With little fanfare, the Kimpton group has finally made its debut in Asia, opening in Taipei’s colourful Da’An district alongside the neighbourhood’s haul of lively night markets, boutiques and cafés.
Inside, Shanghai-based Neri&Hu has taken its cues from the city’s rich tapestry of evocative alleyways and distinct tiled architecture, resulting in an elevated mood of quiet serenity. This is best seen in the 129-rooms, where - save for a vivid teal-coloured wall behind the bed - the designers’ own collection of furniture sits against a backdrop of Bolon woven flooring, pale timber, white tiles and grey hues.
In the public spaces, the urban theme continues, particularly in the The Tavernist, the in-house restaurant, which nods to the city’s arcaded walkways with a series of arched walls - clad in fluted tiles and metal-patterned wallpapers - that create a a distinct set of separate spaces. A suitably urban setting, then, for executive chef James Sharman, who channels stints with René Redzepi and Tom Aiken with an inventive menu of modern classics like crispy fried chicken, deconstructed cauliflower and cheese and baked Alaska.§
