Sometimes, the most beautiful arrangement in a trip is to arrange nothing at all. One night at InterContinental Taipei, in a Junior Suite. I love, now and then, staying in a city somewhere in the world with no itinerary at all — simply spending a whole day inside the hotel. Watching the city's own scenery, feeling the hotel's service, enjoying the food and the facilities in the room, letting myself move into a state of being well looked after. No planning, no rushing, no need to hurry to complete anything. Just live well. For this trip, we stayed at the newly opened InterContinental Taipei. Rather than packing time to the brim, I prefer leaving some blank space — a chance to truly feel a place, and to enjoy time with the person I cherish. And this night — from the light in the lobby, to the sunset in the room, to a pot of tea and a tub of hot water — became fragments of life I want to keep.
Frozen Rain in the Lobby, and the City's Aesthetics under the Room's Light
When I arrived at the hotel, the first thing that caught my eye was a striking lamp in the lobby. It reminded me of rain frozen in mid-air — as if time had stopped at a certain moment, light and form suspended in the space, becoming a piece of art worth appreciating slowly.
Lobby, first look: The moment you walk into the lobby, your gaze is held by that frozen rain overhead. Hundreds of slender glowing pieces of uneven length fall densely; threads of light hang quietly — unassuming, yet breathing. The dark stone floor reflects the warm light, and on both sides, large round golden sculptures carry map-like textures, letting the whole space settle into quiet first.
I really like this kind of design. A lamp is not only for lighting a space; it can also become the memory point of a place. In daylight you see the form and lines; when the light falls, another layer appears.
Corridor passage: Walking through the quiet corridor toward the room — black-and-white geometric patterned flooring against beige wall panels and deep bronze elevator doors — my steps slowed down on their own.
Elevator mirror: A keepsake photo in front of the elevator mirror — a white pleated long dress against the warm light, composed and elegant, as if a quiet ceremony were about to begin.
After entering the room, I also especially liked the atmosphere created by the interior lighting. For me, an ideal hotel space doesn't need a lot of decoration; it's about light, materials and furniture finding a comfortable balance. Whether reading in the room, drinking tea, or getting ready to rest after a bath at night, the pace slows naturally. Sometimes, what really makes you miss a hotel is not how splendid it is, but those details that make you want to stay a little longer.
Junior Suite | Letting the Whole City Become the View from the Room
This time we stayed in a Junior Suite. I love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the room; the city's scenery unfolds right before your eyes, so that even without going out, you can feel Taipei's unique rhythm of the city. Especially the stretch from afternoon into evening. As the sunlight slowly changes angle, the city outside changes its expression with it. The bright sky gradually takes on warm tones; then the afterglow of the sunset slowly recedes, and the buildings and streets begin to welcome the night.
Daytime Window Views: Seeing the City Clearly First
By the bed, daytime: The window side is comfortable in the daytime too; sunlight falls by the bed, and you slow down naturally, savouring this moment. White bedding, white pillows, and the warm glow of a pendant of stacked glass spheres in the same frame; outside the window is the pale grey-blue curved lattice roof.
Back to the camera, daytime: Facing away from the camera toward the daytime city — the sunlight is bright, long strips of light drawn across the bed and floor — yet the heart feels unexpectedly quiet and relaxed.
Daylight and shadow: Sunlight slants onto the edge of the bed and the floor; sitting by the window doing nothing is already a kind of rest.
Window view from the foot of the bed: Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window looking out at the city, sunlight spilling over the white bed — at this moment I only want to stay quietly, go nowhere, and feel the present. In the foreground, a table lamp with a dark smoked-glass shade carries a warm ring of light, beside a wooden leaf-shaped card.
A look back by the window: Standing by the window and turning back toward the camera — the city outside bright and open — and the heart brightens with it.
Parting the sheer curtain: Gently parting the curtain to look into the distance, the city and the sunlight enter the room together, leaving the heart especially tender and quiet.
