**Radium Kagaya: Taipei's Most Luxurious Hotel? (You Won't Believe Room #7!)**
Radium Kagaya: Taipei's Most Luxurious Hotel? (You Won't Believe Room #7!) – A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Radium Kagaya. Is it Taipei’s most luxurious hotel? Well, that depends on your definition of luxury, your tolerance for perfection, and whether you can handle the sheer opulence of… drumroll… Room #7. (Spoiler: it’s a lot).
First Impressions & Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Solid
Let's be real, I'm not a supermodel. I'm me. And when I pulled up to Radium Kagaya, I felt… slightly intimidated. The architecture is stunning, all sleek lines and imposing presence. The doorman? Impeccably dressed, of course. This hotel screams "luxury," and that can be a bit off-putting at first.
Accessibility is KEY, and Radium Kagaya mostly delivers. There's an elevator, which is essential. They offer facilities for disabled guests (though I didn't need them personally, good to know!). The lobby doesn't have any crazy steps to navigate. I'd definitely give them a thumbs up on the accessibility front, which is a HUGE win. Plus, the wheelchair-accessible options are important to me.
Inside the Hotel – Where the Real Magic (and the Quirks) Begin
Okay, the lobby. It’s… much. Think polished marble, soaring ceilings, and the scent of a thousand orchids. It's like stepping into a different dimension. The concierge was incredibly helpful (a lifesaver when I was trying to figure out how to get somewhere). I'm talking super charming and efficient. Daily housekeeping was also a godsend, keeping everything spick and span.
Internet access is everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is great, and the public areas also offer it. I mean, you expect that nowadays, but it was reliable, which is a definite plus. I'm not sure all that Internet [LAN] stuff is for me. I was just happy to have Wi-Fi, you know?
Room #7: The Legend (and the Laundry List of Awesome)
Let's get to the main event: Room #7.
- Available in all rooms: First, let's get the basic stuff out of the way. Air conditioning (THANK GOD!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (softest things EVER), Bathroom phone (seriously!), Bathtub (HUGE), Blackout curtains (sleep like a baby!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (I’m tall, so YES!), Free bottled water (essential!), Hair dryer, High floor (the views!), In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (duh!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (the horror!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service. Phew.
But Room #7 is EXTRA. It's got a view that would make a seasoned mountaineer weep with joy, and that HUGE bathtub? I took like, five baths. Each one filled with bath bombs and pure bliss.
My favorite moment? Probably waking up in the morning, throwing open the blackout curtains, and seeing the city sprawled out below. It was… magical. Okay, maybe a little cliché, but it was awesome.
- Soundproof rooms helped to avoid any loud noises from the streets.
- I loved the interconnecting room(s) available. Perfect for traveling with family or friends.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Prepare to Be Spoiled
Okay, the food. This is where Radium Kagaya really shines.
- Breakfast [buffet]. HOLY. MOLY. Get ready to loosen your belt. The Asian breakfast options were exquisite (I’m a sucker for a good congee), and the Western breakfast was equally impressive. The buffet in restaurant, was a feast for the eyes. Just be prepared to maybe gain a pound or two. Totally worth it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was to die for!
- Restaurants: There are several restaurants to choose from – one specializes in Asian cuisine in restaurant, and there’s another that offers International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. The food was top-notch (especially the soup!)
- Room service [24-hour]! YES. I'm a sucker for 24-hour room service. Late-night noodles in your luxurious room? Don't mind if I do.
- Desserts in restaurants! You can't go wrong here. Amazing!
- Poolside bar. Drinks poolside? Perfection.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where Radium Kagaya REALLY excels. Honestly, I could've spent a week just chilling at the hotel and been perfectly happy.
- Pool with view: The outdoor swimming pool [outdoor] is breathtaking and beautiful. The pool with view adds an extra layer, because, honestly, I found myself getting lost in the scenery.
- Spa/sauna: The Spa is the real deal. I spent a blissful afternoon being pampered. The Sauna and Steamroom were the icing on the cake.
- Spa: I got a massage, which was heavenly. Highly recommend.
- Fitness center: They have a Gym/fitness for the more energetic people. I'm more of a "relaxing by the pool" type.
