A Gateway to Kaohsiung’s Heart: The InterContinental Experience
Arrival: First Impressions of The InterContinental Kaohsiung
The InterContinental Kaohsiung occupies a prime location in the heart of the Asia New Bay area, a vibrant district that is quickly becoming Kaohsiung’s cultural and commercial epicenter. Conveniently situated just a 15-minute drive from Kaohsiung International Airport, the hotel offers easy access for both international travelers and those arriving by domestic flight. Visitors can take a taxi or use the city’s efficient public transportation system, including the nearby Kaohsiung MRT station, which connects guests to the rest of the city and beyond. The hotel’s location places it within walking distance of major attractions such as the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre and the Pier 2 Art Centre, both of which showcase the city’s dynamic art scene.
As guests approach the hotel, they are immediately struck by its striking design, which seamlessly blends modern sophistication with a tranquil atmosphere. The building’s sleek, contemporary architecture is complemented by soothing shades of teal and aquamarine, a nod to the nearby harbor, evoking the feeling of being by the sea. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious lobby that feels like an elegant aquatic sanctuary, with soft lighting reflecting the shimmer of the ocean. This serene yet contemporary ambiance sets the tone for the stay, ensuring that the hotel leaves a lasting first impression from the moment of arrival.
Grounds: A Strategic Location in Kaohsiung’s Cultural District
The InterContinental Kaohsiung stands as a striking visual landmark in the Asia New Bay area, where its bold and contemporary design effortlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape. The hotel’s exterior, with its sleek lines and graceful curves, is a modern architectural marvel that reflects the shimmering waters of the nearby harbor. The façade, featuring a blend of glass and steel, gleams in the sunlight, its aqua and teal hues mirroring the coastal scenery, while also exuding an air of sophistication and tranquility.
The building’s design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the area, with the surrounding environment playing a key role in its aesthetic appeal. From its position along the water’s edge, the hotel’s towering presence evokes the elegance of a luxury liner, with clean, flowing forms that seem to echo the movement of the ocean. The way the hotel’s structure blends with the cityscape is a testament to its seamless integration into Kaohsiung’s modern skyline.
Beyond the architecture, the grounds surrounding the hotel add to its charm. While there are no expansive outdoor gardens, the hotel does offer a variety of lush, well-maintained greenery that enhances its overall ambiance. Small landscaped areas around the property feature vibrant plants and greenery, providing a soothing escape for guests who wish to enjoy a quiet moment outdoors. These areas, though modest, add an element of natural beauty that balances the urban design, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the hotel’s modern elegance.
The hotel’s proximity to the harbour also means that guests can enjoy scenic views and fresh air, with public parks and walkways nearby offering opportunities for leisurely strolls along the water. The harmonious mix of modern design, green spaces, and its coastal location make the InterContinental Kaohsiung a standout property, beautifully situated within its dynamic and thriving environment.
Interiors: An Ocean-Inspired Sanctuary
The InterContinental Kaohsiung offers a range of accommodations that showcase the hotel’s modern yet sophisticated design. Upon entering any guest room, the first impression is one of understated luxury, with sleek, minimalist furnishings and soothing oceanic tones that echo the harbour views outside. From the entry-level rooms to the premium suites, each space is crafted with comfort and style in mind, providing a sense of serenity and relaxation.
The entry-level rooms, though not as spacious as the premium suites, still offer a high standard of comfort and luxury. The 253 rooms of the hotel, including the standard rooms, are designed with a blend of Art Deco-inspired elegance and contemporary amenities. These rooms are comfortably sized, offering enough space for guests to unwind, with large windows allowing natural light to flood in. The design of these rooms incorporates soft, coastal colours and clean lines, creating a tranquil and airy atmosphere that’s ideal for both business and leisure travellers.
In comparison, the premium suites are much more expansive, providing a lavish retreat for those seeking added space and luxury. These suites feature a generous layout, with separate living areas, larger bathrooms, and panoramic views of the city or the harbour. The rooms are furnished with top-of-the-line amenities, including a fully stocked minibar, Smeg kettle, Dyson hairdryer, and high-end toiletries. The suites also offer larger windows that provide stunning views of the skyline or the water, making the most of the hotel’s beautiful surroundings.
Whether you choose a cozy entry-level room or indulge in a spacious suite, the interiors of the InterContinental Kaohsiung ensure a comfortable and visually pleasing experience. Each room, regardless of category, serves as an oasis of calm, drawing from the tranquil beauty of the surrounding city and harbor while providing all the modern luxuries one would expect from a five-star property.
