
Our cab pulled off on the side of the busy street. We were in Ximending. It was busy, colorful and full of character. A complete opposite of the atmosphere that we left in Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The driver told us that Amba Taipei Ximending is located just right in the corner. We dragged our luggage down the street and found the signage that lead us to the hotel entrance (which is located at the back). We passed a kiosk where tickets were sold for the Cinema Festival and an open dining area where cool kids hang out and have coffee. There’s a bell boy waiting at the ground floor who lead us to the elevator and in the 5th floor where the reception of Amba Taipei Ximending is located.

The check in process was smooth and easy. We were excited to explore the place that I kept asking questions on where to go and how to get there and the front desk officer gladly answered my questions. He even escorted us to our room at the 7th floor.

The Room. When he opened the door of room 715, I was surprised with a different room orientation. The Amba Taipei Ximending room has different elements far from the usual hotel room. I couldn’t remember which one I have taken notice first – the big bed, the sink outside, the separate bath and toilet, or the welcome kit and personalized note on the bedside table.










I really love personalized notes – and yes I keep them!

They say this is a really rare drink in Taiwan. We were clueless what it was and they say it is a soda. We had to check google how to open this drink.
We got a medium-sized room which has everything we need for our last 2 nights in Taipei. It has a REALLY big bed (about 2 queen beds put together), complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea (which is from famous local brand), toiletries (exclusively provided by socially responsible Taiwanese brand Two Acres), and vintage accents and funky light fixtures. Instead of the usual light slippers, Amba Taipei Ximending gives guests trendy flip flops which one can wear inside or outside the hotel.











Like what a millennial traveler would say, every thing in the hotel is so instagrammable!
Rooms at Amba Taipei Ximending are categorized in 6:
Smart room
Medium room
Large room
Extra large room
Loft room room
Balcony room


The Extra Large Room can fit a maximum three adults and two children aged 12 or under based on existing bedding. It has courtyard view and sitting area with an oversized day bed big enough to double as an extra bed. One extra bed may be added for the fourth adult
Every guest can enjoy their stay – be it to relax, work or play with the following amenities:
Free high-speed fiber-optic based WiFi Internet access
Sony BRAVIA Internet TV with built-in Skype and social media connections
Satellite channels include CNN, HBO, FOX Sports, Travel & Living, Disney, NHK, and Phoenix
Writing desk or laptop stand
Conveniently located 110V universal power outlets
Voltage converter upon request
Muslim-friendly accommodation
Things to Do in Amba Taipei Ximending. Amba Taipei Ximending is located in the Eslite shopping complex on Wuchang Street, a five-minute walk to Ximen Metro Station. The same building still houses a department store in the lower levels. While shopping and dining is just a push of a button (in the elevator) away from the hotel, one need not go down to have a good time. Amba Taipei Ximending has everything the guest needs for an enjoyable stay.
We got to tour the hotel and knew more about its hip and funky style catering to guests of different styles and lifestyle. We found out that the hotel was fully-booked during our stay, and most even extending their stay up to a month.

Amba Taipei Ximending makes sure that they stay true to the vibe of the busy Ximending by incorporating elements and designs from its neighborhood. Elevators, hallways and common areas are designed with different themes – from movies, music to arts. I wish we had more time to take photos.



Guests can use the Laundry Room for free
Food and Dining. Amba Taipei Ximending brings its youthful and careful take on details to its food offerings. Chiba Restaurant (chi means to eat) is a lively, international café that features an open kitchen filled with fresh produce, communal seating, and a rich display of collectibles, memorabilia, books and even organic herb plants.






During our stay, we got to try the famous Detroit-style square pizza. It is really filling that we totally dismissed (yet again) the streetfood market that night. Other selections from the menu includes healthy salads, pastas, steaks, and seafood dishes that are inspired from authentic American and Italian preparation methods.
I really love the dining area filled with book shelves, games and toys which guests of every age would enjoy.

The breakfast spread offers different International cuisines that cater to every guest. I especially love the rice balls which is freshly prepared and wrapped.





I love that Amba Taipei Ximending always have the guest on their mind. Before we left, Ms. Pat (Hotel Marketing Manager) asked us what Filipino dishes we would recommend that we want to be available in the restaurant. The first thing that came to mind was tapa. Filipinos are really big with rice (even for breakfast). I would love to have Tapsilog in the morning. Some other recommendations would be Daing na Bangus, Tomatoes with Salted Egg, Adobo and Sisig!
Muslim Guests may also request for special meals. They must inform the guest at least an hour to give time for preparation. Vegans may also indulge in lactose-free selections in the menu.





Tingba Bar (ting means to listen) is my favorite spot in Amba Taipei Ximending. Imagine a bar with walls covered with more than 300 vintage denim jeans, classic vinyl records, and recycled music speakers that make up this playful music lounge.

Enjoy the contemporary music from R&B and hip-hop to jazz fusion and local sounds with a cocktail mix especially prepared by Jean Marc Nolant. Tingba’s signature cocktails feature generous pours of house-infused liqueurs and fresh organic ingredients.




The place even has an indoor smoking area which is equally hip and instagrammable. It looks like my ex-lover’s room.


Around Amba Taipei Ximending. I always love going out of our hotel because of its live and vibrant vibe. Ironically, no matter how loud and busy the streets are in Ximending, the hotel room seems to block its noisy surrounding to give guests a relaxing and safe stay.
Outside the hotel is a stretch of stores selling food, souvenir gifts and fashion items. You may also stop by at some restaurants, and street food kiosks. There’s a 7-Eleven and Starbucks near the hotel, and the MRT is just a 5-minute walk. It has easy access to easy access to Red House Theater, Bopilao Old Street, Red House, Taipei 101, Shilin, Beitou, and more.
The famous Modern Toilet is just in the next corner of the street. It is worth a visit but you have to make a reservation. I will tell you more about it on the next post.
Final Thoughts and Verdict. I really love our stay in Amba Taipei Ximending. It is the best hotel to stay in Taipei as it is affordable, safe, and is strategically located in the heart of Ximending. You can stay up late in the streets and not worry of missing the MRT or last ride home as Amba Taipei Ximending is just walking distance to where everything is happening.

I love that the hotel serves variety of food and cuisines giving its guests (esp long-staying ones) a different option everyday. I love the ice bin in every floor and the laundry area where guests can do their own laundry for FREE (perfect for those who are traveling light).
The service is great and staff can speak fluent English – making it easy for us to ask questions especially when asking for directions.
I love that Amba Taipei Ximending supports local artists and crafts, and promote the local industry. Most of the items are made of recycled materials (like barrels) and uses organic supplies.
Every night, after a tiring day, we find our spot in the spacious bed in room 715 of Amba Taipei Ximending, while the rest of the world Ximending partied until the sun goes up.

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This is a sponsored stay but all opinions and reviews are based on my own experience during our stay.
If you wish to book a hotel at Amba Taipei Ximending, check out the deals at Agoda.
Rooms starts at Php 4,300/night.
amba Taipei Ximending Hotel
10843, Taiwan, Taipei City,
Wanhua District, Section 2,
Wuchang St, 77號
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