The State Banquet Hall of the Grand Hotel undergoes a makeover; once hosted Park Chung-hee and the King of Thailand

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Taipei’s Grand Hotel has recently given its “State Banquet Hall” a fresh new look. Originally serving as the presidential suite, the State Banquet Hall hosted 11 heads of state and deputy heads of state from allied nations between 1963 and 1972. Among them was Park Chung-hee, the father of South Korea’s newly elected 18th President Park Geun-hye, who stayed here during his visit to Taiwan in February 1966. This latest renovation of the State Banquet Hall not only preserves the grandeur of traditional Chinese banquets but also highlights historical and cultural characteristics.

▲ On February 15, 1966, Taipei Mayor Kao Yu-shu (left) presented the city key to former South Korean President Park Chung-hee (right) at the Grand Hotel. (Photo / Provided by Grand Hotel)

▲ The first foreign head of state to stay in the presidential suite of the Grand Hotel was King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, who recently celebrated their 85th birthday on December 5. (Photo / Provided by Grand Hotel)

The “State Banquet Hall” of Taipei’s Grand Hotel was originally the presidential suite. After the main building was completed in 1973 and the new presidential suite officially opened in 1974, all visiting foreign heads of state were accommodated in the new suite, while the old one became a standby suite for hosting multiple foreign dignitaries simultaneously at the hotel. By June 1995, following a fire that damaged the 12th floor of the main building and left it unrepaired, the absence of a formal banquet venue led to the conversion of the old presidential suite into a banquet hall, which was then named the “State Banquet Hall.”

To showcase the new look of the State Banquet Hall, special renovations and fittings were carried out, combining the imagery of dragons, phoenixes, and ruyi (a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune) with modern design concepts to create an atmosphere of prestige, wealth, and prosperity. In addition to the décor, the interior and exterior fittings recreate the grandeur with which former President Chiang Kai-shek once hosted foreign dignitaries. The space is further enriched with valuable calligraphy works by renowned artists Zhang Binghuang from Taiwan and Su Shishu from mainland China, as well as artistic pieces such as the “Hundred Horses Painting” and “Song Dynasty Eighteen Scholars’ Wild Banquet Painting,” highlighting the “cultural” essence and unique character of the State Banquet Hall.

▲ After the renovation, the State Banquet Hall has been divided into two sections: the “Reception Room” and the “Banquet Hall.” (Photo / Provided by Grand Hotel)

Spanning 60 pyeong (approximately 198 square meters), the State Banquet Hall is divided into a “Reception Room” and a “Banquet Hall.” The Reception Room features furniture mostly used by former President Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling. Among these are Soong Mei-ling’s favorite jade-inlaid screen and a vase commemorating the Cairo Declaration. The dragon and phoenix chairs, along with marble chairs, were exclusive seating for Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. The 90-degree backrest design fully reflects Chiang Kai-shek’s “military character.” Additionally, chairs such as the taishi chair and sofa sets were part of the original presidential suite and were once used by numerous visiting heads of state. The historical photos adorning the walls offer a nostalgic glimpse into those times.

▲ The main dishes in the Banquet Hall are personally prepared by imperial chef Liu Shaowen. (Photo / Provided by Grand Hotel)

The Banquet Hall, which can accommodate 30 guests, has been completely redesigned—from the carpet, dining tables, chairs, and tableware to the menu and recipes. The addition of electronic screen equipment makes the State Banquet Hall even more versatile. The dishes, personally prepared by imperial chef Liu Shaowen, feature Cantonese classic culinary techniques, offering a variety of top-tier banquets such as the Imperial Feast, Golden Goblet Banquet, and Royal Seal Banquet. While enjoying the gourmet cuisine, guests can also enjoy live performances of traditional Chinese music, with detailed introductions to each dish. Don’t miss the view outside the hotel— the expansive Keelung River and landmarks of Taipei’s eastern district, including Taipei 101 and Songshan Airport, are all within sight.