Silks Place Tainan Hotel Review & Activities: Teddy Bear-Themed Rooms, City Walk & DIY Perfume Workshop

Silks Place Tainan Hotel Review: A 5-Star Stay in Charming Southern Taiwan, Tainan

As I continued my travels in Tainan, I had the pleasure of staying at Silks Place Tainan, a five-star hotel in the city’s historic Ximen District. It’s often hailed as a top choice for both business and leisure, and based on my experience, it certainly offers the best of both worlds: a luxurious sanctuary to return to and the perfect launchpad for exploring the city.

Fun fact: Silks Place Tainan was even chosen as the after-party venue for Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling’s wedding, a reflection of its elegance and prestige.

A launchpad to Explore Tainan’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Silks Place Tainan is the third Silks Place property in Taiwan by Silks Hotel Group. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road, the hotel seamlessly weaves Eastern aesthetics with the luxuries of Western modernity throughout the entire property.

Being in Taiwan’s oldest capital, the property has artfully incorporated Tainan’s history, literature, art into a contemporary luxury experience. Few may know that Tainan once served as Taiwan’s capital—a legacy that lends the city and the hotel an even deeper cultural resonance.

The cultural theme reveals itself the moment I step into the lobby. Traditional drums celebrating Taiwan’s drumming heritage line the hallway,  wild boars (native to the island) as sculptural art statues can be seen at lift lobby and restaurants.

And then right in the middle of the hallway, an eye-catching display of giant teddy bears greets guests, each dressed according to trending themes that reflect Taiwan’s current cultural moments.

During my recent visit, these adorable mascots were sporting baseball outfits in celebration of Taiwan’s recent championship victory—a creative touch that demonstrates the hotel’s connection to local pride and contemporary events.

These elements are not decoration but conversation—reminders of the culture that anchors Tainan.

In the lounge, the atmosphere slows. Artworks are placed with care, inviting pause. A carved bowl, etched with a bird’s-eye view of Tainan, is both object and map—a quiet invitation to explore before you step outside.

As Tainan celebrates its 400th anniversary, there is an ongoing exhibition within the hotel chronicles the history of the former capital. These exhibition panels are displayed on different levels of the hotel.

Living up to their core philosophy of ‘to serve as we would like to be served’ (將心比心、待人如己), I felt that sincerity from the very beginning. At the lounge, I was welcomed with a signature Tainan drink—iced winter melon tea served in a teacup handcrafted by the hotel’s staff, which symbolised a personalised welcome. From there, the staff thoughtfully assisted me with my luggage, setting the tone for the kind of attentive hospitality that defines Silks Place Tainan.

My Room: Executive Junior Family Suite

For this trip, I stayed in the Executive Junior Family Suite on the 12th floor. The space feels calm and deliberate, beautifully reflecting Tainan’s rich cultural heritage through thoughtful aesthetic details: calligraphy brush lamps suspended from the ceiling, Hoklo-inspired lattice patterns, and furniture paying homage to the city’s Japanese colonial influences.

The calligraphy motifs are particularly significant. During the Qing and Japanese colonial periods, calligraphy was central to education, governance, and personal expression amongst scholars and officials. The hotel reimagines this tradition through contemporary design, offering guests a subtle yet meaningful connection to Tainan’s layered history

The layout of the suite is thoughtfully designed, featuring a sliding divider that separates the bedroom from the living area. There’s also ample space to store luggage and belongings, making the room both practical and comfortable for longer stays.

 

View on Threads

 

The suite also includes a spacious bathroom, with the shower and toilet set apart for privacy, and a bathtub that’s perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring the city.

Among the in-room amenities, I like how the hotel has included locally made facial mask sheets—a delightful touch that felt both personal and distinctly Taiwanese.

In line with the hotel’s sustainability efforts, disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste aren’t placed in the room by default, though they can be requested in advance if needed. However, you’ll be glad to find bottles of water readily available in the room.

