Hotel Review: Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel (Executive Deluxe Room)

While I have visited Taipei countless times over the years, this was actually my very first time venturing south to Kaohsiung. As a creature of habit, I often find myself gravitating towards the familiar comforts of the capital, but after hearing so much about the port city’s rapid development, I decided it was finally time to check it out. When it comes to luxury accommodation in Kaohsiung, most eyes are firmly fixed on the Asia New Bay Area, home to the shiny new InterContinental Kaohsiung, which has quickly become the benchmark for high-end stays in the city. However, with room rates at the InterContinental often commanding a significant premium, I decided to book a stay at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel instead.

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Bedroom
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

I arrived at the hotel at approximately 11:00 AM, fully aware that I was well ahead of the standard check-in time. As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member, I was swiftly escorted to the Executive Lounge at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel for a private check-in experience - a welcome perk that allows you to bypass the hustle and bustle of the main lobby. While the associate was processing my registration, I took the opportunity to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the quiet comfort of the lounge. I enquired if the room might be ready within the next hour, but the team was unable to provide a firm confirmation at that stage. Rather than waiting around indefinitely, I decided to leave my luggage with the concierge and headed out for an early lunch to start exploring the city's culinary offerings immediately.

TV and Work Station
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

I returned to the hotel at around 2:00 PM, hoping to head straight to my room to freshen up. Unfortunately, I was informed that the room was still not quite ready, so I found myself back in the Executive Lounge waiting for another 30 minutes or so. When the keys were finally handed over, the associate informed me that I had been upgraded from a Classic Room to an Executive Deluxe Room. For the uninitiated, this is effectively a paper upgrade for Platinum Elite members and higher; the hard product is virtually identical to the lead-in category, with the only distinction being the inclusion of Executive Lounge access - a benefit that is already guaranteed by my status. A quick check on the Marriott Bonvoy app revealed that suites were indeed available for the duration of my stay, but I decided not to push for a further upgrade on this occasion, preferring to simply get settled rather than negotiate at the counter.

View from Room
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

One thing that immediately struck me upon entering the Executive Deluxe Room was just how incredibly spacious it felt. At 46 sqm, the room footprint is generous by any standard and positively palatial compared to what you might find in Taipei. Having only opened its doors fully in 2021, the hardware still feels pristine and modern, with a contemporary design that balances warmth with functionality. The room features a comfortable king-sized bed, a dedicated work area, and a chaise lounge by the window, but the real highlight has to be the view. Perched on a high floor, my room offered a sweeping panorama of the Kaohsiung skyline, overlooking the lush greenery of the Love River Heart and stretching all the way to the iconic 85 Sky Tower in the distance.

Welcome Amenities
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

One aspect of the arrival experience that felt somewhat impersonal was the welcome amenity. Waiting on the coffee table was a simple plate containing three packets of 'Let's Party' snacks, but conspicuously absent was any form of welcome letter or personalised note. While I certainly do not expect a red carpet to be rolled out, the lack of a handwritten card for a Titanium Elite member did feel a little sparse (especially in a market known for its hospitality). It is also worth noting that the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel enforces the Marriott Bonvoy breakfast policy quite strictly. I was explicitly informed at check-in that my complimentary breakfast benefit would be served exclusively in the Executive Lounge; if I wished to dine at the main all-day dining restaurant, I would be required to pay the full buffet price. While the property is technically acting within the programme's terms and conditions, this strict adherence stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of full-service Marriott hotels in Asia, which typically extend the courtesy of a full restaurant breakfast to Platinum Elites and above.

Bedroom
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

The best part of the room is without a doubt, the plush king-size bed. However, what I appreciated most about the room’s design was the flooring. Unlike many older hotels that cling to wall-to-wall carpeting (which can often feel dusty and dated), the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel has opted for sleek, light-wood flooring throughout the main living areas. This not only lends the space a cleaner, more residential aesthetic but also feels significantly more hygienic.

Bedside Table
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Connectivity is another area where the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel excels. I have lost count of the number of times I have had to crawl under a desk or move heavy furniture just to find a power socket in older hotels, but there are no such issues here. The room is generously appointed with universal power outlets, ensuring that international travellers can keep their devices charged without needing a travel adapter. The bedside configuration is particularly well-designed, featuring a centralised control panel that puts everything within arm's reach. From here, you can effortlessly adjust the lighting scenes or operate the electronic drapes and sheers - perfect for letting the morning light flood in without ever having to leave the comfort of the covers.

Bedroom
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, the room is bathed in a profusion of natural daylight during the day, which helps to accentuate the sense of space even further. The design also cleverly incorporates a large glass partition separating the bedroom from the bathroom. While some travellers might find this lack of solid walls a little exposing, I am personally a fan of this layout as it allows natural light to filter through into the bathroom, ensuring the space feels bright and airy rather than enclosed. For those travelling with friends or simply preferring a bit more seclusion, there is no need to worry as a privacy blind can be lowered at the touch of a button to completely screen off the bathroom from the rest of the living area.

