News About Hostels in Taipei

"Backpackers have few hostel options in Taipei"
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/taipei/2011/06/06/305132/Backpackers-have.htm

...with only three registered “youth hostels,” true hostel culture has not taken off to reflect Taipei's rapidly globalizing image. Furthermore, a lot of international visitors are unwittingly admitting themselves into privately-owned operations that fail to meet hotel regulations.

Some have argued that the city government stipulated regulations are too strict for the industry's good, thereby forcing up to 50 private operators to house guests underground. A cursory search online will yield many budget-friendly (under NT$1,000 per night) lodging options. However, the fact that these so-called youth hostels are unauthorized presents a legal loophole that is causing a headache for the owners of said establishments, city officials and the three youth hostels alike.

Faulty Regulations Prevent Legalization

New Party City Counselor Wang Hung-wei has been a vocal force in spearheading efforts to increase youth hostels by legitimizing copy-cat operations. Relaxing hotel management regulations will help with the legal registration of mid-to-small-sized hotels, Wang explained, which are defined as those with 15 bedrooms and below.

“There are over 50 mid-to-small sized hotels that target traveling youths, which clearly shows such a market exists,” the city counselor pointed out in a phone interview with the China Post.

I spent a couple of months in Taiwan and it's one of my favorite places. I think Taiwan's tourism could benefit from more hostels...