Where to Stay in Taichung: Le Méridien Taichung Review

This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for qualifying purchases. For more information, read our disclaimer.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Taichung, location matters more than you might expect. Unlike Taipei, the city has just one MRT line and relies heavily on buses, so your neighbourhood choice can shape your entire trip.
If you’re only visiting for one or two nights, staying close to the attractions you actually want to see makes a noticeable difference. Saving money on accommodation sounds appealing, but not if it adds an extra hour of travel time every day.
After travelling through several cities in Taiwan and testing both mediocre and luxury stays, Le Méridien Taichung ended up being the surprise highlight of our trip. One night wasn’t nearly enough, and I was genuinely sad to leave less than 24 hours after checking in.
Before I get into the full Le Méridien Taichung review, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Taichung first – because choosing the right neighbourhood matters just as much as the hotel itself.
No time to read this guide on where to stay in Taichung now? PIN IT FOR LATER!

Best areas to stay in Taichung – a quick breakdown
If you’re deciding where to stay in Taichung, choosing the right area is just as important as choosing the right hotel. The city is fairly spread out, and with only one MRT line, being in the right neighbourhood can save you a lot of time.
Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Taichung depending on whether it’s your first visit – or you’re coming back for more.
Central District – best for first-time visitors
If it’s your first time in Taichung, Central District is one of the most convenient places to stay.
This is where you’ll find Taichung Railway Station, making it ideal if you’re arriving by train or heading onwards to places like Sun Moon Lake. It’s also within walking distance of attractions like Miyahara, Taichung Park and plenty of local eateries.
Central District feels older and slightly gritty in places, but that’s part of its charm. It’s functional rather than glamorous, which actually works in its favour for short stays.
If you’re short on time, this is probably where you should base yourself.

Xitun District – best for luxury & returning visitors
Xitun is where many of Taichung’s luxury hotels are located, including several of the city’s most well-known 5 star hotels.
This area feels newer and more polished, with wide roads, shopping malls and attractions like the National Taichung Theatre. It’s also close to Fengjia Night Market, one of the largest night markets in Taiwan.
For first-time visitors who prioritise upscale accommodation and modern surroundings, Xitun is a strong choice.
But I’d say it’s especially great for returning visitors – those who’ve already seen the main sights and want a more refined, comfortable base with resort-style facilities and space to unwind.
West District – best for slow travel & repeat visitors
West District has a more creative, laid-back atmosphere. It’s home to Calligraphy Greenway, boutique cafés, small galleries and independent shops.
If you enjoy wandering neighbourhood streets, finding coffee spots and taking your time, this area has a charm that feels slightly removed from the main transport hubs.
For first-time visitors, it can still work – but it’s better suited to those who’ve already explored Taichung’s main attractions and want to experience a different side of the city.
It’s ideal for slower trips and returning travellers who don’t need to tick off the major sights again.
So, where should you stay?
If it’s your first time in Taichung and you want convenience above all else, Central District is the easiest option.
If you want modern surroundings, luxury hotels and a more upscale feel, Xitun District is likely your best bet.
And if you’re returning to Taichung and want neighbourhood charm, cafés and a slower pace, West District might suit you perfectly.
Ultimately, where to stay in Taichung depends on how you want your trip to feel – efficient and central, polished and luxurious, or relaxed and local.
Le Meridien Taichung review: is this the best 5 star hotel in Taichung?

If you’re specifically looking for a 5 star hotel in Taichung that balances luxury with value, this one is hard to beat.
Personally, I enjoy a five star property that doesn’t come with an eye-watering price tag, and Le Méridien does just that. We spent one night here before heading to Sun Moon Lake for two nights to celebrate my birthday. A decision I regretted shortly after checking out.
You’re welcomed into a sprawling lobby the moment you arrive – all upscale modern interiors in golds, blacks and pops of bright yellow.
Latitude 24; a seamless bar anchors the space at the back, transforming effortlessly from a relaxed coffee spot during the day into an evening lounge, with genuinely friendly, welcoming service throughout.
We were zipped up to our room in an elevator with floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Incredible views during the day… slightly creepy when descending after one too many cocktails at night.
The floor-to-ceiling windows in our room were just as impressive, giving us the most spectacular city views of Taichung after dark. But what really blew me away was the sheer size of the space.
The Rooms at Le Méridien Taichung
The design theme carried seamlessly throughout the building, and we stepped into a room I’m fairly certain is larger than the entire ground floor of my house!
There was a dedicated lounge area with a sofa, a desk, a generous wardrobe, large TV, espresso machine, mini bar, robes, slippers – honestly, you name it, this room had it.
Spacious and modern, with insanely comfortable pillows and mattress, high-quality bed linen, oversized mirrors, and the heated Japanese toilets that all luxury hotels in Taichung seem to have mastered.