Dining: A Taste of Taiwan and Beyond
The InterContinental Kaohsiung boasts an impressive array of dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. At SEEDS, the all-day dining restaurant, guests are treated to a buffet that showcases the best of both international and local cuisine. Here, sustainable ingredients sourced from local farmers provide a fresh and flavorful start to the day, with specialties like porridge, noodles, and savoury beancurd making the breakfast experience memorable. For those craving something more adventurous, Zhan Lu Chinese Restaurant serves a fusion of Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, while HAWKER Restaurant brings the flavors of Southeast Asia to the city.
One of the signature dishes is the Seafood Tomyum Soup, a spicy and aromatic Thai classic, brimming with fresh seafood and fragrant herbs. Another must-try is the Roti Prata with Malay-style Chicken Curry, a dish that combines crispy, buttery flatbread with a rich and flavorful curry that packs just the right amount of heat.
For those in the mood for something lighter, the Steamed Flounder Fillet with Pickled Radish and Crispy Garlic offers a delicate yet flavorful option, perfect for balancing the spicier offerings. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Burbur Cha Cha is a delightful dessert made with a mix of coconut milk, sweet potato, and pandan, while the Chai Tow Kway—savory fried radish cakes—makes for an addictive snack.
Each dish at HAWKER is prepared with care and attention to detail, highlighting the distinctive culinary traditions of Southeast Asia while adding a modern twist. The restaurant’s interior, decorated with giant woven baskets and wheat stalks, creates an inviting and vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complements the food.
WA-RA Japanese Restaurant offers a more intimate dining experience, featuring Warayaki—a traditional Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling food with straw fire. This innovative dining style, combined with a visually stunning atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy not just a meal, but an experience. Guests can also unwind at the BL.T33 Lobby Lounge, famous for its afternoon tea service, featuring a selection of local delicacies.
Wellness: A Relaxing Retreat
For those looking to unwind, The InterContinental Kaohsiung offers a range of wellness facilities designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The indoor pool, with its sleek black marble siding, offers panoramic views of the city and provides a tranquil retreat from the heat of Kaohsiung’s summer months.
Guests can relax on cabana beds, sip refreshing drinks from the poolside service, or indulge in the sauna and steam room. The hotel’s fitness center is equipped with modern exercise machines and free weights, making it easy for guests to maintain their fitness routines while travelling. There are also two jacuzzis with varying temperatures, perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day of sightseeing or meetings. The calming ambiance of the wellness facilities complements the overall atmosphere of the hotel, providing a perfect balance of luxury and relaxation.
Special Features: Sustainability and Innovation
In line with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, The InterContinental Kaohsiung has implemented a number of eco-friendly features, including an in-room water filtration system that eliminates the need for plastic bottles. This small but significant touch not only reduces waste but also ensures that guests have access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. The hotel’s dedication to sustainable dining is also noteworthy, with approximately 70% of ingredients used in its restaurants sourced locally. The hotel even employs composting machines to recycle food waste back into the soil, benefiting local farmers. While the hotel offers cutting-edge technology, such as smart voice assistants in each room and advanced lighting systems in the suites, it also embraces Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. The blend of modern innovation and cultural authenticity makes this hotel a unique and forward-thinking option for travellers seeking both luxury and environmental responsibility.
Final Thoughts: A Harmonious Blend of Luxury and Sustainability
The InterContinental Kaohsiung offers a sophisticated retreat where modern luxury meets cultural authenticity. Its prime location in the vibrant Asia New Bay area places it at the heart of Kaohsiung’s dynamic cultural and commercial scene, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s striking design, inspired by the surrounding harbour, creates a sense of serenity and elegance, with every detail carefully considered to offer guests a calm, relaxing environment.
The thoughtful fusion of sustainability with high-end amenities elevates the guest experience, allowing visitors to enjoy cutting-edge technology, sustainable dining, and eco-friendly features while embracing the rich local culture. Whether indulging in the diverse culinary offerings or unwinding at the tranquil wellness centre, the hotel provides a comprehensive experience designed to meet the needs of modern travellers.
For those seeking a blend of luxury, relaxation, and an immersive cultural experience, The InterContinental Kaohsiung delivers on all fronts, making it a standout choice in the city’s burgeoning hospitality scene. With its stunning location, world-class facilities, and commitment to sustainability, the hotel leaves a lasting impression, ensuring that every stay is a memorable one.
