Taipei’s Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel has emerged from a US$50 million, 18-month renovation project that encompassed all 420 guest rooms and suites, the Horizon Club Lounge, lobby, driveway, Lobby Court and Cake Room, and now stands ready to welcome discerning business travellers to Taiwan’s capital.

The refurbishment is in keeping with the hotel’s elegant surroundings that hae welcomed guests since 1994. Custom artwork created for the property includes “Along the River during the Qing Ming Festival,” an installation depicting the ancient capital of Kaifeng by famed Taiwanese artist Shen Cheen.

Continuing the natural tones prevalent in the ten-metre-high lobby, the spacious, sun-drenched guest rooms are fitted with modern copper chandeliers and offer unparalleled views over Taipei through picture windows. Starting from 36sqm, each room is equipped with free WiFi, a large glass word desk, and a relaxing nook with a comfortable window seat. Woodwork, fashioned after the traditional Chinese window frames, created harmonised visual details at the entrance, ceiling and minibar area.

The new approach to the Horizon Club Lounge on level 36 has taken on a luxuriously understated feel in tones of shimmering grey. Just as notable are the oversized windows, which maximise views over Taipei city. Functioning as an exclusive space for guests to enjoy daily breakfast, refreshments or cocktails from the central bar, the lounge is also ideal for those wanting to hold meetings in the private room, relax with a wide selection of reading materials, or plan excursions with the help of the personal concierge.

The hotel retains its Japanese fine-dining restaurant, Takagi Kazuo; authentic Cantonese eatery Shang Palace; Shanghai Pavillion, reputed to be the best Shanghainese restaurant in the city; and the Marco Polo Italian Restaurant.

After hours, guests can relax at the level 40 rooftop swimming pool, which offers panoramic vistas over the cityscape, or indulge in relaxing treatments at the Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa. www.shangri-la.com