The bathroom was a real highlight. A huge bathtub sits centre stage, with mirrored doors to one side revealing a large walk-in shower complete with a rainfall shower head, a separate toilet, and a vanity area outside framed by beautifully lit mirrors.
It’s the kind of room you book when you don’t plan to leave.
And believe me – I didn’t want to.
Especially when I woke up there on my birthday. The setting felt perfect.

We arrived mid-afternoon and (thankfully) had no real plans, so we made full use of the hotel’s excellent amenities. The 20th floor houses an executive lounge and a huge, well-equipped gym – once again, bigger and better than the actual gym I pay for each month!

Gym & Wellness Area
You pass through the wellness area before climbing a staircase up to the rooftop pool.
There’s a sauna and steam room for guests, along with spacious changing rooms complete with lockers, hair dryers and toiletries – ideal for freshening up post-sauna.


The rooftop pool is a very decent size for a centrally located city hotel. There were a few families swimming when we arrived, but it never felt overcrowded.
Each sun lounger has its own menu and buzzer to order drinks from Pano 24, the bar on the other side of the rooftop – a detail I very much appreciated.


Pano 24
Pano 24 is the only poolside sky bar in Taichung, offering a mesmerising selection of drinks, including cocktails inspired by Taiwanese tea-infused spirits.

We returned after dinner for cocktails, and if I’m being honest, they weren’t the best we’ve had. It was fairly quiet when we visited around 9pm – perhaps because there were several families staying at the hotel.


It’s a great spot for a relaxed nightcap, but if you’re planning a proper night out with multiple drinks, there are probably better bars in Taichung to explore.
Latest Recipe, on-site restaurant
There is an all-day dining restaurant at Le Méridien that serves a mix of International cuisine. We didn’t have breakfast included as part of our stay, and simply weren’t in Taichung long enough to have any other meals at the restaurant.
From the menu I saw in our room, they do offer both vegan and vegetarian options at the restaurant – which is useful to know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Location of Le Méridien Taichung
Le Méridien is perfectly positioned in Taichung’s Central District, making it ideal for both sightseeing and transport links. Just 200 metres from Taichung Railway Station, it offers easy access to attractions like Miyahara and is within walking distance of Taichung City Hall and Taichung Park.
However, it’s worth noting that Taichung’s High Speed Rail (THSR) station is located outside the city centre. If you’re travelling in and out of Taichung in less than 24 hours via THSR, this location may feel slightly inconvenient, as you’ll need to factor in additional travel time to reach the hotel.
For most travellers staying a night or two, this won’t be an issue at all. We arrived by THSR and only stayed one night, but I did not regret that decision because I fell in love with the hotel. But if you’re doing a very quick stopover purely via high-speed rail, staying closer to the THSR station might make more sense.
Stepping out in the evening, the area felt lively but not chaotic. Walk a few streets further and it shifts to local restaurants and commuters rather than nightlife crowds.

All in all, our stay felt like the epitome of luxury and understated sophistication.
My only regret?
Only booking one night.
Two nights would have been the perfect balance – enough time to soak up the hotel’s indulgent atmosphere while still exploring the attractions in Taichung City.
Is Le Méridien Taichung worth it?
In short? Yes – if you’re looking for a luxury stay with space to actually relax.
Le Méridien isn’t just somewhere to sleep between sightseeing. It’s the kind of hotel you book when you want the hotel itself to be part of the experience. The oversized rooms alone make it stand out – especially in a city where space can sometimes feel limited.
The rooftop pool and wellness area elevate it beyond your standard business hotel, and the location near Taichung Railway Station makes getting around incredibly easy.

That said, if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring night markets and hopping between bars, you may not fully appreciate what you’re paying for. This is a hotel best enjoyed slowly – with time to lounge, soak in the bath, and actually use the facilities.
Would I stay again?
Absolutely. Without hesitation.
But next time, I’d book at least two nights – one to explore Taichung, and truthfully, one to fully enjoy not leaving the room.
Is Le Méridien Taichung right for you?
Book this hotel if:
- You’re staying 1–3 nights in Taichung
- You want to be near Taichung Railway Station
- Spacious rooms and a rooftop pool matter to you
- You plan to actually use the gym, spa or wellness area
- You prefer polished, understated luxury over resort-style flash
- You’re staying for a special occasion
Consider another option if:
- You’re arriving and leaving purely via THSR and want zero transfers
- You’ll spend most of your time out exploring and barely use hotel facilities
- You prefer a more boutique hotel aesthetic
If it sounds like the right fit, check current availability for Le Meridien Taichung here.

