Hotel star ratings are no longer the only reference—Taiwan’s comprehensive lodging evaluation system is here

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Since the Tourism Bureau launched its hotel star rating certification, the third wave of evaluations for 19 hotels was completed last week. To date, a total of 182 hotel operators have applied, with 102 receiving star certification. With the “star” endorsement, star-rated hotels are in high demand, and the number of hotels wishing to participate in the evaluation has recently surged. The Tourism Bureau has decided to extend the discounted registration period until August 31, 2012, giving hotel operators ample time to upgrade comprehensively and join the ranks of star-rated establishments.

The third wave of evaluations saw the highest number of five-star hotels certified. Among them, The Landis Taipei, Grand Hyatt Taipei, The Chung Shan, Silks Place Taichung, Ambassador Hotel (Taipei), Grand Hotel, Taipei Fullon, Victoria Hotel, and Ideal Resort Hualien all achieved five-star certification. The total number of five-star hotels now stands at 28. Characteristically Taiwanese motels were also included in the assessment, with three out of the 19 hotels evaluated this time being motels. Ailienyuan Motel in Taoyuan, the city’s longest-running motel, stated that competition in the motel sector is fierce, and this star rating serves as a golden seal of approval, giving consumers greater confidence in cleanliness and safety.

Since the star-rated hotel evaluation program opened for registration on September 9, 2009, hundreds of accommodations across Taiwan have received star ratings, forming a distinct brand for star-rated lodgings. Hotel operators who apply for the first phase of the star-rated hotel evaluation—building facilities—and the second phase—service quality—between September 1, 2011, and 5:00 PM on August 31, 2012, will still have their evaluation fees fully covered by the Tourism Bureau, in an effort to encourage hotels to obtain star ratings as soon as possible and accelerate Taiwan’s hospitality industry alignment with international standards.