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Tainan, often regarded as Taiwan’s cultural capital, offers a fascinating mix of history, heritage, and modernity. As the island’s oldest city, Tainan carries the distinct marks of Dutch colonization, the Qing dynasty, and Japanese rule, creating a unique tapestry of cultures to explore. Just 1.5 hours by High-Speed Rail from Taipei, Tainan is a perfect destination for those keen to immerse themselves in its rich history. And for families looking for a comfortable, family-friendly hotel in the heart of the city, Silks Place Tainan is an excellent choice.

Read more: [TAIWAN Hotel Review] Hotel Stay Experience at Silks Place Tainan | Taiwan

As far as I can remember, this was my first visit to Tainan, and I had the pleasure of staying at Silks Place Tainan. Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is a captivating blend of rich history and modern charm. Founded in the 1600s during the Dutch colonization era, it was once the capital of Taiwan and continues to carry the title of the island’s cultural capital. With over 400 years of heritage, Tainan offers a fascinating mix of colonial Dutch, Qing dynasty, and Japanese influences, all woven into the fabric of the city.

A mere 1.5-hour ride from Taipei via the High-Speed Rail makes Tainan an easy escape for travelers seeking to explore the past while enjoying the convenience of modern-day amenities.

TIPS: You can always pre-purchase your train ticket here.

Location

The hotel is conveniently located in the city center. The location is an ideal base for both sightseeing and unwinding. It’s positioned close to a major department store and just a 15-minute drive from the airport, making it easy to access transportation and shopping.

The Stay

Silks Place Tainan boasts 255 well-appointed rooms, making it an ideal choice for families with its spacious accommodations and a variety of amenities for both adults and children. The rooms are offered in Regular and Silks Floors, with the latter providing access to the exclusive Silks Lounge.

For families, the Junior Family Suite stands out with its generous 52.9 sqm layout, featuring a King-sized bed, a tatami-inspired sitting area, and modern amenities such as a virtual concierge (Aiello Spot), smart TVs, and a minibar stocked with complimentary water and coffee. I had the pleasure of staying in this suite during my recent visit.

The suite’s design beautifully blends contemporary style with Japanese-inspired touches. The living area includes a large sitting space and a walk-in wardrobe, while the bedroom is separated by a sliding Japanese partition, offering a sense of privacy and tranquility.

The complimentary sparkling tea and winter melon tea ale, crafted in collaboration with local partners, were wonderfully refreshing. I love their sparkling tea!

In addition to the usual toiletries, I appreciated the thoughtful touches at Silks Place Tainan, such as the inclusion of complimentary face masks.

A Family-Friendly Hotel

At Silks Place Tainan, there’s no shortage of amenities for both adults and kids. The Kids Club is a haven for younger guests, offering games, PS4 consoles, and a variety of activities to keep them entertained. Adults can unwind at the fitness center, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply relax in the lounge areas.

Hotel Facilities

Rooftop Infinity Pool
The temperature-controlled rooftop infinity pool offers stunning views of the city. During my visit around 5pm, it was a popular spot, with guests lounging by the pool and children enjoying the water. With cozy seating areas and even a fireplace nearby, I can easily imagine this as an ideal venue for a poolside gathering or event.

Gym
The gym at Silks Place Tainan is well-equipped, offering a good selection of free weights and cardio machines, including treadmills and bikes, making it a great spot to stay active during your stay.

Dining Experiences

Silks Place Tainan offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every taste. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Robin’s Grill, where a buffet featuring both Western and local specialties, including the renowned Tainan Beef Soup, awaits. Alternatively, hotel guests can enjoy a more traditional breakfast experience on the ballroom’s Level 2..

For dinner, we had the pleasure of dining at Silks House, where a team of expert chefs masterfully prepares exquisite Cantonese and Taiwanese fine-dining dishes that are sure to delight any connoisseur. The menu features a curated selection of Cantonese signature dishes, Hong Kong-style dim sum, and beloved Taiwanese classics, offering guests a top-tier dining experience. It truly was a feast for the senses.

T-Bar, located adjacent to the hotel reception, is an artisanal café offering specialty coffee along with a selection of organic Chinese and British teas. During our stay, we also had the unique experience of a perfume-making session, where the fragrance was infused with the rich scent of coffee.

During our visit, we also stopped by the Glass House bar, located beside the pool. The bar offers a playful and interactive drinking experience, featuring a 108-shot tower and a roulette-style game with shots inspired by the 36 Stratagems, a classic Chinese strategy text.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond the comforts of Silks Place Tainan, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences that beautifully blend tradition and modernity. Just next door, you’ll find Shinkong Mitsukoshi, a popular department store for those looking to indulge in some shopping. For an authentic taste of local culture, a visit to Yongle Market is a must—here, you can savor traditional Tainan street food like pig tongue dumplings.

Tainan is also famed for its vibrant night markets, and Dadong Night Market is the perfect place to sample delicious street food, enjoy games, and soak in the lively atmosphere. To delve deeper into the city’s past, don’t miss the Old Tainan Magistrate Residence, a historical gem that now houses exhibitions, a charming café, and a boutique store. Tainan, with its unique blend of cultural attractions, delectable food, and historical sites, offers something for every traveler.