A gentle look back by the window: Standing by the window and turning slightly, sunlight resting on the white bed, the city's rhythm flowing gently behind — unhurried, just right for relaxing.
Blank space by the window: Standing by the window, lightly arranging my hair, gazing at the city in a daze for a while — such blank space is the most precious, worth keeping carefully.
Pointing out the window: Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window looking at the city, the daytime light resting quietly on the bed — a day begins, slowly, just like this.
Bedside light and window view: The bedside pendant glows warm, the city outside is clear — you want to linger here quietly a little longer. On the left, the beaded glass pendant holds a vertical strip of orange light; on both sides, off-white textured sheer curtains.
The mood of sheer curtains: Two layers of sheers let the daylight through; standing by the window looking at the city, the pace slows without noticing.
Sofa, front: Sitting on the curved sofa by the window, looking at the city before me — a smile is the most at-ease expression. Outside the window you can also see Taipei's cultural-creative buildings and an orange sign, with green trees and distant mountains below.
Sofa, side: Sitting sideways on the window sofa, looking out — the city quietly unfolds, and time slows with it.
Sofa, back: Back to the camera, leaning on the sofa and looking out the window — keeping the city before my eyes, and keeping the time quietly for myself.
The big bed, daytime: The white bed made smooth, sunlight drawing long strips across it; the headboard is dark grey upholstery with a pendant of stacked glass spheres; outside the floor-to-ceiling window on the right, the curved roof of a domed building.
One of my favourite travel moments is being able to watch these changes quietly. Not hurrying to take photos, not hurrying to do anything — just sitting by the window, looking at the scenery in front of me.
Dusk: A Set of the Sun Slowly Going Down
Dusk, side: Sitting by the bed watching the sun slowly go down — nothing to rush; the city is gently changing into its night-time appearance. The sky gradients from pale blue to warm orange, the sun hangs low, and the room's warm light crosses with the sunset's afterglow.
Dusk, front: The instant of turning back with a smile, catching the afterglow outside the window just in time — giving this night a little more of a cherished feeling.
Dusk, back: Back to the camera, quietly looking out the window — the sunset resting on the edge of the city; such quiet is itself worth keeping.
Dusk, backlit side: The moment of lightly lifting my hair — outside the window it happens to be dusk, letting the relaxed feeling flow naturally, completely at ease.
If you also like recording life with photos, I truly recommend sparing a little time for the sunset. The light changes quickly in those few minutes, yet it is also the gentlest. Sitting by the window, there's no need to pose deliberately — just keep that moment. Later, when you open the photos again, you'll remember how beautiful that dusk was, and how at ease you were at the time.
It turns out travel doesn't have to go far. Sometimes, simply changing the place you live for a day is enough to make everyday life interesting again. If you also enjoy hotel staycations, I recommend thinking, before you check in, about what you most want to enjoy: the city view, the afternoon sunlight, a comfortable bathtub, or time chatting with family? It will help you choose a room type and a way of staying that suits you better.
One more reminder: the actual view outside the window varies with the room's position, floor and room type configuration. If, like me, you especially love sunsets or city views, you can make a request to the hotel when booking and confirm again before arrival; the actual arrangement still depends on the hotel's availability.
The Room's Other Side: Dressing Room and Storage
The other side of the room is the dressing area and storage space. For me, whether a dressing room is easy to use directly affects the mood of a trip. Clothes hung neatly, a proper place to open the suitcase fully, and a place for each of the cosmetics, skincare and accessories — tidying up and heading out both become easy. Waking up each morning without rummaging, without turning the luggage inside out — this kind of storage design makes you feel carefully looked after.
Sitting in the dressing room: Sitting on a low chair in front of the dark wood wardrobe, tidying things; behind are neatly hung clothes and open shelves — the storage flow is very handy.
