Trendy Dutch Self-Service Hotel Makes Its Taiwan Debut: Breathtaking Views & Mood Pads Unveiled

▲ The international chain CitizenM is making its first entry into Taiwan, located near Beimen MRT Station and close to the Ximending shopping district.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Taipei

The trendy self-service CitizenM hotel from Amsterdam, Netherlands, is making a splash in Taiwan, with its official opening scheduled for August. Ahead of its launch, the hotel is offering a two-day early access trial stay to gauge public interest. The moment the website announced the limited rooms, they were fully booked, as everyone rushed to catch a glimpse of this cutting-edge hotel. A reporter stayed overnight to give you an exclusive look at Taiwan’s most high-tech, trendy hotel.

▲ The lobby has no front desk—just computers where guests check themselves in.

CitizenM is designed with the concept of an affordable design hotel, making it perfect for young travelers. The reason it’s ideal for “young people” is that from check-in to controlling the lights and air conditioning in your room, everything relies on high technology. The self-service check-in kiosk in the lobby requires guests to tap their room card themselves to complete the check-in process. After check-out, the same card can even be transformed into a luggage tag as a keepsake.

▲ The room card can also be DIY’d into a luggage tag.

▲ Although the check-in process is self-service, there is still a staff member on duty 24/7 in the lobby to assist guests.

CitizenM has 267 rooms, all of which are uniformly standard-sized and not very large. Each room features large floor-to-ceiling windows, a King Size bed by the window, and a desk—pretty much the same layout. The pure white decor gives off a futuristic vibe, and every function in the room—from the TV and lights to the air conditioning and alarm clock—is controlled by the Mood Pad on the desk. Stepping into the room feels like entering a personal mini party lounge, with lights that can be adjusted to match your mood, making the sleek and fashionable design a hit with younger crowds.

▲ A futuristic white room full of tech.

▲ The room isn’t big, but all the clever details are hidden in the small touches, like the pull-out drawers under the bed or the wardrobe behind the full-length mirror.

▲ With just one Mood Pad, you can control all the room’s facilities while lying in bed.

▲ Stunning views from the 15th floor, including planes taking off and landing.

▲ The bustling night view is also beautiful.

▲ The bathroom lights even change colors.

The second floor houses a stylish lounge, restaurant, and bar. Walk up the spiral staircase, and you’ll find various trendy decorations and collectibles. CitizenM’s strong brand identity even extends to the fun and quirky photos next to the elevators on different floors—take a closer look and you’ll discover the playful and charming side of CitizenM. It’s the perfect location near Ximending, an area brimming with youth subculture.

▲ The elephant office worker next to the elevator.

▲ The second floor features a lounge, restaurant, and small bar.

▲ The building’s exterior wall features playful graffiti that matches Ximending’s subcultural vibe.

CitizenM Taipei North Gate
Address: No. 3, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei (No. 3 Section 1 Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei)