Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Stylish Boutique Hotel

Are you looking for a Kimpton Da An review to see if this boutique hotel is worth the hype?

Are you heading to Taipei and want a stylish base in one of the city’s most lively neighbourhoods?

Read on!

I’m Mel, a travel blogger from London, and I recently spent a weekend in Taipei at Kimpton Da An Hotel with my partner and friends. I’ve explored Taiwan from north to south, staying in everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and I can confidently say this is my top pick for a boutique hotel in Taipei.

The combination of thoughtful design, brilliant location in Da’an district, one of Taipei’s trendiest neighbourhoods, and good food this one of the best hotels in Taipei. At Kimpton Da An, I had my very first bite of Taiwanese fried chicken at their snack bar and got to see Taipei 101 sparkle from the rooftop bar (The Tavernist) – all in our first night there. So let’s get into the review.

Book Kimpton Da An on Booking.com → | Check Agoda prices →

Full disclosure: Kimpton Da An kindly hosted our stay, but as always, all opinions are entirely my own. I’m sharing the honest good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.

Kimpton Da An Review: Should You Book It? (TL;DR)

Short on time? Here’s the bottom line: For an understated luxury stay, Kimpton Da An Hotel is my top recommendation for a boutique hotel in Taipei. It belongs to the IHG collection, but it’s a design-led boutique hotel that feels intimate, thoughtful, and very “Taipei cool.” Rooms are warm and modern, the service is genuinely friendly, and the location in Da’an district is perfect for slow exploration.

Why I love it:

• Walkable to independent cafés, galleries, and boutiques
• Calm, residential feel whilst still being central
• Stylish without trying too hard
• Free social hour with wine, beer, and Taiwanese fried chicken
• Stunning rooftop views of Taipei 101
• Ideal if you value aesthetics and comfort equally

Current rates start from around £150-200 per night!

Check latest & avaiability on Booking.com→ | Compare prices on Agoda →

Kimpton Da An Review: Design & Vibe

Walking into Kimpton Da An, you immediately get that this isn’t your standard chain hotel trying to look boutique. The design feels genuinely considered – mid-century modern influences mixed with subtle nods to Taiwanese craft and culture.

My partner is a designer, and I’m a creative, so we’re both fairly obsessed with interiors and architecture. We appreciate things like good lighting, thoughtful layout, the quality of finishes. When we stayed at Kimpton Da An, we loved the clean lines and clever use of space in our room.

My travel preference in big cities is also to stay in neighbourhoods with good coffee shops that feel properly local rather than touristy. Da’an district ticked every box!

Design-wise, I was won over by the clean lines throughout Kimpton Da An. No clutter, no fussy details, just well-executed minimalism that still feels warm rather than cold. The lobby has an effortless cool that somehow doesn’t feel intimidating or overly trendy.

In the communal areas, there were many thoughtful touches: locally-made ceramics, the carefully curated artwork, the plants dotted throughout that soften all those clean lines. It’s the kind of lobby where you’re happy to linger with a book or crack the laptop out since the vibe is so chill.

Book your stay at Kimpton Da An → | Browse Taipei city tours and experiences →

Kimpton Da An Review: Balcony Room

Kimpton Da An Review: Balcony Room Layout & Design

Our room was exactly what I want from a boutique hotel. The space felt generous without being cavernous, and every piece of furniture had purpose.

The king bed was comfortable (crucial after long days doing 20K+ steps in Taipei), and the bedding was that perfect weight where you feel cocooned but not overheated. My partner kept going on about the proportions of the room – apparently everything was positioned exactly where it should be.

Storage was plentiful, with a proper wardrobe rather than those awkward rail situations you sometimes get. There was a work desk by the window, and the balcony had a local view of the surrounding rooftops and roads.

Kimpton Da An Review: Bathroom

The bathroom continued the minimalist theme with beautiful tiles, a rainfall shower, and Atelier Bloem toiletries that I may have used liberally (and perhaps taken a few bottles home – they’re complimentary, so no judgement).

Hot water was instant and powerful. The lighting was spot-on – bright enough for makeup but not harsh. Another small win: proper hooks and surfaces to put your things, rather than trying to balance everything on a tiny ledge.

Kimpton Da An Review: Breakfast, Food & Restaurant

Breakfast at The Tavernist

Right, let me be honest about breakfast, because this is where my Kimpton Da An review gets interesting.

The Taiwanese breakfast was absolutely incredible. We’re talking proper congee, dan bing (Taiwanese egg crepes), soy milk, pickled vegetables, and all those savoury breakfast things that just make sense when you’re in Taiwan. This alone made getting up worth it.

The Western options? Less inspiring. My avocado on toast was firmly in the “fine but forgettable” category – the kind of thing you’d get at a mediocre brunch spot in London. If you’re staying at Kimpton Da An, do yourself a favour and go full Taiwanese breakfast. That’s where the kitchen really shines.

Breakfast is served in their ground-floor restaurant, which has a lovely courtyard feel with plenty of natural light. The vibe is relaxed, service is friendly, and there’s no awkward hovering.

💡 Pro tip: Book a room rate that includes breakfast – it’s easier than paying separately, and you’ll save around 10-15% overall. Check room rates with breakfast included → Booking.com | Agoda

Daily Social Hour & Snack Bar

Here’s one of my favourite things about Kimpton properties: the nightly social hour. Every evening from 5-6pm, guests gather for complimentary beer, wine, and snacks. At Kimpton Da An, the snacks included Taiwanese fried chicken – crispy, perfectly seasoned, and moreish. After that we’d head up to the rooftop terrace, grab a beer, and watch the city light up as the sun set.

The views of Taipei 101 from up there are gorgeous. It’s the 11th-tallest building in the world, and seeing it glisten in the evening light whilst sipping free wine felt like a proper moment. The social hour also had a lovely communal vibe. If you’re travelling solo or want to meet people, this is gold. If you’re with your partner or friends and want to decompress after a day of exploring, it’s equally perfect.

Want to go up Taipei 101? Book observatory tickets in advance to skip queues →

Kimpton Da An Review: Amenities & Ambience

• Fitness & Wellness: There’s a small but well-equipped gym if you’re the type to maintain routines whilst travelling (I am not, but I admired it whilst walking past).
• Service & Staff: The staff were brilliant – warm, genuinely helpful, and never hovering. They gave great restaurant recommendations and helped arrange a few bits for us without any fuss. Kimpton’s “forgot something?” policy is also a lifesaver. Phone charger? They’ve got spares. Hair straighteners? Sorted. It takes the stress out of travel.
• The Overall Atmosphere: The whole property has this relaxed, creative energy. It attracts a design-conscious crowd – we saw lots of young professionals, couples on romantic breaks, and creative types working from the lobby with their laptops. It never felt too quiet or too loud. Just that sweet spot where you can have a conversation without raising your voice, but there’s enough buzz that it feels alive.

Kimpton Da An Review: Location & To-Dos

The Neighbourhood Vibe

This is genuinely why Kimpton Da An is my top pick for boutique accommodation in Taipei. The hotel could be lovely anywhere, but being in Da’an district elevates it completely.

Da’an is Taipei’s Eastern District – a shopping and cultural haven where winding alleyways throng with independent boutiques, speciality coffee shops, craft stores, and restaurants that feel properly local. It’s got that perfect balance of convenient and authentic.

Within a 10-minute walk, you’ve got vintage clothing shops, matcha cafés with queues out the door, tiny bookshops, and some of the best beef noodle soup in the city. This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood my audience loves – slow travel, discovering hidden gems, feeling like you’re experiencing real Taipei rather than tourist Taipei.

Read my full Best Things To Do In Taipei guide →

Getting Around from Kimpton Da An

The nearest MRT station is just a 5-minute walk, connecting you easily to the rest of Taipei. We used it to get to Ximending, the night markets, and further afield. That said, we found ourselves walking more than using public transport because the neighbourhood itself is so easy to explore. There’s always another alley to wander down, another café to try.

🚗 Need an airport transfer? Book a private car from Taoyuan Airport →

Things to Do Near Kimpton Da An Hotel Taipei

• Da’an Forest Park: Taipei’s green lung, perfect for morning runs or afternoon reading
• Yongkang Street: Famous food street with Din Tai Fung’s original location
• Independent boutiques: I found some gorgeous ceramics and vintage pieces within walking distance
• Coffee culture: Seriously good speciality coffee everywhere you look
• Night markets: Nearby options for when you want that authentic Taiwanese night market experience

Join a Taipei food tour to discover the best local spots →

Kimpton Da An Review: Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Kimpton Da An have a pool? No, there’s no pool at Kimpton Da An. However, the rooftop terrace and social hour area provide lovely outdoor spaces.
• Is breakfast included at Kimpton Da An? It depends on your room rate. Some packages include breakfast, others don’t. I’d recommend booking with breakfast included – the Taiwanese options are excellent.
• How far is Kimpton Da An from Taipei 101? About 2km – roughly 25 minutes walking or 10 minutes by taxi/MRT.
• Is Kimpton Da An good for families? It’s more geared towards couples and solo travellers. Families might prefer hotels with more facilities and connecting rooms.
• Does Kimpton Da An have airport shuttle service? No, but they can help arrange private transfers. The Airport MRT is easy and affordable though.
• Can I store luggage at Kimpton Da An before check-in? Yes, they offer complimentary luggage storage before check-in and after checkout.

Book with free cancellation →

Kimpton Da An Review: Who Is This Hotel For?

This hotel is ideal if you:

• Appreciate good design and thoughtful interiors
• Want to stay in a neighbourhood that feels authentically Taipei
• Value experiences over luxury for luxury’s sake
• Enjoy socialising with other travellers (but can equally enjoy your privacy)
• Prioritise location and vibe over size and facilities

Who it might not suit:

• Families needing connecting rooms or kids’ facilities
• Anyone wanting a large pool or extensive spa
• Travellers who prefer more traditional luxury hotels
• Those who need to be right in the tourist centre (though honestly, the MRT makes everywhere accessible)

Ideal Length of Stay

I’d recommend 2-4 nights at Kimpton Da An. It’s perfect as your Taipei base whilst exploring the city, but you’ll probably want to venture further afield in Taiwan eventually. Long enough to enjoy the neighbourhood, use the social hour a few times, and feel settled. See my complete Taipei Weekend itinerary →

Best Season to Visit

Taipei is great year-round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather. Summer can be hot and humid, though the hotel’s air conditioning handles it perfectly. | 💰 Money-saving tip: Avoid Chinese New Year (late January/early February) when prices spike and the city gets crowded.

How to Get to Kimpton Da An from Taipei Airport

From Taoyuan International Airport:

• Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (35 minutes)
• Transfer to the Red Line towards Xiangshan
• Get off at Daan Station (about 5 stops)
• The hotel is a 5-minute walk

Alternatively, a taxi from the airport takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs around £30-40.

Book a private airport transfer in advance → | Get an unlimited Taipei MRT pass →

Kimpton Da An Review: Is This Boutique Hotel Worth It?

What’s brilliant:

• The location in Da’an district is unbeatable for experiencing authentic Taipei
• Design and attention to detail throughout
• Social hour adds real value and creates community
• Taiwanese breakfast is outstanding
• Rooftop views of Taipei 101
• Service feels personal rather than corporate

What could be better:

• Western breakfast options are fairly average
• Rooms, whilst lovely, are on the smaller side compared to other hotels in this price bracket
• No pool (though this is common for Taipei city hotels)

For me and my partner, we’d absolutely stay again. It was the perfect base for a weekend in Taipei – comfortable enough to relax properly, but located somewhere we actually wanted to spend time exploring. | Check current availability and prices →

Money-Saving Tips for Kimpton Da An

1. Book direct for perks: Kimpton’s website often has the same rates as booking sites, plus you get free wifi upgrades and welcome drinks
2. Join IHG Rewards: Free to join and you’ll earn points for future stays across IHG properties
3. Travel midweek: Weekend rates are typically 20-30% higher
4. Look for packages: Room + breakfast deals often work out cheaper than booking separately
5. Use the social hour: Free drinks and snacks from 5-6pm can offset your evening budget

Best Hotels To Stay In Taipei

If Kimpton Da An is fully booked or outside your budget, check out similar top-rated hotels in Taipei:

• Best for couples ❤️ | Kimpton Da An Hotel | A cozy, intimate boutique hotel with just 28 rooms, perfect for a stylish city escape.
• Best for city explorers 🏙️ | Eastin Taipei Hotel | A peaceful hotel in Taipei’s cultural heart: great views, great food and great shops all nearby.
• Best for VIP treatment 🕶️ |Mandarin Oriental, Taipei | Centrally located near top attractions, this hotel offers celebrity treatment for a high-end city break.
• Best for luxury ✨ | Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei Hotel | This 5-star hotel features elegant Chinese-inspired rooms, a serene spa, a rooftop pool, and indulgent amenities.
• Best for groups 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | chez nous Hotel 司旅 | Spacious rooms with fun activities like cooking classes and bike tours, perfect for family or friends.
• Best for relaxation 🛀 | Les Suites Hotel Taipei Qingcheng | Elegant rooms in a peaceful location with a spa, pool, and relaxing vibes for holiday bliss.
• Best for foodies 🍴 | Hamp Court Palace Taipei | Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and café, this hotel is a dream for dining enthusiasts.

Kimpton Da An Review: Would I Recommend It?

Would I recommend Kimpton Da An? Absolutely!

It’s my top pick for a boutique hotel in Taipei precisely because it gets the important things right: location, design, and creating spaces where guests actually want to spend time.

It’s not trying to be the biggest or flashiest hotel in the city. Instead, it’s carved out this lovely niche as a design-conscious base in one of Taipei’s best neighbourhoods. For travellers who care about experiencing authentic Taipei – the independent shops, the coffee culture, the local restaurants – rather than ticking off tourist sites, it’s perfect.

We loved our stay and would book again without hesitation. The combination of Kimpton’s consistent quality, Da’an district’s incredible vibe, and those thoughtful touches throughout made it memorable for the right reasons.

If you’re planning a trip to Taipei and want somewhere that feels special without being pretentious, Kimpton Da An should be top of your list.

Book Kimpton Da An now on Booking.com → | Check Agoda prices →

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