S Hotel Taipei

When it comes to grand romantic gestures, it’s hard to top creating a new hotel and then dedicating it to your wife. But any husband knows that the hotel in question better be worthy of her—especially when your wife is the famous singer/actress Barbie Hsu. That’s why Wang Xiaofei called in French design superstar Philippe Starck to craft S Hotel, which Xiaofei also named after Hsu, nicknamed ‘The Big S’. Set in the arty Songshan district of Taipei and featuring such Starck hallmarks as exposed concrete in the lobby and a restaurant popping with color—as exemplified by the painted ceiling and carpet by artist Kristy Cha-Ray Chu—the 103-room property is a singular mix of contemporary style, local art, and aboriginal crafts. The interiors are filled with eclectic collections of retro and Starck-designed pieces and furnishings. S Restaurant &amp; Bar, meanwhile, is what you’d expect from Xiaofei, a man who made his name in hospitality running one of China’s famous fine dining groups, Qiao Jiangnan. Here, in keeping with the theme of love, diners enjoy seasonal gastronomic experiences that bring together the freshest local produce and refined French cooking techniques that are presented at the S Restaurant &amp; Bar, the Whiskey Bar, S Deli, and in-room dining. A place of elegance, poetry, and humor, S Hotel is sure to win over the hearts of both guests and locals alike.</p>

Location

Located in the heart of Taipei on Dunhua North Road, the hotel is just a short stroll from the Taipei Arena, which plays host to art and cultural activities, as well as down the road from one of Taipei’s popular shopping malls, the Breeze Center, a favorite among locals. Be sure to gorge on delicious street food at the famous night markets, from the decades-old Ningxia and the expansive Shilin market, to the local favorite Raohe Street Tourist market.

Room & Suites

The 103 rooms and suites range from 24 to 140 square meters, and all offer a king-size bed and city views. The top-floor S Classic and S Premier suites—at up to 56 and 140 square meters, respectively—both include a living room, while the latter comprises two bedrooms and dining and entertainment areas.

Highlights

Wang Xiaofei’s special gift to his wife Barbie Hsu, S Hotel is a tribute to love and happiness, and references to this “pearl” of a gift can be seen throughout the hotel, including an oversized strand of pearls on the façade as well as necklaces accenting wall light sconces.&nbsp;The S Hotel creates an atmosphere of love and joy for guests, with a unique mix of contemporary style, local art, and aboriginal crafts. Swirling staircases, two-story bookshelves, fireplaces with stacked logs, and eclectic collections of retro and Philippe Starck-designed pieces and furnishings are incorporated throughout the hotel.