ITH just 160 rooms (including 61 suites), the Le Méridien Taipei is an essay in privilege and style. The tone is elegant, grey and contemporary with straight lines that will appeal to discerning sensibilities. Yet it exudes a sense of unbridled fun with its eclectic “art” like the huge steel giraffe titled “Be My Guest” (by Li Hui) feet splayed in welcome genuflection in the lobby. Over 700 pieces of "light and shadow" art adorn various spaces – watch for the life-size polymer cashmere-clad ape.

Le Méridien’s UNLOCK ART programme includes a designer key-card that offers access to the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei. Indeed there is a serene, echoing, museum-like quality to the public spaces, all presented ungarnished and unadorned. Less is more, and Le Meridien makes a strong case as one of the best Taipei business hotels with this effortless stab at simplicity with luxury trimmings. A 68sq m Junior Suite with its stark black-and-white x-ray art

depicting lotus and baggage innards, cleverly blends travel with a sense of introspection. Some suites have outdoor smoking patios. Three-metre-high ceilings dramatically expand personal space in which to enjoy BOSE sound, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, Blu-ray DVD, and a Nespresso machine for that morning cup of Joe. This is a thoughtful set-up for business travellers with three-pin multi-plug sockets and a media hub. The traditional desk lamp is reassuringly familiar. Later, dawdle in your very own spacious white-marble bathroom or head off to the intimate indoor hotel pool.

Gourmets will enjoy outlets like the cocoa-heaven ChocoArt, Lattitude 25 for coffee and wine, and the signature My Humble House with enticing Chinese flavours. With a focus on intuitive service and intimate space, this is not a crowded muscle meetings address but a great choice for small corporate meetings in Taipei with 1,700sq m of versatile function space. At night, stroll out for views of the soaring Taipei 101 tower with tracer beams raking the skies.