Sitting in the dressing room: Tidying luggage in the dressing room — clothes, accessories and travel items all have a place; the space looks generous and orderly.
Dressing room and bed: Looking from the dressing room toward the bed — the storage area and the sleeping area connect smoothly; the room's flow feels natural.
Entry cabinet details: The entry cabinet pairs wood grain with deep blue; on the shelves are a clear vase, cups and tea set pieces — a small space, but full of ritual feeling.
Afternoon Tea Time | A Pot of Hot Tea, Watching the City Slowly Change into Night
In the afternoon, I brewed a pot of tea in the room, and also went to the Club Lounge for afternoon tea. All you need is a tea you like, hot water poured into the cup, and a seat where you can see the view outside the window — and you can have an afternoon that is your own. I love this kind of simple ritual in a hotel. The tea's fragrance slowly unfurls, and the sunlight outside changes colour bit by bit. Now and then look at the view, now and then chat with the person beside you — or do nothing at all, just quietly enjoy everything in front of you.
Brewing tea by the window: Sitting by the window brewing tea — the tea set, cups and kettle arranged neatly, sunlight resting on the tabletop; the afternoon begins, quietly, just like this.
Sipping tea, window view: Holding a cup of tea in my hands, looking at the city outside — tea fragrance and scenery together make this moment especially quiet.
Tea set close-up: Cup, teapot and the tea bag box together, with a small plate of sweets on the table — all the details of afternoon tea time are here.
Welcome gift, from above: Looking down at the round table — on the dark wood-grain top sit an InterContinental welcome card and a box of pineapple cakes with a yellow-and-white pattern (the box reads TAIWANESE PINEAPPLE CAKE and INTERCONTINENTAL TAIPEI), beside a pot of hot tea and two cups; the afternoon mood is complete.
A little preview: this time I also enjoyed afternoon tea and Happy Hour at the lounge — I'll present that properly as its own theme later.
In-Room Coffee and Tea Equipment | A Small Holiday of Your Own, Without Going Out
For me, the coffee and tea equipment in a hotel room is a very practical detail of a stay. InterContinental Taipei's official room information lists a Nespresso capsule coffee machine and a SMEG electric kettle, and also provides coffee and tea brewing equipment. These details let travellers brew a drink they like at their own pace in the room; paired with the view outside the window, it becomes a simple yet complete fragment of a holiday.
Mini bar, as it is: This photo is the equipment itself, exactly as described in the article. On the left, the black Nespresso capsule coffee machine with its N logo; on the right, the mint-green SMEG electric kettle, its body printed with the SMEG lettering and a metal handle; both sit on a dark tray, atop a white marble counter and deep blue cabinetry. The shelf above holds white cups, a teapot and other amenities; the cabinet below is deep blue with bronze handles, and warm shelf lighting sets the whole corner gently aglow. The actual configuration is subject to the day of your stay.
Another kind of coffee: The drip bag coffee in my hand is called The Amber Lane — the brick-red packaging reads The Amber Lane, 琥珀巷 and DRIP BAG COFFEE. A note for readers: this is drip bag coffee, not capsule coffee — please don't confuse the two as the same item. In the drawer in the background are white cups and other amenities.
Wang De Chuan close-up: Neatly arranged in the drawer are tea bags from Taiwan's Wang De Chuan brand — the packaging in quiet paper tones, the brand lettering printed on the tea bags — giving the room's tea time a local flavour.
Dyson Hair Dryer and BYREDO Amenities | Making Getting Ready Part of the Trip
When staying away, I also care about the experience of getting myself ready. If the bathroom has a good hair dryer, amenities that feel pleasant, and a makeup mirror, the process of doing hair and makeup becomes easier and more enjoyable. This stay, we found a Dyson hair dryer and BYREDO amenities in the bathroom — details that made this stay feel more complete.
