While homestay has become an increasingly popular lodging option for vacationers, the results of an investigation by the Cabinet's Consumer Protection Commission showed that 75 percent of these private residences turned into full or partial guest lodgings suffer from poor safety standards and hygiene.
Aiming to improve the quality of local hotels and lodges, the commission conducted a large-scale investigation into 120 homestays nationwide in 18 cities and counties in late December and early January.
poor hygiene
The commission's investigation showed that the quality of 90 homestays was poor in terms of public safety and hygiene.
Thirty of the homestay operators were unlicensed, and only one quarter of the inspected facilities met government requirements in terms of building management, sanitation and firefighting equipment.
On sanitation, 10 of the licensed homestays and 12 of the unlicensed homestays failed the test, they said.
On firefighting equipment, 17 percent of the licensed homestays and 50 percent of the unlicensed homestays did not pass inspection, they added.
Among the lodges in need of improvement, Takuan Farm (達觀農場), located in Taoyuan County, was considered the worst, as its construction, fire control facilities, hygiene conditions and business operations were all below standard.
illegal construction
Commission officials said that some lodges even expanded their building to accommodate more rooms, which is illegal.
For example, a registered lodge in Taitung County has illegally expanded its 15 rooms into 65 rooms. Moreover, some of the lodges seldom changed their bedquilts and sheets.
According to the officials, lodges in Miaoli, Chiayi and Kinmen counties had the best quality among the 120 homestays.
Meanwhile, to combat unlicensed lodges that advertise their services online, the commission yesterday called on the public to check with the Cabinet's tourism bureau or local governments before making a reservation.
Upon arrival at the homestay, people should check whether the lodge's business license is hanging on the lobby wall and inspect the surrounding environment. If the place is not safe, they should leave immediately, the officials said.
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