Four Points by Sheraton Says Farewell to Marriott: A Hotel Break‑up
The Taipei‑based Four Points by Sheraton, a star‑ry Starwood franchise, has just gone public with a gas‑lit breakup notice to Marriott International. The hotel’s owner, after a tense week of diplomatic drama and a broken website, decided it’s time to cut ties.
What Went Down?
- Marriott’s “Taiwan, China” move: The chain originally listed Taiwan as part of China on the simplified Chinese version of its booking platform.
- Chinese backlash: Beijing slapped suit, shut down Marriott’s local site for a week, and pushed the company to apologize.
- Four Points’ reaction: An advert eye‑popping on the Liberty Times declared the franchise would terminate its contract.
The Hotel’s Reasoning
“We are sternly protesting against Marriott International unilaterally listing our hotel as ‘Taiwan, China’ on simplified Chinese. We will dissolve our contract,” the ad read. The hotel’s spokeswoman Lily Cheng explained the name change and a shift away from Marriott’s booking portal.
Impact & Next Steps
- Expect a booking hiccup, but the focus will stay on corporate clients and other Taiwanese platforms.
- Marriott’s response is still pending, so we’re waiting to see what the parent company says.
- China’s swift condemnation of any “de facto” recognition pushes more airlines and hotels to watch words like “Taiwan” with caution.
Why It Matters
When a global player like Marriott can be coerced into labeling Taiwan as part of China, it’s a subtle yet powerful political signal. Now, the Four Points in Zhonghe is staking its independence – literally – by stepping away from Marriott’s umbrella.
Stay tuned for how this landlord‑tenant drama unfolds. In the meantime, if you’re planning a trip, just remember: the Four Points will still welcome you, just not through Marriott’s system. Let the hotels do the heavy lifting and keep the seats as affordable as possible.