Entrance and Minibar
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Near the entrance of the room, there is a compact luggage storage area integrated into the cabinetry, which offers just enough space to stow a carry-on or a medium-sized suitcase out of the way. The adjacent mini-bar, however, is a rather spartan affair. Unlike most modern Marriott properties that typically offer a Nespresso machine (or equivalent) in guestrooms, the setup here at Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel is surprisingly basic. The lack of a proper coffee machine was a slight disappointment for a room in this category, though it was not a complete dealbreaker for me personally. Since I had access to the Executive Lounge, I could simply head upstairs for a freshly brewed cup of coffee whenever the caffeine craving hit, but for guests without elite status, the in-room options are admittedly limited.

Coffee Drip Bags
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Upon opening the drawer, I found a selection of Catamona drip coffee bags (both regular and decaffeinated varieties) which served as the primary caffeine source in the room. While it may not offer the one-touch convenience of a capsule machine, the ritual of brewing drip coffee does have its own charm, and the quality was perfectly adequate. A particularly thoughtful addition was the inclusion of takeaway paper cups alongside the standard ceramic mugs. It is a simple yet surprisingly practical touch that I wish more hotels would adopt, allowing guests to brew a fresh cup and take it with them as they head out for the day.

Bathroom
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Stepping into the bathroom, the aesthetic shifts from light wood to dramatic dark marble, creating a space that feels both luxurious and grounding. The layout is centred around a deep-soaking bathtub which is positioned right next to the glass partition - a design choice that not only opens up the room visually but also allows you to catch a glimpse of the television while enjoying a long soak. The vanity area is equally well-appointed, featuring a large basin and an expansive countertop that offers more than enough real estate to spread out your personal toiletries without feeling cluttered.

Separate Shower Area
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Separate from the bathtub is a dedicated walk-in shower enclosure, which features both a handheld showerhead and a ceiling-mounted rain shower. One of the most crucial tests for any luxury hotel is the quality of the shower, and I am pleased to report that the water pressure here was excellent.

Bath Amenities
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

In line with Marriott's global sustainability efforts, the small single-use bottles of the past have been replaced with large, wall-mounted pump dispensers. While purists might miss the take-home miniatures, the quality of the products remains consistent, and the eco-friendly shift is something I am personally quite happy to support.

Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Executive Lounge - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

I dropped by the Executive Lounge at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel on my first evening to check out the Evening Cocktail offering, but I was immediately taken aback by the sheer volume of guests. Despite the lounge’s bigger footprint, it was completely packed, with a chaotic energy that felt more like a bustling marketplace than an exclusive retreat. I managed to capture a photo of the seating area much later in the evening once the service had concluded and the crowds had dispersed, but do be warned that the atmosphere during peak hours is significantly more intense.

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In terms of catering, the food spread was decent enough, offering a sufficient variety of hot and cold options to cobble together a light dinner. The alcohol selection, however, was fairly utilitarian; while it was nice to see a sparkling wine included in the lineup, the spirits and wines were pretty basic.

Breakfast
Executive Lounge - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Breakfast at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel is served daily in the Executive Lounge from 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM. As I mentioned earlier, this property is somewhat rigid in that it does not extend complimentary breakfast at the main restaurant to Platinum Elite members and above. If you wish to dine downstairs, you will be expected to pay the full adult price. Given the surcharge, I stuck to the lounge, which offers a respectable, albeit smaller, buffet spread.

Breakfast Omelette
Executive Lounge - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

Much like the evening cocktail hour, the lounge was teeming with activity during the morning rush. Despite the crowds, the team managed to keep the food replenished reasonably well, and I was pleased to find a live egg station where chefs were whipping up made-to-order omelettes.

Breakfast
Executive Lounge - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

In terms of variety, the breakfast spread in the Executive Lounge leans heavily towards Asian palates, featuring the usual suspects like warm soy milk, congee with condiments, and a rotation of stir-fried dishes. While there are some Western staples available, the selection is decidedly functional rather than inspiring. To be perfectly honest, I would view this restricted breakfast benefit as a blessing in disguise. Kaohsiung is a city renowned for its incredible culinary scene, with countless local breakfast joints and markets serving up delicious, authentic fare at a fraction of the price of a hotel buffet. My advice? Treat the lounge as a pit stop for a quick caffeine fix and perhaps a piece of fruit, then head out to explore the city’s vibrant food scene.

Bedroom
Executive Deluxe Room - Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel

The Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel is undeniable in its physical presence; the hardware is impressive, the rooms are generously proportioned, and the connection to the E-Sky Mall (and proximity to Costco) offers a certain level of convenience for those who prioritise retail therapy. While the location is slightly removed from the main tourist artery, access to the MRT is straightforward enough to make getting around the city relatively painless. However, for a hotel in a city as warm and hospitable as Kaohsiung, the experience felt surprisingly stuffy and clinical. The service lacked the personal touch and genuine warmth that usually defines Taiwanese hospitality, leaving the stay feeling efficient but ultimately soulless. While the lower price point compared to its luxury competitors is attractive, I found myself missing the character and charm that make a stay memorable. On my next visit to Kaohsiung, I will likely look past this property and opt for the InterContinental Kaohsiung or even the older, yet vibrant, Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park instead.

Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel
No. 222, Longdexin Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
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