panoramic across downtown Taipei, with Taipei 101 at the centre. I never thought I’d be reviewing a hotel where I could brush my teeth with such a unique view. Whenever I was in my room, I’d find myself sitting on the bathroom windowsill, enjoying the ever-changing view of Taipei.

Dining

The hotel offers breakfast each morning, with options ranging from local Taiwanese dishes to Western favourites. There are also several restaurants and cafes within walking distance, making it easy to find something you’ll enjoy at any time of day. Din Tai Fung is within easy walking distance, as are two great Night markets: Ningxia and Shuangcheng Street. Raohe Night Market is a short MRT ride away.

The Facilities

The hotel features a well-equipped gym, a small but functional business centre, and dependable Wi-Fi throughout the property. I was pleasantly surprised to find a rooftop pool with a view of Taipei 101. Sadly, I didn’t pack my arm floaties, so I couldn’t try out the swimming pool. Each room had its own unique Wi-Fi login, ensuring fast and secure internet access. The lobby area is comfortable for both casual work and relaxing with a coffee. Laundry services are also available for longer stays.

The hotel’s elevator key card access was a standout feature. As a solo traveller, I appreciated this added security—it ensured that only registered guests and hotel staff could access the guest floors, providing extra peace of mind.

Accessibility

Taipei is a flat, well-organised city that’s easily accessible for most visitors. Fullon Hotel Taipei Central is especially accommodating for guests with mobility challenges: the lobby and corridors are wide and flat, ideal for wheelchairs or walking aids. Choosing a room at the front of the hotel also means a shorter walk from the elevators. The room itself was spacious and thoughtfully arranged, with the bed centred and a wide, flat walkway on both sides—making navigation easy for anyone using a walking aid or wheelchair. The bathroom was also large and accessible, though the step into the shower could be difficult for some.

Tips

• Request a room at the front of the hotel on a high floor for a quieter experience and a view of Taipei 101.
• There is a 7-Eleven next to the hotel, open 24/7—perfect for snacks at any hour.
• Hotel staff can help arrange transport and provide directions. Note: Google Maps isn’t always accurate when searching in English.

Overall

Despite my early misadventures, my stay at the second hotel, Fullon Hotel Taipei Central, completely redeemed my Taipei experience. The kind staff, convenient location, excellent facilities, and solid dining options make this an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers.

I’ve learned a few life lessons during my time in Taipei—the biggest is not to skimp on your hotel just to save a few pennies. Taipei is among the safest cities I’ve visited, but having a comfortable, clean, and secure room makes all the difference. Invest in your comfort—your memories will thank you.