Cosmos Hotel Taipei

Cosmos Hotel Taipei is housed in a modern, 17-story building in central Taipei, on a bustling block packed with restaurant and shops. The property's traditional look -- think: wood with fussy accents, ornate chandeliers, and velvet-tufted seating that lean toward stuffy -- may not suit all tastes. But the hotel sees a steady stream of travelers and generally has a busy atmosphere. Guests gather in common spaces, which include a top-floor cafe and cocktail lounge with city views, and a spacious fitness center and sauna, which also looks out to the skyline. With its extensive facilities and convenient location, the hotel draws business and leisure travelers alike. 

Cosmos Hotel Taipei is in an excellent central location in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei, set in the middle of a busy city block. The hotel is next to the M3 Exit of the Taipei Main Station (MRT and railway), which puts nearly all the city's main attractions within reach. Tai Bei Station (Zhong Xiao) bus stop is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops in the immediate area. 

• 11-minute walk to The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei 
• 15 minutes to The National Taiwan Museum via public transportation
• 17 minutes to 228 Peace Memorial Park via public transportation
• 19 minutes to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall via public transportation
• 20 minutes to Lungshan Temple via public transportation
• 22 minutes to Bopiliao Historical Block via public transportation
• 24 minutes to Taipei 101 (Taipei World Financial Center) via public transportation
• 27 minutes to Shilin Night Market via public transportation
• 38-minute drive to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
• 39-minute drive to The National Palace Museum 

Guest rooms at the Cosmo are comfortable and boast ample amenities. Decor is kept neutral, with light-wood furniture, tawny-brown carpeting, and burgundy bed pillows and decorative throws. The look isn't entirely unappealing, but the overall effect is slightly dated. All units are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, limited minibars, electric kettles, and free coffee/tea, bottled mineral water, and Wi-Fi. Beds have thick mattresses and come with turndown service, and suites add sitting areas. Bathrooms are basic but have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and bidet toilets, and are stocked with hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. Some in higher-category rooms have separate showers, and a few have jetted tubs. If bright accommodations are a priority, be sure to inquire at check-in, as some units don't have windows. Rooms are non-smoking, and start at 250 square feet. 

The Cosmos lacks a pool, but otherwise has a considerable lineup of amenities for a property in its category -- although some facilities could use an update. 

One of the hotel's best features is its plethora of on-site eateries. There's a restaurant with classical Mandarin cuisine and dim sum, and another that serves European fare and has a fresh salad bar and an afternoon tea. The breakfast buffet (for a fee) has a decent range of hot and cold items, but food receives mixed reviews. The top-floor cafe, which has light bites during the day, has skyline views and transforms into a cocktail lounge in the evening. There's also a gourmet burger joint, a takeout deli, and an excellent bakery with coffee and freshly baked items.   

Other amenities include a spacious gym with city views that has up-to-date equipment and a sauna. A small spa offers massages for a fee. The hotel also has an extensive conference center with catering, plus a business center, a concierge, and parking (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi throughout.