Kinks in the armour

Taiwan’s famous love hotels are a space for couples to catch some ‘us time’ surrounded by luxury, writes Subha J Rao

iCloud, Taichung

Appearances can truly be deceptive in the case of this motel in the middle of bustling Taichung, and the modest reception area belies its expansive interiors. There are about 100 rooms, many of which come with a private swimming pool, and a garage. Technology is celebrated; almost everything is remote or switch-controlled. Inside the spacious room, which you approach through the garage, the bed and the huge television screen take up the bulk of the space, and predictably so — love hotels take great pride in the titillating fare on television.

The pantry is stocked with enough noodles to last a couple some days, and the shower area is luxury redefined. The hotel says it strived to “create a vacation heaven of extreme pleasure”.

Mention must be made of the breakfast buffet, expansive and rooted in the city’s culinary culture. It’s another matter that we might have been the only guests drooling over the menu!

Sato Castle, Taipei

Said to be Taiwan’s first castle-themed hotel, Sato, styled like a medieval golden castle, stands out in the midst of modern-day structures. Fantasy rules everything at the hotel, located in the hi-tech Neihu Technology District.

And yes, love, romance and intrigue are celebrated. Every room in the hotel designed by TMA Architects & Associates and British-based designer Zhang Shun Yun, features unique props, constantly shifting lighting and special effects, and more. Think Transformers and Doraemon -themed rooms.

There’s a spa too in the hotel, which is distinctly European in styling. If you’re ever bored cooped up inside, head outside to check out the thoughtfully-designed public areas. And, the facility that allows you to drive right up to your room.

Like with most love hotels, here too, you can choose between day room and accommodation concepts. Sato likes to advertise its concept of ‘A Room, A World’, and that’s exactly what you get to experience. The possibilities are endless, and the choice to make use of it, yours.

Wego Boutique Hotel, Taipei

This hotel is a happy mix of cuteness overload and romantic overtones. Think a bed shaped like a half-moon with heart-shaped pillows strewn across. Or, beaded partitions that dangle from the ceiling and a Jacuzzi in the middle of the room. The Wego group is known for its hotels that celebrate love and pleasure, and this one’s no different. Its 96 suites sport 36 themes.

Those who’ve stayed here rave about its facilities, its mini-bar and coffee machine, and yes, the fact that the bathroom is stocked with everything you’d possibly need. Strangely, all love hotels take their karaoke and video on demand very seriously. So, while you’re wooing your love, you could probably sing a ditty or shake a leg too. In the mood for some extreme madness? Check out the carousel in select rooms. The food is said to soothe the soul. And, if there must be a deciding factor, there’s Movenpick ice cream for breakfast!

(The writer was in Taiwan at the invitation of Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Scoot Airlines)