Lodging in tourism industry

Classifications

Table 3.1 A summary of hotel types based on size (number of rooms), level of
service, and other variables.

[Skip Table]

Type of Classification Examples of Classifications

Under 50 rooms
50 to 150 rooms
150 to 299 rooms
Size (number of rooms) 300 to 600 rooms
More than 600 rooms

Airport hotel
Casino hotel
Location City centre hotel
Resort hotel

Economy/limited service
Luxury service
Level of service
Mid-level service

Market and function Airport hotel

All-inclusive resort
Bed and breakfast
Business hotel
Boutique hotel
Casino
Conference centre
Table 3.1 A summary of hotel types based on size (number of rooms), level of
service, and other variables.

[Skip Table]

Type of Classification Examples of Classifications

Convention centre
Extended-stay hotel
Resort hotel
Suite hotel
Timeshare and condominium
hotel

Chain with a brand affiliation

Ownership and affiliation Independent

Accessibility
Airport
Beach
Casino
City centre
Childcare
Fitness club
Amenities
Golf
Pool
Ski
Spa
Tennis
Weddings

Industry standards AAA Diamond Rating

CAA Diamond Rating
 Table 3.1 A summary of hotel types based on size (number of rooms), level of
service, and other variables.

[Skip Table]

Type of Classification Examples of Classifications

Canada Select Star Rating

Canadian Star Quality
Accommodation
Green Key Eco Rating
Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice

Aloft
Element
Brand standards (e.g., Starwood Hotels and Resorts Four Points by Sheraton
has nine Le Méridien
different brands, each with its own set of standards)
Sheraton
St Regis

TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION (International)

a) A hotel

A hotel is an establishment providing paid accommodation. Hotels used to offer basic accommodation in
the past, but nowadays they mostly provide rooms with modern facilities, en-suite bathrooms, air-
conditioning, a telephone, a TV set, an Internet connection; a mini-bar including a small refrigerator with
drinks and snacks; often there is a facility for making hot drinks in the room (an electric kettle, cups,
spoons, instant coffee and tea bags, sugar, milk). Hotels usually have at least one restaurant and a
swimming pool and they provide childcare and conference services.

The quality of the hotel and its services is usually marked by stars according to the five stars
classification. There have been attempts at unifying the classification system to become a reliable
standard, but still large differences exist in the quality of accommodation, food and service. Most
countries have an official body to set criteria for classifying hotels; unfortunately, to some degree, the
criteria differ from one country to another. Generally, hotels without a restaurant are named “garni
hotels”.
The general five star classification system for hotels determines the following objective criteria,
satisfactory cleaning and maintenance being a basic requirement for all five categories:

* One star hotels – (tourist hotels - low budget hotels) Hotels are mostly small and privately owned,
services may be provided by the owner and the family. Meals may be fairly simple. Rooms are small
(single 8m2 , double 12 m2 ). All rooms have a shower and a toilet in the room (German standard). /
Some rooms may not have en suite bathrooms. All rooms have a hand-basin with hot and cold running
water (English, Danish standard) and - 2 - heating. Telephone is available. Breakfast is available. Drinks
are offered. Guests can enter or leave any time of the day or night.

** Two star hotels – (standard hotels - budget hotels) Hotels are small to medium sized (single rooms 12
m2 , double 16 m2 ). They are well equipped, offering comfortable accommodation with en-suite
bath/shower rooms. Reception staff is professional, food and drinks are offered. (German standards
require buffet breakfast). Cashless payment is possible.

*** Three star hotels – (middle class hotels – comfort hotels) Usually hotels of a size to support higher
staffing levels (single rooms 14 m2 and double 18 m2 ). They have spacious reception with seats and
other public rooms. Their employees speak at least one foreign language. Their restaurants normally
also cater for non-residents. All rooms have en suite bath and shower rooms with toiletries and good
equipment, such as a TV set, a hair dryer, direct dial telephone. They usually offer room service and
some business services. If the hotel has more than two floors, it has a lift. Access to the net is available.
Credit cards are accepted.

