Taipei: Shangri-La Far Eastern (Horizon Club) vs Mandarin Oriental (Virtuoso) for a 2.5 day stopover?

[goldenhorn]

Heading to Taipei in August for a quick 2.5 day stopover and trying to decide between two hotels. Both are booked through a Virtuoso agent so both come with the usual perks (breakfast, $100 USD credit, upgrade subject to availability, early check-in/late checkout).

The options are:

1. Shangri-La Far Eastern, Horizon Club King: TWD 23,216 total for 2 nights (approx AUD $1,041)

2. Mandarin Oriental, Deluxe King: TWD 24,544 total for 2 nights (approx AUD $1,101)

So only about AUD $60 difference.

I'm an Accor Platinum member, so I'm very used to having lounge access when I travel, and it's honestly one of the things I value most about a hotel stay. The Horizon Club at the Shangri-La is appealing for that reason, especially the evening coughtails and canapes, the views of Taipei 101, and having that quiet space to retreat to during the day.

But I've heard the MO is on another level in terms of room quality and service, and the Virtuoso perks do cover breakfast and the $100 credit, which takes the edge off not having a lounge.

Has anyone stayed at both and can compare? Specifically I'd love to know:

• How is the Horizon Club lounge at the Shangri-La these days? Is the food and service quality genuinely good, or is it more of a "nice view, average everything else" situation?
• For those who've stayed at the MO, did you feel like you missed having a lounge, or did the overall experience more than make up for it?
• Any thoughts on location? We'll be doing a mix of sightseeing and relaxing.

At only a $60 difference, it really comes down to the experience rather than the price. Keen to hear from anyone who's been recently.

Thanks in advance!

 

[05flyer]

I think the MO has a bit more character overall, but both are quite nice hotels. MO feels a bit more “holiday”, and the Shangri-La more “business”.

That said, Shangri-La has nice views of Taipei 101. Can’t comment on the quality of the lounge there.

Neither location is in the heart of the action, but taxis/Ubers are affordable so it doesn’t really matter. MO wins in terms metro connectivity, but is still a little walk from the station.

Would probably sooner return to the MO if I had to pick one.

I also stayed at the Grand Hyatt in January. Was nice but not particularly memorable. That said, by total coincidence, it coincided with Alex Honnold’s climb of Taipei 101, so I had a live air-conditioned view from the sofa. Would still pick MO or Shangri-La over it.