The Vagus Hotel & Lounge (formerly “Tianjin Grand Hotel”) sits in the heart of Taipei’s historic Zhongshan Tiaotong district. Built in the 1970s by the Yeh family, it embodied the city’s business travel boom and became a gathering place for entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and families. Over time, however, shifting urban development and outdated facilities left the hotel behind. In 2024, G Life Taiwan Co., Ltd. acquired the property with a vision to preserve its heritage while transforming it into a contemporary cultural landmark.
“Tiaotong” shaped by Japanese colonial-era planning, is renowned for its narrow alleys, Japanese-inspired eateries, and vibrant nightlife. Once Taipei’s elite entertainment hub, the district later declined but has recently reemerged through urban renewal and creative industries. The hotel’s revitalization resonates with this narrative of transformation.
The project balanced preservation with modernization. Guestroom floors retained their original layout, while finishes and furnishings were upgraded. The ground-floor lobby, formerly constrained, was redesigned as a social hub with new seating, power access, and a complimentary mini-bar. Large windows blur inside and outside, creating a sense of “living in Taipei” rather than simply visiting. Historic details, including the original wooden reception desk and crystal chandeliers, were preserved to honor its past.
The basement, once leased to a Piano Bar, was reclaimed and reinvented as the “Vagus Lounge.” Operated by the hotel, it offers food and beverage experiences rooted in Taiwanese identity, collaborating with heritage brands such as Kinbin Foods and showcasing local wines and spirits. It also doubles as a cultural stage, hosting music, stand-up, and private gatherings, enriching both guest and community interaction.
More than a renovation, the project redefines the role of a hotel. Beyond accommodation, the Vagus Hotel & Lounge positions itself as a cultural venue, encouraging exploration of surrounding restaurants, galleries, and crafts. Future plans include exhibitions, farmers’ markets, and creative workshops, ensuring the hotel evolves with the neighborhood.
Through this transformation, the Vagus Hotel & Lounge bridges history and modernity, reclaiming its role as a cultural anchor for Tiaotong and a meaningful destination for both travelers and locals.


This project has been honored as one of the Top 10 Projects of 2025 Taipei Architecture Renovation Award.