Old hotel gets a stylish makeover blending Han elements – The Grand Hotel becomes youthful again!

▲ The Elite Deluxe Suite offers spacious rooms with great views. Though it follows a minimalist and stylish design, many classical window lattice elements are incorporated in the details. (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

Reporter Xiao Wanning / Taipei Report

The Grand Hotel, with over 60 years of history, began its first phase of renovation on October 1, 2013. The renovation covered areas such as the Golden Dragon Hall and guest rooms on floors 7 to 9. The guest room section was completed by the end of March, and reservations for public check-in opened in April. The newly renovated guest rooms total 153, with prices adjusted to NT$8,800–NT$28,000. Room sizes range from 7 to 28 ping. The second phase of renovation also began last December, and the third phase will start this November, targeting guest rooms on floors 2 to 6.

According to The Grand Hotel, since reopening, the occupancy rate has reached as high as 80%, and rooms are in especially high demand during holidays. Public Relations Specialist Hong [name unclear] further stated, “In the past, our guests were mostly older. But after the architectural renovation, we’ve added more modern and fashionable elements, attracting a younger demographic. There’s also a trend of declining average guest age. We hope that through these new designs and experiences, we can offer a more refined and comfortable stay for our guests.”

▲ The Elite Standard Room is smaller in size. (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

The lowest-priced Elite Standard Room has two beds, and the bathroom facilities have been changed from a bathtub to a separate wet and dry layout. Since the Elite Standard Room is an interior room, it doesn’t have an external window. With two beds inside, the room feels a bit cramped.

The Elite Room is about 14 ping in size, with two double beds and an external balcony that offers a view overlooking the surroundings of The Grand Hotel. However, the ceilings in The Grand Hotel guest rooms are relatively low, which can create a somewhat oppressive feeling. Although The Grand Hotel aims to attract backpackers, the current room rates are still on the higher side.

▲ The Elite Business Room. (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

Additionally, the Elite Deluxe Suite, which targets high-end guests, covers 28 ping and mainly consists of one bedroom, one living room, and one bathroom. It is located at the corner, offering panoramic views all around. The bed is an extra-large double, and the living room includes a desk, TV, sofa, and antique decorations. The overall space is spacious, with new fashionable designs added.

Aside from changes to the hardware facilities in the rooms, the once iconic bronze key of The Grand Hotel has become a thing of the past, with all rooms now using card keys for greater convenience when guests go out. Although The Grand Hotel has made its rooms more stylish to attract younger guests, it still retains some traditional Han cultural elements, aiming to present a new cultural creativity experience to its visitors. Moreover, guests staying in Elite Rooms on floors 7 to 9 can also use the 10th-floor VIP Elite Lounge, which offers not only breakfast but also afternoon tea.

▲ Elite Room guests can use the 10th-floor VIP Elite Lounge. %The design of the lounge gives a strong sense of luxury and exclusivity (Photo / Reporter Li [name unclear], provided by reporter)