First Look Inside the Rooms of Taiwan’s First “Mini W Hotel”! Packed with Metallic Tech Vibes

▲ Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Reported from Taipei

The “Taipei Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel” is situated in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, just a 10-minute drive from Songshan Airport and about a 2-minute walk from the nearest Zhongshan Elementary School MRT station. The surrounding area is the famous Qingshui Commercial District. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, the hotel began its trial operation. As a sister brand to W Hotels, it’s dubbed the “mini W,” and it’s also the first hotel of this brand in Taiwan.

▲ Facade of the Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

The Taipei Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel was designed by design genius Li Tianduo. Liu Xiaowei, the PR manager of ALOFT Hotels, said: “The design of the hotel is inspired by ‘mountains and water,’ striking a balance between technology and natural landscapes.” The exterior color scheme and shape carry both a tech and cultural vibe. The storefront features gray-black transparent glass to add a sense of fashion and natural humanism, while the interior is complemented by vibrant and lively patterns. The overall design is calm yet dynamic, making it hard for passersby not to take a second look.

▲ Entrance Welcome Area (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

Liu Xiaowei said that the bar counter and the lightbox patterns at the entrance currently feature a pop art style, but these lightboxes actually change every season, each time showcasing a different style that always surprises guests. Each guest room features different pieces of artwork, all created by up-and-coming Taiwanese artists such as Chen Xingzhong, Qiu Naihui, and Bai Youwo. These artworks also come with QR codes, allowing interested guests to link to the artwork’s webpage for more information or to make a purchase.

▲ First-Floor Welcome Area (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

Liu Xiaowei stated that the hotel has a total of 88 uniquely designed rooms. What sets ALOFT apart from W Hotels is its emphasis on the combination of technology and music, using cutting-edge and innovative technology to create simpler usage methods, enabling guests to check in and stay smartly and effortlessly.

▲ The guest room corridor exudes a metallic tech vibe. Liu Xiaowei says this is called aluminum gold hot-rolled panel. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

Just how tech-savvy is it? The Taipei Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel mainly excels in three major tech features. For instance, each room is equipped with a Bluetooth door lock system, allowing you to unlock your room using the SPG® app on your smartphone. However, Liu Xiaowei mentioned that according to Taiwanese regulations, guests still need to register at the front desk before they can use their phones to unlock the door. In overseas ALOFT locations, however, no registration is required—you can unlock your room directly with your phone.

▲ Twin Room (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Spacious Twin Room (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Single Room (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ The bed in the single room is king size, and each room comes with a pillow featuring both male and female designs. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the outside, while the TV and desk are integrated into one. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Bluetooth sound equipment lets you enjoy music by simply connecting to a computer, tablet, or mobile device. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ The takeaway cup on the desk can hold self-brewed coffee, so you can take your coffee with you. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

In the single room, you’ll find that even the area next to the toilet is a scenic window, offering a soothing view when nature calls. The bathroom is equipped with a rain shower, and Liu Xiaowei said such setups are convenient for international guests—reportedly, foreigners really love this type of shower fixture.

▲ Sensor-operated toilet and bathroom fixtures. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

ALOFT also has a truly impressive robot named Botlr. Botlr is the world’s first robot butler. Additionally, there’s a mobile app-based in-room dining service. Liu Xiaowei said ALOFT simplifies all technology, making it easy to enjoy life. Botlr is currently on a tour and is expected to come to Taiwan in 2016 to serve guests.

▲ Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

The ALOFT Hotel also houses the signature “W XYZSM Bar” on its top floor. The ambiance becomes more vibrant as the night deepens, offering a spacious area and a drink menu with over a hundred options. Liu Xiaowei said the bar space is multipurpose, functioning in various ways. During the day, it can be used for dining, and after around 5 or 6 PM, it transforms into a colorful bar. It also features large floor-to-ceiling windows where guests can watch planes take off and land right on schedule. Liu Xiaowei added that such a view amazes guests and even makes employees enjoy counting planes—it’s quite a mesmerizing activity.

▲ Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

Currently, the Taipei ALOFT Hotel is busily preparing for its trial operation on the night of the 24th. Liu Xiaowei said the second ALOFT location is also in the works, with plans to invest in Beitou in 2016. Unlike the typical hot spring route, this one will focus on technology, bringing the impact of technology and music to Beitou.

▲ Zhongshan ALOFT Hotel (Video / Reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Single Room at Aloft Taipei Zhongshan (Photo by reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Twin Room at Aloft Taipei Zhongshan (Photo by reporter Yan Xintong)

▲ Directions to Aloft Taipei Zhongshan (Photo by reporter Yan Xintong)

Aloft Taipei Zhongshan 台北中山雅乐轩酒店  
Address: No. 22-1, Shuangcheng St., Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 77439999.