**** Four-star hotels – (first class hotels) They maintain a high quality of furnishings, decorations and
equipment. Bedrooms are spacious (single 16 m2 , double 22 m2 ) and well designed, with en-suite
bathrooms with a bath and shower. There is enough staff to provide all necessary service; there is a 24-
hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning; a lobby, an a la carte restaurant and a bar. All rooms are
equipped with mini-bars and access to internet. There are armchairs or couches in the room. Shoe
polish implements can be expected in the rooms.

***** Five-star hotels – (luxury hotels) Accommodation is spacious (single 18 m2 , double 26 m2 ) and
luxurious, matching the best international standards. There are safe-boxes, access to internet and air
conditioning in every room. Personalized guest welcome with flowers/sweets can be expected. Suites
are available. The hotels have special interior design and elegant furnishings. Service is formal and
flawless, roundthe-clock rooms service is available. These hotels have a lift if there is more than one
floor. Their restaurants offer high quality cuisine. The staff is very efficient, courteuous and helpful. An
indoor swimming pool is available, as well as porter service, laundry, dry-cleaning, ironing and sale of
gifts.

Many 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels offer conference facilities, which can also be classified. The classification of
conference facilities is carried out according to a special set of criteria.

Three basic kinds of hotels are:

- commercial hotels – for business travellers and people on short trips; they often have large meeting
rooms and catering for different events;

- resort hotels – for tourists and holiday-makers; they often offer sports and sightseeing; most of them
are seasonal (mountain resorts, seaside resorts);

- residential hotels – guests can rent rooms for long periods of time; they are a lot like appartment
houses, but they laso provide meals and other hotel services.

b) A motel

The word is an abbreviation of motor – hotel and the concept originates from the USA. Motels differ
from hotels in their lo

c)A youth hostel

This is a kind of cheap accommodation for travellers. Guests can rent a bed or a bunk bed in a dormitory
and share a bathroom, a lounge and possibly a kitchen. Private rooms are often available. Besides being
cheaper, hostels are also less formal than hotels. There is a lot of opportunity to socialize. But they offer
less privacy than hotels, there might be disturbances caused by individual guests. Regadless of their
name the hostels are no more intended for young travellers only. Hostels mostly provide breakfast,
some also offer other meals. Many have shops where guests can buy food.

d) A campsite

A campsite is a place used for overnight stay outdoors. The campsite can be:

a) an incidentally chosen place (where backpackers or hikers decide to stop and stay overnight),
or

b) an area equipped for camping, with various facilities; it is usually called a campground.

Campgrounds charge a user fee. They might have a few or many fiacilities, including the following:

- fireplaces to build campfires (holes, enclosures, concrete spots);

- pit toilets/flush toilets - bathrooms with showers and sinks

- road access for vehicles

- piped potable water

- picnic tables

- utility hookups (gas, water, electricity, sewer)

- a small convenience store

- wood for cooking and campfires

- gravel or concrete parking pads

- garbage cans

Most campgrounds also have a set of rules concerning noise and behaviour of campers. Camping
outside designated campsites is often forbidden.

e) An inn

An inn is an establishment which offers travellers food, drink and lodging. Inns were first established in
the Roman times when a lot of roads were built. At the time inns were also community gathering places.
Nowadays, they have lost their leading role in tourism, as there are numerous hotels, restaurants and
pubs. Many hotels or bars use the word »inn« in their names (Holiday Inn). The difference among inns,
pubs and taverns is becoming less noticeable. In Europe inns still provide lodgings, whereas the rest of
the facilities stated above do not.

f) A guest house

A guest house is a private house converted into a lodging facility for tourists. Bed and breakfast are
usually offered at guest houses, the owner and his family often live in another building in the vicinity.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the basic types of accommodation?

2. What does a hotel usually provide for the guests?

3. How is the quality of the hotel marked?

4. Describe the main characteristics of a three star hotel.

5. Describe the main characteristics of a five star hotel.

6. What kind of hotels do you know according for their business purpose?

7. How does a motel differ from a hotel?

8. What is available for the tourists at youth hostels?

9. What facilities can one expect at the campsite?

10.What is an inn?

11.How are guest houses usually organized?

