Ride the Wave of *Life of Pi* Hype: Taichung Five-Star Hotels Launch Room Discounts

Reported by Lin Yuling / Compiled by Staff

The movie *Life of Pi: The IMAX Experience* made a splash at the 2013 Academy Awards. Approximately 300 Hollywood and Taiwanese crew members were housed in various five-star hotels in Taichung, racking up 30,000 room nights in a year, with accommodation fees exceeding NT$100 million. With director Ang Lee now awarded the “Best Director” title, numerous hotels have seized the opportunity to roll out promotional packages. The Lalu Hotel has even dubbed its offer the “Life of Pi Adventure,” joining in the film’s triumph.

▲ *Life of Pi: The IMAX Experience* wowed at the Oscars, and major hotels in Taichung are responding with room deals. (Photo / Provided by Fubon Art Foundation & 20th Century Fox)

During the filming of *Life of Pi* in Taichung, over 300 crew members were accommodated in top-tier hotels in the city, including HOTEL ONE Taichung Asia Plaza Hotel, Evergreen Laurel Hotel, and The Splendor Taichung. In total, more than 30,000 rooms were booked throughout the year, generating over NT$110 million in revenue and boosting the local hotel occupancy rate by 10%. The highest number of rooms was booked at The Lalu Hotel, with around 14,000 room nights sold in one year.

▲ The Lalu Hotel, which hosted the most cast and crew during filming, has launched its “Life of Pi Adventure” room package. (Photo / The Lalu Hotel)

Following Ang Lee’s win of the 2013 Academy Award for “Best Director,” The Lalu Hotel has capitalized on the trend with its “Life of Pi Adventure” room promotion. From now until April 30, guests can book a one-night stay with two meals. The Deluxe Double Room is NT$4,500, including breakfast for two and a hot pot set meal for two valued at NT$796 plus 10%. The Family Room is NT$6,300, which includes breakfast for four and a hot pot set meal for four valued at NT$1,599 plus 10%. Guests can also enjoy unlimited access to the wellness club’s sauna, temperature-controlled swimming pool, and gym facilities.

Meanwhile, HOTEL ONE Taichung Asia Plaza Hotel is offering an exclusive buy-one-get-one-free deal on its official website. Until April 30, guests booking a standard room for two can be upgraded to a business room, including a generous buffet breakfast for two. Each room also comes with a voucher for a double room at the Grand Formosa Regent Tainan, originally priced at NT$20,900 but available for just NT$6,299 during the promotion period. There are also other deals such as a “Member Birthday Buy-One-Get-One-Free” offer.

%Muli Resort has introduced an eco-friendly room package for travelers seeking sustainable stays. (#image: Muli Resort)