Planning First trip to Taiwan

[superchris]

I am in the early stages of planning my first Taiwanese trip.
Any particular airline/hotel deals or routes I should be considering?
Have QFF Plat until 31/12/2011 and SPG Plat until 28/02/2012 (both renewed in early 2010)

Any other Taiwanese trip tips appreciated.

 

[markis10]

The options coming home are quite good with CX, J for around $2500 return, so maybe a one way is on the cards going over or a JASA. Not a big fan of the codeshare so I would take CX as an alternative.

In terms of SPG properties, the Westin leaves the Lai Lai (Sheraton Taipei) for dead although the Le Meridian may be of interest given it opens Oct 1, and is co located with the W opening at the end of the year.

Enjoy the food, and be adventurous, you will be rewarded. You may wish to try the Mongolian BBQ opposite the Westin, it was the first one to be opened and while its not fine dining, its cheap and tasty if you ignore the odd buffet offerings and concentrate on the BBQ.

http://eatbma.blogspot.com/2007/10/genghis-khan-restaurant-taipei.html

 

[samh004]

If you need to re-qualify for WP while you’re over there, there have been some deals flying from TPE with CX that would be of great help, though not sure if they’re still around, or the exact specifics.

 

[superchris]

The options coming home are quite good with CX, J for around $2500 return, so maybe a one way is on the cards going over or a JASA. Not a big fan of the codeshare so I would take CX as an alternative.

In terms of SPG properties, the Westin leaves the Lai Lai (Sheraton Taipei) for dead although the Le Meridian may be of interest given it opens Oct 1, and is co located with the W opening at the end of the year.

Enjoy the food, and be adventurous, you will be rewarded. You may wish to try the Mongolian BBQ opposite the Westin, it was the first one to be opened and while its not fine dining, its cheap and tasty if you ignore the odd buffet offerings and concentrate on the BBQ.

The Travelling Hungryboy: Genghis Khan Restaurant, Taipei

Thanks Markis.
Where are you seeing such low J fares?
I am getting much higher are these in a special fare bucket?
Thanks

 

[markis10]

Thanks Markis.
Where are you seeing such low J fares?
I am getting much higher are these in a special fare bucket?
Thanks

CX and QF have been offering J return fares to TPE since 1996 for around the $2K mark, when QF withdrew services it left the good fares to ex TPE only, and there are some rules:

1. Validity is 6 months - so the "Business Standard" fare sometimes only becomes visible under 6 months from travel although at present I can see them as far ahead as May next year, you need to select Taiwan as your home page on CX.
2. Its not available on all flights but most qualify and stopvers in HKG are not possible, sub 24 hr transits are
3. If you cannot get back in under 6 months you can cancel and refund the return leg less a penalty.

 

[markh]

We just booked TPE-HKG-CNS return recently with no stop in HK and then phoned the e-service telephone number in Hong Kong and was able to delay the HKG-CNS flight so we had 4 days in Hong Kong and all that we would have to pay was an additional HK$120 departure tax at the airport because of the stop.

 

[burrco]

Taiwan appears to be growing in popularity as a travel destination. I'm heading over to Taipei in November planning to stay at the Westin - but will likely try the Le Meridian if it's up and running.

 

[markis10]

Taiwan appears to be growing in popularity as a travel destination. I'm heading over to Taipei in November planning to stay at the Westin - but will likely try the Le Meridian if it's up and running.

The Taiwanese are finally understanding the value of marketing their country, places like Yingge, Tainan, East Rift Valley, Lanyu & the Penghu archipelago really are amazing! For a bit of fun have a look at the hotels map of Taipei streets in English, go for a walk and see how many match the English translations on the street posts.

November is a good time to go climate wise, and enjoy the Westin Breakfast, its still the best hotel breakfast I have ever had, hope it has not changed in three years!

 

[munitalP]

I love Taiwan, in fact there's not too many Asian cities I don't love, but the fusion of Chinese and Japanese make Taiwan a wonderful travel destination.

Here's a trip report I done last year...

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports-and-trip-photos/taiwan-a-wonderful-experience-13994.html

munitalP

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

I had a great week in taiwan a few months ago.

I suppose my budget was lower than yours, but was quite amazed at how cheap it was - comparable to thailand i think.

English is not widely spoken, but the locals are friendly and go out of their way to help.

I really want to get back n see more of the country.