Cityinn Hotel Plus - Fuxing N. Rd., Branch

Sleek, contemporary interiors at this mid-range hotel are peppered with artful touches, like the eye-catching spiral yellow bookshelf in the lobby that stands out against subdued neutral hues, concrete walls, and slick surfaces of the space. It's accompanied by a handful of other bright yellow accents, like abstract artwork on the walls, a huge vase of forsythia at the entrance, shiny stools, and a cheery bouquet of flowers that usually sit on the reception desk. Other common spaces take the same kind of stylistic approach, brightening up a neutral color scheme with pops of sprightly yellow shades. A large and inviting relaxation area is a great space to gather in or get some work done. It's full of seating: armchairs, sofas, massive communal table, and high tables flanked by bar stools -- plus there are free hot drinks on hand and appliances like microwaves that add convenience. This is a good choice for leisure and business travelers alike, while larger Family Rooms also attract those traveling with kids.

The hotel is located near Taipei's Songshan Airport, which is a four-minute drive away, or about a 20-minute walk. There are plenty of dining options in the immediate area as well as shops lining the street, including a 7-Eleven down the road and a grocery store around the corner. Top attractions can easily be reached via public transportation (the Zhongshan Junior High School metro and bus station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel), including the National Palace Museum (22 minutes away), the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (21 minutes away), the Shilin Night Market (25 minutes away), and the Taipei 101 skyscraper (25 minutes away). Taipei's main train station is about a 10-minute drive away, or a half-hour by public transportation, while Taoyuan International Airport is a 30- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic, or about an hour and 20 minutes via public transit.

Rooms feature minimalist contemporary decor doused in soft neutral hues, and though they're fairly small in size, they make functional use of space. Floor-length curtains frame large windows, and white walls are adorned with chic framed black-and-white photographs. Plush white bedding tops the beds, which have headboards with built-in nightstands and reading lamps, plus all rooms have work desks. Other standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have small private balconies. Bathrooms are a bit small, but they're sleek and modern, and equipped with either walk-in showers of shower/tub combos. Family Rooms have both showers and tubs.

There's not much in terms of on-site features or facilities here, but the hotel does offer a couple of extras that add value to a stay. The main highlight is the property's large and inviting common room, that's full of seating and provides a comfortable place to either get work done or relax -- there's a large flat-screen TV for guest use, as well as computers and printers. This area also offers a small kitchenette with coffee machines (including free beverages like cappuccinos), a microwave, a mini-oven, and a water dispenser. There are free self-service laundry facilities that are equipped with modern washing and drying machines, and laundry detergent is provided. There are more computers available for guests to use in the lobby, as well as books and magazines. Free parking is available on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.