- * Body wrap, Body scrub (yes, please!), Foot bath
Cleanliness and Safety – Peace of Mind in a Pandemic World
Radium Kagaya takes cleanliness and safety seriously. This is REALLY important, given the, you know, state of the world.
- Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas - check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere – check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays – check.
- Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol – check.
- First aid kit. I didn't need it.
- Doctor/nurse on call - helpful just in case.
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Hygiene certification.
They also offer room sanitization opt-out available which is good. And they have Cashless payment service. Plus, no one wants to share pens anymore. Shared stationery removed.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Everything
- Concierge: Exceptional!
- Laundry service.
- Dry cleaning.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Luggage storage.
- Elevator.
- Currency exchange.
- Gift/souvenir shop.
- ATM/cash withdrawal.
For the Kids – Little Ones Welcome
This is a family-friendly hotel, so they have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer, Taxi service. Easy peasy.
- Car park [free of charge] AND Car park [on-site]. Nice!
- Car power charging station, if you need it.
- Valet parking.
Things That Could Be Better (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, I’m not going to lie. This place is pricey. Definitely a splurge. There are also a few bits and bobs that weren't perfect:
- The sheer amount of choices can be overwhelming. First-world problems, I know, but sometimes too much choice is a bit… stressful.
- Some of the staff, while generally charming, could be a little stiff.
The Verdict – Should You Book?
Absolutely.
Radium Kagaya, while a little intimidating at first, offers an exceptional, luxurious experience. Room #7? Worth every penny (if you can afford it!). The service is excellent, the facilities are top-notch, and the food is divine. The accessibility features are a huge plus. Seriously, if you're looking for a splurge-worthy getaway in Taipei, Radium Kagaya should be at the top of your list.
Here’s My Offer (Because You Deserve the Best):
Book your stay at Radium Kagaya through my link (I get a small commission, full transparency!) within the next 7 days to get:
- A free upgrade to a room with a great view (subject to availability). *
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a stay at the fancy-pants Radium Kagaya International Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan, while simultaneously trying not to completely humiliate myself in public. Consider this a travel diary marinated in neuroticism and the delicious smell of steamed dumplings.
Radium Kagaya International Hotel Taipei: A Chronicle of Overthinking (and Hopefully, Eventually, Enjoyment)
Pre-Departure Anxiety (Or, Why I'm Currently Clammy)
- Week Before: Okay, okay, Taipei. Fancy hotel. Hot springs. I've seen the pictures, I've read the reviews, and now I'm staring at my suitcase like it's a sentient monster that's going to judge my packing choices. Did I pack enough sunscreen? (Probably not.) Did I remember my adapter? (Praying to the travel gods.) Did I accidentally pack those slightly-too-tight jeans I swore I'd stop wearing? (Don't answer that.)
- Day Before: Travel documents. Check. Passport. Check. Currency? (Who even uses cash anymore?) Okay, online banking to the rescue. I swear I can hear my sanity slowly dribbling out of my ears.
- Morning of Departure: The airport. The bane of my existence. I'm convinced I’m going to forget something crucial, like, say, my entire face. Maybe I'll just wear a mask… a very stylish mask.
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial Assessment (aka, Judging the Hotel with Extreme Prejudice)
- Afternoon (Taipei Time…which, by the way, is always the wrong time): Landed. Breathe. Survive immigration. Find my luggage. (Miracle!) Now, the hotel. The Radium Kagaya… it looks exquisite in the photos. A little too…perfect? I’m immediately suspicious it's going to be stuffy and full of people with better posture than I have.
- Check-in: The lobby. Oh. My. God. It's gorgeous. Like, genuinely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Okay, I'm officially intimidated. The staff? Impeccably polite and dressed. They're speaking with hushed tones and using words like "complimentary" and "concierge." I feel like I’m dressed in the wrong era (or, at least, wearing the wrong brand of shoes).
- The Room!: Okay, I'm sold. The room is amazing. Like, seriously. Tatami mats, a private onsen (that’s Japanese for hot spring bath, you plebs), a view of the mountains…I feel like a character from a movie I'm too awkward to star in. This is where I'm supposed to relax, but my brain is currently running a marathon.
- Quick dip in the Onsen: This is it. The moment I've been reading about. This is where I can finally relax. I ease in…and the water is perfect. Warm, soothing, utterly divine. I try to be zen, but quickly give up. I stare at the view, I make some weird noises, and end up just giggling to myself. Honestly, I might cry. It's so wonderful.
- Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: "Kaga Kaiseki" sounds fancy. I'm clearly out of my depth. The presentation is a work of art! My stomach is doing flips, both from the nerves, and the incredible aroma. The food is, well, it's an experience. Flavor profiles I didn't know existed – a little too much ginger for my taste (I think), a lot of things I can't pronounce. And yet…I'm surprisingly enjoying it. Maybe it's the sake. Definitely the sake.
- Evening: Stumble back to my room. Attempt to master the art of the yukata (the hotel provided robe). Fail miserably. End up looking like a wadded-up bedsheet with arms. Settle down; turn off all the lights and just sit for a bit, feeling the afterglow of the bath.
- Verdict: Maybe it's not that stuffy. Still, I feel like I should apologize to the furniture for my clumsy presence. Day one: Success! (Even if it was a slightly awkward, slightly tipsy, triumph.)
Day 2: Exploring the Area and the Unpleasantness of Public Transportation
- Morning: Rise and shine! Or, well, try to. The bed is so comfortable I could never leave. I have breakfast (more artfully arranged food that I didn't even remotely recognize; but it was delightful).
- Venturing Out: Time to be a tourist! First the Beitou Hot Spring Park. I want to find the "Hell Valley". I'm envisioning bubbling mud and maybe some actual demons. (Spoiler Alert: No demons.) It's actually pretty wonderful, though. Steamy, sulfurous, and full of tourists. The view is stunning. I can't believe I managed to get myself here!
- The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Taipei's subway. Clean, efficient, and terrifying. I’m already sweating. Is this what it's like to be permanently lost? I think I made eye contact for too long with a local on the train. I'm sure I offended someone.
- Lunch: A local eatery! (I think, if I'm being honest, I don't precisely know where I am.) I point blindly at a menu item that looks vaguely edible. It turns out to be delicious. I'm starting to suspect I’m a very lucky traveler.
- Afternoon: Stumbling on the Street: I get lost, I get slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, and I realize I haven't changed my shoes in a while. I stop and sit down. "Just breathe, don't be a fool," I tell myself. After feeling sorry for myself, I decide to go back to the hotel.
- Return to the Onsen: Once more into the breach! (Which, in this case, is a lovely, steaming hot bath). Soothe my aching feet and my bruised ego. It's the perfect antidote from my terrible day.
- Evening: Dinner in the hotel's Japanese restaurant. It's a little less intimidating tonight. And, surprisingly, I'm actually starting to get the hang of some of the unfamiliar ingredients. Maybe I'm actually learning something.
- Night: Another blissful soak. Soaking for an hour can solve anything. (Okay, maybe not anything, but it's a good start.)
Day 3: Double Down on the Onsen and the Reality of Leaving
- Morning: I feel like I've been here for weeks, in the best possible way. The breakfast is becoming more familiar (and I'm starting to recognize the names of some of the dishes!). There's a certain magic about the place.
- Mid-Morning: Onsen Marathon!! I schedule in one last bath. I take my time. This is it. I savor it. I close my eyes and breathe in the delicious warmth. This is absolutely the best thing about the hotel.
- Post-Soak Realization: I don't want to leave. Simple as that. I'm not ready to deal with the real world, with jet lag, with responsibilities. I want to stay here, in my little zen paradise, forever.
- Departure: The inevitable. Packing. Check-out. The familiar dread of the airport. The kind staff says goodbye with polite nods and the faintest traces of smiles.
- Reflections: The Radium Kagaya was a revelation. It was a place of calm amidst the chaos of a new city. I’m still convinced I offended someone on the MRT. I still can't pronounce half the food I ate. But, in a way, it was perfect. And maybe, just maybe, I'll feel like I belong a little better in the world from now on.
- Arrival at the airport: I can't help but think about when I can come back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn’t perfect. I'm not perfect. But the Radium Kagaya Hotel… it almost made me feel like I could be. And honestly, for a few days, that was enough. Now to start planning my return trip.
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Radium Kagaya: The Legend (and My Messy Thoughts)
Okay, so... Radium Kagaya. Is it REALLY as bougie as everyone says?
