If you are looking for a lavish stay in the city of Taipei, then the Grand Hotel is where you should head to. Established in 1952 because of Chiang Kai-Shek’s (1887 – 1975) fear of not having proper hotels to accommodate foreign dignitaries, the Grand Hotel was built on the grounds of the Taiwan Grand Shrine. Standing at 87 metres, this hotel is one of the world’s tallest Chinese classical buildings, and even held the distinction of being the tallest building in Taiwan from 1973 to 1981. After a major fire broke out in 1995, the hotel underwent major renovations and has three sections today. From afar, the hotel is easily distinguishable, thanks to its ornate Chinese architectural style. Inside, you will find many significant Chinese cultural items, like paintings, wall panels and carvings. This palace-inspired hotel is also extremely convenient, providing free shuttle bus services to the nearby Yuanshan MRT Station.