The room also features a pillow menu, allowing guests to choose the perfect support for a restful sleep. For those needing a gentle wake-up call, the in-room AI concierge can be programmed accordingly. Beyond this function, it serves as a helpful digital companion, providing essential hotel information and city recommendations—a thoughtful mix of comfort and convenience.

Even though the hotel’s been around for over a decade, the hospitality remains exceptional. The staff were warm and welcoming, thoughtful amenity touches made all the difference, and the location truly couldn’t be more convenient.

Guided City Walking Tour

Some of Tainan’s must-see sights are just a short stroll from Silks Place Tainan—all within about 15 minutes on foot. Landmarks like the Taiwan Confucian Temple, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and the historic Hayashi Department Store are right at your doorstep, with plenty more waiting to be explored.

To make it even easier, the hotel also offers a complimentary guided city walking tour, which is especially helpful for first-time visitors like me discovering Tainan.

Around the World with Teddy Bear-Themed Rooms

During my stay, I also got to explore the hotel’s specially curated themed rooms featuring their signature teddy bears. Each room is styled around a different country, with decor and details that bring the theme to life. For example, the United Kingdom-inspired room’s wallpaper and bedding reflect a touch of English charm. It’s a playful and whimsical element that adds to the overall hotel experience.

Beyond the Stay: A Fragrance Symphony Workshop

During my stay at Silks Place Tainan, I visited T-Bar on the lobby floor—the hotel’s sleek lobby lounge. This is where guests can enjoy specialty brews, join a Fragrance Symphony Workshop, and even book coffee-tasting sessions in advance to sample the hotel’s signature blends.

The experience began with a tasting of their hand-dripped coffee, each named after a classical composer—Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin—a creative prelude to the workshop. Then I was invited to explore the different coffee scents, each carrying subtle floral and fruity notes that added unexpected layers of character.

Afterward, it was my turn to create a custom perfume. The base note is their signature fragrance, Southern Breeze Blossom, followed by a middle note which is the Coasta Rica Camet Musician Coffee scent of my choice. he top note was left to my preference, with options such as peppermint, lemon, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Fun fact: The hotel’s signature fragrance – Southern Breeze Blossom won top honors at the 2024 French New Luxury Awards in the Scented Place category, recognized for its innovative use of scent within a hotel environment.

It was a lovely, hands-on activity that felt both personal and memorable, making the stay extra special—and the perfume made a wonderful keepsake to bring home.

Pro tip: Be sure to reserve your spot when you check in, as the workshop is popular with guests.

Exploring the Flavours of Silks Place Tainan

At Silks Place Tainan, dining is all about giving guests the best of both tradition and international standards. Each morning, I could choose between an international breakfast at Robin’s Grill or a traditional Tainan-style breakfast in the banquet hall.

For lunch and dinner, Robin’s Grill & Teppan on Level 1 served up premium steaks and fresh seafood with a Western steakhouse meets Japanese teppanyaki flair, while Silks House on Level 2 offered refined Cantonese and Taiwanese dishes. With the hotel’s strong focus on local ingredients, every meal was a balance of five-star presentation and genuine Tainan flavour. (Read more about my dining experience at Silks Place Tainan here.)

The experience doesn’t stop at dining—there’s also the Glass House Bar right by the outdoor pool on Level 4. This is where I tried cocktails that mix tea, spirits, and local flavours in really creative ways, all while tying back to Taiwan’s history and traditions. Plus point, the tea-based cocktails taste really good!

What stood out most to me was the interactive drinking experience—refreshing, unique, and unlike anything I’ve tried before. From a towering 108-shot display to roulette-style games inspired by the 36 Stratagems, it brought a playful edge to the evening. Pair that with Taiwanese street food reimagined as bar bites, and you’ve got a lively spot that blends culture, creativity, and fun! For those looking for a fun night out, this is one spot you should add into your itinerary!