Mezi Boutique Hotel, Taipei

The biggest challenge I faced traveling to Taipei was to find the right hotel. I have spent a lot of days and literally sleepless nights trying to weigh my options, it wasn't until one night before our flight that we finally concluded with a choice we were hoping was the best.

Taipei spoiled us with a variety of options for accommodation, the hospitality scene is tremendously competitive and the costs were mostly reasonable. It then boils down to who has the potential to give such a splendid experience and convenience.

I was hooked with Mezi Hotel the first time I saw it but as the days pass by, we would then continue to search for some more hotels and see if we were missing out on something. But I would always end up putting Mezi Hotel on top of our choice.

Before stepping foot at the lobby, we were earlier overwhelmed with the rather edgy theme that Mezi Hotel portrayed. I wasn’t sure how The Alice in Wonderland concept would fit in to a relaxing and calm vibe we were searching for.

The entire hotel is filled with an inviting perfume that made me repeatedly express how much I love the aroma. I had the chance to stay at Mezi's VIP suite, a suite that I felt an affinity with - one trait I will always look for in a hotel. Mezi Hotel defined to us the meaning of a "boutique hotel', what a lot of hotel claims but could not master. I have always been fascinated and wondered how a boutique hotel is qualified and Mezi gave me a spot-on appreciation. It's all about the character.

With a lavishing carpeted floor area resembling the heart shaped print - a graphic that is driven by the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, a technologically advanced room amenities (the bidet and room temperature switch were state of the art) and a room layout that brought to life my ideal room would be, Mezi Hotel gave us nothing less than a four star look and feel.

The linens and the mattress were very indulging that it is a struggle to get up in the morning. When you run your hands on the bed, you can feel how smooth the texture of the linens almost unable to feel friction with my skin. The wide screen television also added up to the comforts that the room already had plenty of. Not to mention, the gray palette on the walls added an elegant and soothing touch to the entire room, balancing the vibrant art that the hotel’s character is rooted in.

Not available to many hotels in the area, Mezi offered a bath tub with a size bigger than usual almost exaggeratedly close to a kid’s swimming pool. That was a brilliant amenity and I was beyond excited to dip in after long days out in the streets of Taipei.

In the VIP Suite, a spacious balcony was ours to enjoy but other rooms in Mezi Hotel have a picturesque view to offer as well. The Garden Room delights anyone who enters it with a stunning view of Chang Kai Shek Memorial and the greenery that surrounds The National Museum, a testament of how strategic the location of the hotel is. A two minute walk would bring you to NTU Hospital MRT station while a ten minute stroll directs you to Taipei Main Station.

But Mezi Hotel isn't only a conveniently located hotel, it houses a fantastic bar, restaurant and lounge that I would definitely spend a lot of time at. The Mezi Lounge sits right next to the concierge and offers guests with hearty breakfast, a good booze or a gastronomically exciting menu of food.

For lunch and dinner, Mezi Lounge discretely transforms into a restaurant whose menu got me lost for words while dining right next to a vibrant street - another feat that I certainly enjoyed.

On a fine noon, we were acquainted with Mezi Lounge's dishes.

As a started, a thick but smooth pumpkin pie helped us prepare our appetite, followed by cherry tomatoes, cheese and balsamic vinegar served on top of slices of French bread. The flavorful thinnest pizza I have ever had came next. For mains, a generous serving of seafood marinara and truffle pasta filled us up almost so quickly until we finished with their house brewed coffees.

More than the stylish and elegant interiors, the great food and great bar selection, the amazing amenities and highly commendable comfort, it is the staff and people of Mezi Hotel that completes a "wonderland" experience.

My final verdict is two thumbs up for Mezi Hotel for exuding a stylish, modern and elegant vibe while maintaining the calm and relaxing mood. A contemporary comfort zone right in the heart of Taipei. Truly highly recommended for a unique Taipei experience.