Hualien, Taiwan — The Silks Place Taroko Hotel, a renowned five-star accommodation in Taroko National Park, will remain closed for more than two months due to significant water and power supply issues caused by Typhoon Kong-rey. The hotel, located in Hualien County on Taiwan’s eastern coast, announced on Friday that it will be closed until January 15, 2024 to address the aftermath of the typhoon that made landfall in Taitung County on October 31, 2023.
The Impact of Typhoon Kong-rey on the Taroko Hotel
In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the Silks Place Taroko hotel, the only five-star resort in the scenic Taroko National Park, explained the reasons behind its temporary closure. The typhoon caused significant disruptions to the hotel’s day-to-day operations, with the property experiencing a cut in its main water supply and unreliable electricity.
The ongoing efforts to restore the power grid in the mountainous region have made it difficult for the hotel to maintain normal services for its guests. Hotel management confirmed that the closure will last until January 15, with plans to resume operations after the required repairs to the infrastructure are completed.
Previous Natural Disasters Affecting Silks Place Taroko
This closure comes on the heels of a series of natural disasters that have already impacted the hotel earlier in the year. In April 2023, the hotel faced severe damage from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hualien on April 3. The quake caused significant disruption, with more than 200 people stranded at the hotel for five days while awaiting rescue. Additionally, two vehicles carrying hotel staff were trapped in a tunnel by falling rocks, further complicating the situation.
The hotel was forced to close for several months after the earthquake, only reopening on October 3. Just as operations were beginning to return to normal, Typhoon Kong-rey brought additional challenges, forcing the hotel to shut down once again.
Voucher Extensions and Guest Notifications
With the hotel closing its doors for an extended period, management has taken steps to accommodate affected guests. The hotel announced that the expiry date for 2023 vouchers will be extended to June 30, 2025, while 2024 vouchers will now be valid until September 30, 2025.
In addition, the hotel is in the process of contacting guests who had made reservations during the closure period and working to provide them with alternative arrangements or refunds where necessary.
Timeline of Events and Operations
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoon Kong-rey Landfall | October 31, 2023 | Typhoon Kong-rey hits Taiwan, damaging infrastructure in Hualien. |
| Hotel Closure Announced | November 3, 2023 | Temporary closure to fix water and power supply issues. |
| Hotel Reopening Date | January 15, 2024 | Hotel expected to reopen after repairs and infrastructure fixes. |
| Voucher Expiry Extension | June 30, 2025 (for 2023) | 2023 voucher holders can use them until June 30, 2025. |
| 2024 Voucher Expiry Extension | September 30, 2025 | 2024 vouchers now valid until September 30, 2025. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the Silks Place Taroko Hotel closed?
The Silks Place Taroko Hotel is temporarily closed due to extensive damage caused by Typhoon Kong-rey, which affected water and power supply systems at the hotel. The closure will last until January 15, 2024, while repairs are made.
2. When will the hotel reopen?
The hotel is expected to reopen on January 15, 2024, after completing the necessary repairs to restore its water and power supply.
3. What should I do if I have a booking during the closure period?
The hotel is in the process of contacting all guests with existing bookings during the closure period to arrange alternative accommodations or offer refunds.
4. Has the hotel extended the validity of its vouchers?
Yes, the 2023 vouchers have been extended until June 30, 2025, and 2024 vouchers will now be valid until September 30, 2025.
5. How has Typhoon Kong-rey affected the region?
Typhoon Kong-rey caused significant disruptions in Hualien and Taitung Counties, damaging infrastructure and leaving many areas without reliable power and water supplies. The Silks Place Taroko Hotel was among the affected properties.