Dyson and BYREDO close-up: On the left is the Dyson hair dryer — silver-grey body with a copper ring outlet — placed on a dark leather base, its power cord and tag clearly visible; in the middle, a black round makeup mirror and a slender green leaf in a small vase; on the right, a gold-rimmed tray holds two white bottles of BYREDO amenities and small bottles, against a dark stone wall.
Vanity, full view: On the dark stone vanity sit the Dyson hair dryer, BYREDO amenities and the makeup mirror; the mirror reflects the ceiling's light — the whole is composed and quiet.
Bathroom tray details: On the dark stone counter, a gold-rimmed tray holds BYREDO amenities and small bottles, beside a white towel and the black round makeup mirror — the details are complete.
Dark Stone, a Freestanding Tub and a Soft Bed | Giving the Day to Real Rest
For me, the most anticipated moment of the night is a hot bath, changing into soft pyjamas, and letting the whole body slowly relax. The bathroom of the Junior Suite at InterContinental Taipei is designed in dark stone — visually composed and quiet, making you feel, the moment you walk in, that you can rest properly. The freestanding tub is thoughtful too: when soaking, there's no need to worry about splashes, and body and mind can relax properly. When the night lights come on, the room's atmosphere becomes softer still. After the bath, changing into soft pyjamas, lying on the bed chatting with family, or watching a favourite film — that is happiness at its simplest.
The tub, another angle: The freestanding tub from another angle — dark stone walls setting off the marble counter, the tub's edge lines crisp — it makes you want to soak in a tub of hot water properly.
The tub, front: The freestanding tub faces the camera — the white tub contrasts with the dark stone; beside it, a wooden stool and folded towels; the ritual of bathing is complete.
Bathroom, additional details: Another corner of the same dark stone bathroom — a white TOTO washlet toilet, its lid up with instructions inside, a toilet paper holder and a small cloth bag on the left wall, and on the floor a dark brown leather pedal bin. Shown here simply to present the bathroom's full configuration, not as a headline feature.
The big bed at night: The bed made smooth for the night, warm light resting on the white bedding, the city's lights faintly visible outside the window — ready to rest properly.
Bedtime massage comb: A dark brown wooden massage comb on the white bed sheets, still inside its clear packaging, beside a grey instruction card reading "Soothe Your Mind, Comb Away the Day" — a small item for gently combing your hair before sleep and relaxing the mind.
For me, a truly good stay experience is not only about how good the facilities are, but about whether they let you rest properly. The night in the Junior Suite at InterContinental Taipei is exactly such a space. Soft light, a comfortable bed, a quiet bathroom — letting you set down the day's tiredness, sleep well, and welcome a new day.
Placing Yourself Where You Deserve to Be Cared For
Sometimes we place ourselves very far back — always caring for others first, finishing work first, handling things first, and only then think of resting. But actually, placing yourself where you deserve to be cared for is also an important attitude toward life. This stay in the Junior Suite at InterContinental Taipei reminded me once again: resting well is not a waste of time, but how we prepare to walk a longer road. Whether it is time spent with family, or a quiet moment alone, all of it deserves to be cherished. If you, too, would like to give yourself a chance to rest properly, find a hotel you like, stay a night, and let yourself move into a state of being well looked after.
This Stay
Room type | Junior Suite
Dates | 13–14 October 2026
For you, planning a Taipei stay: if, like me, you like treating the hotel as part of the trip, rather than just a place to sleep at night, then when booking you might give priority to: 1. The room's view — whether it has a cityscape you love, natural light, or a sunset outlook. 2. In-room equipment — whether the coffee machine, electric kettle, hair dryer and amenities suit your habits. 3. The room's flow and storage — whether the dressing room, luggage placement and tidying spaces are handy. 4. Bathroom comfort — whether there is a freestanding tub, the quiet brought by the dark stone design, and whether you can truly relax after bathing. Together, these details are the key to whether a trip is comfortable.
Stay location: InterContinental Taipei, Taipei.