Other luxury hotels in Taichung
If you’re researching where to stay in Taichung and want a luxury experience, Le Méridien isn’t your only option.
Taichung has several 5 star hotels that offer high-end amenities, central locations and spacious rooms.
Here’s a quick look at some of the other luxury hotels in Taichung worth considering.
InterContinental Taichung
The InterContinental Taichung is one of the newer additions to the city’s luxury scene. Located in Xitun District near the National Taichung Theatre and the upscale 7th Redevelopment Zone, it’s well positioned for shopping, dining and modern city vibes.
If brand consistency and polished service matter to you, InterContinental is the safest luxury choice in Xitun. It offers spacious contemporary rooms, multiple on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and executive lounge access.
If you prefer internationally recognised luxury brands, this is a strong contender.
The LIN Hotel
The LIN Hotel is one of the most recognisable luxury hotels in Taichung, particularly known for its large outdoor pool and grand exterior.
Located in Xitun District near Tiger City Mall and the National Taichung Theater, it’s a convenient option if you want to stay in a lively part of the city.
The LIN feels more resort-style compared to Le Méridien’s polished business-luxury vibe. Facilities include a resort-style swimming pool, spa, gym and several dining options.
If you’re deciding where to stay in Taichung and want something that feels bold and impressive from the moment you arrive, The LIN delivers that statement feel.
Millennium Hotel Taichung
Millennium Hotel Taichung offers classic five-star comfort in a convenient central location near Calligraphy Greenway.
Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and amenities include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym and multiple restaurants. It leans slightly more business-luxury in atmosphere, but it’s a dependable choice among luxury hotels in Taichung if you want comfort and convenience.
OKU Hotel
OKU Hotel brings a more boutique, design-forward take on luxury accommodation in Taichung.
Located in the West District, it’s close to cultural attractions, cafés and creative neighbourhoods. Expect minimalist interiors, curated design details and a calmer atmosphere compared to some of the larger 5 star hotels Taichung is known for.
If aesthetics and ambiance are high on your priority list when choosing where to stay in Taichung, OKU offers something slightly different.
If you’re planning a longer trip around Taiwan, many people head to Taichung after Taipei and continue travelling south to Kaohsiung. Before heading to central Taiwan, it’s worth exploring some of the things to do in Taipei.
After exploring cities and night markets, you can visit the Jiaoxi hot springs, one of Taiwan’s most famous hot spring towns that we spent two days relaxing in.
If you’re visiting Taichung for a special occasion or want a hotel that feels like part of the experience rather than just somewhere to sleep, check availability for Le Méridien Taichung here.
Found this guide on Le Méridien Taichung review helpful? PIN IT!


Need help planning your trip from start to finish?
Check out these helpful links:
- 👉🏼 Find cheap flights
- 👉🏼 Savings on accommodation from boutique hotels to affordable resorts
- 👉🏼 The most comprehensive resource to help plan excursions on your next trip
- 👉🏼 This pass gives you free lounge access to over 1500 airport lounges
- 👉🏼 Affordable car rental options
- 👉🏼 Book land and water transport for travelling around South East Asia
- 👉🏼 Use an eSIM to prepare your phone for international travel before leaving
- 👉🏼 Pay anywhere in the world, in any currency, using your debit card without fees
- 👉🏼 Travel insurance with essential medical & travel coverage at low premiums
Read more about planning a trip to Taiwan:
- The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Taiwan Itinerary for First Time Visitors
- 40+ Unique Things to Do in Taipei for First Time Visitors
- How To Participate in Secret Fortune Telling at Longshan Temple Taipei
- Day Trip to Jiufen: Is it Worth it & How to Plan the Perfect Day
- 3 Days in Taipei: The Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Jiaoxi Hot Springs: What It’s Really Like + Is It Worth Visiting?
- Things to Do in Taichung We Wish We Had More Time For
- Where to Stay in Taichung: Le Méridien Taichung Review
- Sun Moon Lake Guide for First Time Visitors in Taiwan
- Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan Review A Luxury Stay Without the Price Tag
- Things to Do in Kaohsiung for First Time Visitors
- Kaohsiung Itinerary: 1–3 Days (Easy 2 Day Plan + What to Skip)
- 8 Reasons to Get an EasyCard in Taiwan