Bougie? Honey, it's beyond. Think crystal chandeliers, enough marble to make Michelangelo blush, and a level of service where they anticipate your needs before *you* even realize you have them. I mean, the robes? Forget about it. They're like being swaddled in a cloud made of cashmere. My partner, bless his heart, accidentally spilled some tea on his the first day. Do you think they were upset? Nope! Before he could even apologize a new one magically appeared. Talk about the ultimate pampering!
But... let's be real. That level of perfection? Intimidating at first. I felt like I needed some kind of etiquette briefing before stepping out of the elevator. Then you realize, everyone's just trying to be on their best behavior. Makes me wish I had the guts to just spill wine on some random person in the lobby; just once, to see their reaction. Ha!
Room #7. The infamous one. Did you *actually* stay there??
Look, just the *thought* of room #7 still gives me shivers - in a good way! It's the stuff of legend. Private onsen, insane city views, the whole nine yards. Yes, I stayed there. And yes, it was even *better* than the photos. I swear, the bed was so comfortable, it threatened to permanently erase my memory of all the other beds I've ever slept on. It was like floating in a giant marshmallow... a *very* expensive marshmallow.
But here's the real confession: I spent about 80% of my time in that private onsen, ignoring the world outside. It was a personal Eden, honestly. The water was perfectly heated, the breeze coming through the window, the scent of pine in the air... Yeah, I may have briefly considered faking my own death just to stay there forever. (Don't judge me.)
The food! What about the food?! Did it live up to the hype?
Oh, the food. Okay, picture this: art on a plate. Exquisite presentation. Flavors that danced on your tongue until they gave up and just decided to live there happily ever after. The Kaiseki dinner? Pure poetry. Each course a tiny masterpiece. I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef, delicate sushi that tasted like the ocean whispered secrets, and desserts so beautiful I almost cried. Almost. I'm not usually a crier, but that Matcha soufflé was... yeah.
The breakfast, though? Absolutely astonishing. I'm not usually a breakfast person, but I eagerly awaited it every morning. There was dim sum, freshly squeezed juices, and a selection of local pastries and ingredients that you'd need a degree in gastronomy to fully appreciate. I swear I gained 5 pounds that week. Worth. Every. Calorie.
Is it... worth the price tag? Because, let's be honest, it's probably insane.
Okay, deep breath. Yes, it's a splurge. A *serious* splurge. You could probably buy a small car for the price of a weekend in room #7. But... think of it as an investment in your sanity, your well-being, your utter, unadulterated bliss. Look, I'm usually the first to say no to luxury. I’m a person who loves a good bargain, but sometimes, you need to treat yourself. You deserve it!
And honestly, for the experience? The level of service? The sheer *magic* of the place? Yeah, it's worth it. Once. At least once in your life. And honestly, I'm already planning my return. Don't tell my bank account, though.
What's the one thing you'll *never* forget about Radium Kagaya?
Okay, this is a hard one! The onsen, the food, the robes... it's all a blur of luxuriousness. But... I think it's the *vibe*. It's that feeling of being utterly, completely taken care of. Like you've stepped into a different reality, a place where stress doesn't exist and everyone just wants you to be happy. The impeccable service, the attention to detail, the quiet elegance... it's something I'll carry with me forever.
I remember one night, I wandered down to the lobby and tripped over some luggage (oops!). Before I even landed, a staff member was there, helping me up, apologizing that those luggage bags were there! It was pure, unadulterated, five-star care. That's Radium Kagaya in a nutshell: a place where they anticipate your clumsy moments and turn them into beautiful memories. I'll definitely never forget that. It's the definition of perfection! And the best part? Knowing there's a place in the world like that, gives me a little extra hope in the long run.
Any advice for future Radium Kagaya guests?
Pack your best pajamas. Seriously. Comfort is key! Also, don't be afraid to ask for anything. They are *there* to serve you. Indulge! Try everything. Say yes to the extra blanket, the sake pairing, the midnight snack. And most importantly? Disconnect (unless you're like me and need to take a gazillion photos, of course!). Put away your phone, breathe, and just *be*. Let the magic of Radium Kagaya wash over you. And for heaven's sake, book Room #7 if you can! You will not regret it. Just... prepare to feel a little spoiled afterwards. In the best possible way.
