Kimpton Da An — luxury hidden away in a quiet Da'an lane
Kimpton Da An is the first Kimpton-branded hotel in Asia — a 5-star IHG lifestyle hotel that deliberately tucks itself into a small lane in Da'an District: close to the buzz of Dongmen and Zhongxiao Fuxing, yet as calm as staying in a Taipei local's home.
Kimpton Da An opened in 2019 and instantly went onto travellers' lists, because this is the first Kimpton hotel in Asia — the American boutique brand known for design with personality and warm, informal service. Its 129 rooms sit in a building designed to blend into a residential Da'an lane. The result is a luxury hotel that doesn't shout, but reveals its charm bit by bit.
What guests mention most is design that feels "warm" rather than "so polished it's cold". The lobby and corridors are full of ceramics, artwork and furniture that look hand-picked by an owner with taste. Rooms use warm tones, wood and good textiles, with playful touches like a generously stocked minibar and the small surprises Kimpton is known for. It all makes you feel like you're staying in the home of a very stylish friend.
"The evening social hour is what sets this place apart from a standard luxury hotel — free wine, beer and Taiwanese fried chicken, with the feel of a small party the host has invited you to."
The highlights you shouldn't miss are Kimpton's signature daily rituals — the Morning Kickstarter, a warm welcome drink in the morning, and the Social Wine Hour from 5–6pm, which serves free wine, beer and snacks to every guest. Many call it the best-value part of the stay. The hotel's rooftop is open for guests to take in the Taipei skyline with Taipei 101 standing tall — a genuinely lovely spot for evening photos.
The ground-floor restaurant, The Tavernist, serves contemporary European food and has earned a Michelin Plate from the Taiwan Michelin Guide — its à-la-carte breakfast is fresh and the staff warm, a frequent favourite among guests. Some reviews note that a few Western dishes such as the avocado toast are "fine but forgettable", while the Taiwanese-leaning options are stronger. The hotel itself also holds One Michelin Key 2025, a vote of confidence in its service and design.
The location strikes a good balance — hidden in a quiet lane, yet just a 5-minute walk to MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing, where two major lines cross and take you across the city. Around the hotel is the real Da'an: specialty coffee shops, bookstores and local restaurants that aren't tourist traps. The Dongmen shopping area and Daan Forest Park are close by, and Songshan Airport is only about 15 minutes by car.
In short, Kimpton Da An is best for travellers who want a luxury hotel with character, rather than standard chain-hotel polish. If you love tasteful design, warm informal service, and the idea of free evening wine with your travel companions — this is one of the best choices in Da'an. Just accept that the rooms are right-sized rather than as spacious as some luxury hotels at the same price.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Warm, helpful staff — friendly without being stiff
- ✓ Free wine and beer at the evening social hour — great value
- ✓ A hotel with real design identity — photogenic everywhere
- ✓ Quiet-lane location, yet walkable to MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing
- ! Rooms are right-sized — not as large as some luxury hotels at this price
- ! No swimming pool
- ! Peak-season rates can be high
- ✓ Warm boutique atmosphere — like staying at a friend's place
- ✓ Lovely Taipei 101 rooftop views in the evening
- ✓ The Tavernist restaurant serves a fresh breakfast
- ✓ A pet-friendly floor — you can bring your dog or cat
- ! The lane entrance is a little tricky to find the first time
- ! Some Western breakfast dishes are unremarkable
- ! The fitness room is on the small side
- 💡If you want a large room and a pool — rooms here are right-sized and there's no pool → choose a Premium/Suite room, or consider a Xinyi luxury hotel with fuller facilities
- 💡If you worry about finding the entrance on a first visit — the hotel is hidden in Lane 27 → save the map pin in advance, or ask the hotel for directions from the MRT
- 💡If you expect a lavish European breakfast buffet — The Tavernist shines more on freshness and Taiwanese-leaning dishes → try the local options over the standard Western plates