An inn of a different color

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on March 21, 2006. It features the unique 119 Coffee Bed and Breakfast, which is located in Jinguashi in Taipei County's Ruifang Township. The husband and wife insist on rules such as "one set of guests at a time" and "refusing any guests who are not suitable". While they operate only 100 days each year, their annual revenues have already reached NT$1 million.

Jinguashi used to be a famous gold mine. But when the gold played out, the town emptied. Nonetheless, in recent years, the town has witnessed a wave of new residents. When the husband and wife set up the 119 Coffee Bed and Breakfast five years ago, it had only two bedrooms. As they do not need money for survival, they insist on interviewing prospective clients by telephone and turning away the guests who show up at the door.

The surprising fact is that the more people the husband and wife have turned away, the more people are curious about the bed and breakfast and want to check it out. Although the place accepts only one group at a time, limited to four people, and the coffee shop operates only on weekends, with the business operating only 100 days per year, its average annual revenues have topped NT$1 million. One year, the husband and wife's income even reached NT$1.4 million. The couple have long recouped their initial investment and the cost of fixing up the place.

The 119 Coffee Bed and Breakfast has two twin rooms. Only one group of up to four people is allowed per day, and only with prior reservations. The cost for two people is NT$3,000, with NT$500 for each additional person. People can choose to stay long-term, paying by the month, and receiving a discount. The coffee shop operates only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 7pm.