In conclusion, Tainan effortlessly weaves together the charm of its history, rich culture, and modern conveniences. Silks Place Tainan is the ideal base for exploring this fascinating city, offering luxurious accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and a central location that makes discovering Tainan’s hidden gems a breeze. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to experience more, a stay at Silks Place Tainan guarantees a memorable and enriching getaway.

Address: Silks Place Tainan
No. 1 Heyi Rd, West Central District,
Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Website: https://tainan.silksplace.com/en/index

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It’s been almost a decade since my last visit to Yilan, and I’m thrilled to be back, even if it’s just for a short one-night trip. This time, I had the pleasure of staying at Silks Place Yilan, a charming family-friendly retreat nestled in the heart of Yilan. Known for its exceptional hospitality, well-curated amenities, and engaging activities, the hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for both parents and kids.

Read more: [TAIWAN Hotel Review] Silks Place Yilan – A Kid-Friendly Retreat in Taiwan

The Location

Situated within the Luna Plaza shopping complex, Silks Place Yilan boasts a prime location with convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering large beds and inviting interiors that ensure a restful stay. Each room comes equipped with child-friendly amenities, ensuring young guests are as well-cared-for as their parents. Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to key attractions in Yilan makes it an excellent base for exploring the area.

The Stay

During my stay at Silks Place Yilan, which boasts 193 well-appointed guestrooms with 15 different suite and room layouts designed for maximum comfort and space, I stayed in the Superior Room with a balcony overlooking the swimming pool and cityscape. The modern and stylish room design reflects local artistic influences, embracing the concept of “a hotel within a hotel.”

The spacious room features an open-concept bathtub, complete amenities including a Dyson hairdryer, and thoughtful welcome gifts such as Yilan’s specialty tea bags, stickers and local snacks.

While I appreciated the overall comfort, I found the bed too soft for my preference, though my friend enjoyed it. Personally, I prefer firmer beds like the ones at Regent Taipei. The room also includes charming stickers and high-quality slippers designed for families, which guests can bring home as keepsakes.

Hotel Facilities

Silks Place Yilan offers an array of luxurious facilities to elevate the guest experience. Highlights include a rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi with breathtaking city views, a modern fitness center, and a rejuvenating spa blending Eastern and Western wellness therapies.

Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s play area filled with interactive activities, while the on-site movie theater provides a unique entertainment option. Guests can check the day’s movie schedule and pre-book tickets at the reception. Once collected, they can conveniently access the cinema directly via the hotel’s lift.

A Wonderland for Kids

Silks Place Yilan is a haven for families, offering a dedicated Kids’ Play Area and Children’s Pool to keep young guests happily entertained for hours. The Silks Kid’s Club provides a variety of interactive activities, including workshops, arts and crafts, and storytelling sessions that inspire creativity and imagination. Families can also enjoy outdoor bonding activities like cycling or relaxing in the hotel’s lush gardens. It’s the ultimate destination for families with children—a one-stop hub of fun and entertainment to keep the little ones engaged throughout the holiday.

Dining Experience

Dining at Silks Place Yilan is a culinary journey that delights the senses. The on-site restaurants offer a diverse selection of cuisines, from authentic Taiwanese dishes to international flavors, ensuring something for every palate. For younger guests, specially curated kids’ menus provide tasty and nutritious options.

One of the hotel’s highlights is Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant, renowned for its signature Cherry Roasted Duck. During our stay, we had the pleasure of indulging in their exquisite ten-course menu, featuring various ways to savor the roast duck—a true feast for duck lovers. Due to its popularity, the restaurant is often fully booked, with reservations required months in advance. If you’re planning to try this iconic dish, be sure to secure your reservation well ahead of time, as walk-ins are rarely accommodated.

Exclusive Perks for Families

One standout feature is the Family Package, which includes perks like access to the children’s play areas, complimentary meals for kids, and special discounts on workshops and activities. This thoughtful approach enhances the experience, making Silks Place Yilan a standout among family-friendly hotels in Taiwan.

Another memorable activity is the opportunity to create personalized postcards and send them to friends or family back home, offering a thoughtful way to commemorate your stay at the hotel.

Things to Do Around Yilan

While the hotel is a destination, its location in Yilan makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Visit the Yilan Dongshan River Water Park, marvel at the Jimmy Plaza art installations, or enjoy a day at the National Center for Traditional Arts. These experiences offer a deeper connection to Taiwanese culture and nature. You can read more about the places to visit in Yilan from my previous post.

Silks Place Yilan strikes a perfect balance between elegance and family fun. Its well-thought-out amenities and activities cater to every member of the family, ensuring a memorable stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, this hotel promises an experience where luxury meets family warmth.

Address: Silks Place Yilan
蘭城晶英酒店
No. 36, Section 2, Minquan Rd, Yilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan 260
Website: http://www.silksplace-yilan.com.tw/

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