Tempus Hotel Taichung — Generously Sized Rooms in the Heart of Xitun
Tempus Hotel Taichung (永豐棧酒店) is a boutique 5-star that has quietly built one of the best reputations in central Taiwan: rooms that are genuinely spacious, a beloved Italian restaurant, and service warm enough to feel personal rather than corporate. Open since 2004 and fully refreshed in 2019, this 252-room property sits on Taiwan Boulevard in Xitun — Taichung's commercial and cultural hub.
Tempus Hotel Taichung first opened in 2004 on Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District — Taichung's commercial backbone — bringing a Postmodern Italian-influenced design that felt distinct in a market dominated by business-class towers. A comprehensive renovation in 2019 updated all rooms with new furniture, refreshed colour palettes, and modern A/V systems while preserving the hotel's signature warmth.
"Guests say the room is enormous for the price — soaking tub, proper desk, a king bed you could get lost in. Staff remembered their names by day two. Many call it easily the best value 5-star they've stayed at in Taiwan."
The most talked-about feature is simply the size of the rooms. Every Deluxe room starts at 40 sqm — meaningfully larger than the 28–33 sqm you'll find at comparable 5-star hotels in Taipei — and Suites range from 60 to 80+ sqm. Each room includes a soaking tub, separate rain shower, large work desk, flat-screen TV, and premium toiletries. Families and couples who feel cramped in typical city hotel rooms will notice the difference immediately.
La Brezza, the hotel's Italian restaurant, is a genuine highlight rather than a courtesy amenity. Fresh pasta made daily, wood-fired pizza, and a dessert selection anchored by house-made tiramisu draw locals as well as hotel guests — a reliable sign of kitchen quality. The all-day Café & Bar handles breakfast (available as a buffet upgrade or included with some room packages) and afternoon tea, both of which guests mention frequently in reviews.
The wellness facilities punch above the hotel's modest size. The indoor pool — temperature-controlled year-round — is complemented by a full-service spa (treatments must be booked in advance), steam room, and a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio and weights. The property also has meeting rooms suited to small-to-mid-size MICE events, which accounts for a steady weekday business clientele.
Location on Taiwan Boulevard places guests within easy reach of Sogo Department Store (Xitun branch), Jason's Market, and the cluster of independent restaurants and cafés that give Xitun its character. National Taichung Theater, Fengchia Night Market, and the famous Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村) are all within 15 minutes by taxi or Uber. Taichung's MRT Green Line opened in 2021 but the nearest station (Chaofu) is about 10 minutes by cab — the hotel is best explored with ride-hailing rather than on foot.
Two honest caveats. As a building opened in 2004, some public areas show their age despite the 2019 renovation — particularly corridors and the lobby in off-peak lighting, which can feel dated compared to properties built from scratch in the past five years. And Taiwan Boulevard is a busy multi-lane arterial road: rooms facing the street pick up traffic noise, especially late at night. Requesting an inward-facing room at check-in is a simple fix.
On balance, Tempus Hotel Taichung delivers exceptional room size, genuine Italian dining, and attentive service at a price point that undercuts many rival 5-stars in Taiwan. It is the right choice for families who need space, couples wanting a romantic base, and business travellers who prefer character over corporate uniformity. If the newest gleaming tower matters more to you than genuine square footage, look elsewhere — but for most visitors, Tempus will be the smarter stay.
A booking tip: request a room on the quieter rear side of the building rather than a room facing Taiwan Boulevard — the back-facing rooms overlook the hotel's garden and are noticeably calmer at night. For La Brezza, the Italian restaurant, reservations via LINE OA (@tempushotel) are recommended at least 3 days ahead on weekends, as tables fill with outside diners as well as guests.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Rooms are noticeably larger than comparable 5-stars in Taiwan
- ✓ Warm, attentive service — staff remember guests and respond quickly
- ✓ La Brezza restaurant quality is genuine, not just a hotel amenity
- ✓ Spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs in every Deluxe room
- ! Building opened 2004 — some areas feel dated despite the 2019 renovation
- ! Street-facing rooms on Taiwan Boulevard can be noisy at night
- ! Paid parking only — budget for this if driving
- ✓ Room size is exceptional — 40 sqm Deluxe feels like a suite at other properties
- ✓ Indoor pool is clean, well-maintained, and rarely crowded in the mornings
- ✓ Convenient for Sogo Xitun, local restaurants, and day trips by car
- ✓ Good breakfast variety with both Asian and Western options
- ! Lower-floor street-facing rooms have traffic noise issues
- ! MRT access requires a taxi or Uber — not walkable
- ! Lobby and some corridors look slightly worn compared to newer hotels
- 💡If you are noise-sensitive — Taiwan Boulevard is a major arterial road and street-facing rooms pick up traffic noise, especially after midnight. → Request an inward-facing (quiet side) room when you check in for a noticeably better night's sleep.
- 💡If you expect brand-new interiors — Tempus opened in 2004 and was renovated in 2019, but parts of the building still show their age. → Browse recent guest photos on Agoda or Trip.com before booking to set expectations accurately.
- 💡If you plan to rely on the MRT — Taichung's Green Line opened in 2021 but the nearest station is roughly 10 minutes by cab. → Uber and local taxis are inexpensive in Taichung; the hotel can also arrange transfers. Factor in this small extra cost.