EXERCISE
Match the types of accommodation and their definitions:

1. a garni hotel _ _ a hotel with spacious rooms, air conditioning, access to internet …

2. a one star hotel _ _ cheap accommodation with dor- mitories and shared bathrooms

3. a four star hotel _ _ a hotel without a restaurant

4. a motel _ _ a family-owned facility for tourists

5. a youth hostel _ _ a place to stay outdoors overnight

6. a campsite _ _ a hotel with small rooms which do not all have en-suite bathrooms

7. an inn _ _ an establishment offering food, drink and lodging to travellers

8. a guest house _ _ a hotel with an easy access to the parking lot

TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION (Vietnam)

Types of accommodation
Grading accommodation isn’t a simple matter in Vietnam. The names used
(guesthouse, mini-hotel, hotel and so on) can rarely be relied upon to indicate
what’s on offer, and there are broad overlaps in standards. Vietnam’s older
hotels tend to be austere, state-owned edifices styled upon unlovely Eastern
European models, while many private mini-hotels make a real effort. Some
hotels cover all bases by having a range of rooms, from simple fan-cooled
rooms with cold water, right up to cheerful air-conditioned accommodation
with satellite TV, fridge and mini-bar. As a rule of thumb, the newer a place is,
the better value it’s likely to represent in terms of comfort, hygiene and all-
round appeal.

There are a burgeoning number of “resorts” appearing across the country. In

contrast to the Western image of an all-inclusive complex, in Vietnam these
are simply hotels, usually with pretty landscaped gardens, located on the
beach or in the countryside. All that’s included in the rate is breakfast, though
it is possible to eat all your meals here.
Budget accommodation
The very cheapest form of accommodation in Vietnam is a bed in a
dormitory, where you pay for the bed and share common facilities. Do note
that though most of these have private rooms, you’ll pay less elsewhere. In
the two main cities there are also a fair few budget guesthouses equipped
with “backpacker” dorms – you’ll generally find these around the De Tham
enclave in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Old Quarter in Hanoi (see the respective
chapters for more). In Hanoi there is also a small network of youth hostels
fully accredited by Hostelling International; you’ll need a current Youth Hostel
card, which you can buy when checking in.

If you prefer your own privacy, you’ll find simple fan rooms in either a
guesthouse or hotel (khach san); these are likely to be en-suite, although you
might not get hot water at this price level in the warmer south. Adding air-
conditioning, satellite TV and slightly better furnishings, maybe even a window
can add up to double on the price. Upgrading further will get you a larger room
with better-standard fittings, usually including a fridge and bathtub, and
possibly a balcony. Note that while many hotels advertise satellite TV, which
channels you actually get varies wildly, let alone the quality of reception, so
check first if it matters to you.

Mid- and upper-range

accommodation
For upwards of $30 per room per night, accommodation can begin to get quite
rosy. Rooms at this level will be comfortable, reasonably spacious and well
appointed with decent furniture, air-conditioning, hot water, fridge, phone and
satellite TV in all but the most remote areas.

Paying $30–75 will get you a room in a mid-range hotel of some repute, with
in-house restaurant and bar, booking office, room service and so on. At the
top of the range the sky’s the limit. Most of the international-class hotels are
located in the two major cities, which also have some reasonably charismatic
places to stay, such as the Metropole in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh’s Continental.
However, in recent years developers have targeted Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da
Nang and Ha Long City, all of which now boast upmarket resort hotels. Off the
main trail, there’s usually one or two upper-range hotels in each main city,
though very few exist in the countryside.

Village accommodation and

camping
As Vietnam’s minority communities have become more exposed to tourism,
staying in stilthouses or other village accommodation has become more
feasible.

In the north of the country, notably around Sa Pa and in the Mai Chau Valley,
you can either take one of the tours out of Hanoi which includes a home-stay
in one of the minority villages, or make your own arrangements when you get
there. In the central highlands, the Pleiku and Kon Tum tourist offices can also
arrange a stilthouse home-stay for you.

Accommodation usually consists of a mattress on the floor in a communal

room. Those villages more used to tourists normally provide a blanket and
mosquito net, but it’s advisable to take your own net and sleeping bag to be
on the safe side, particularly as nights get pretty cold in the mountains. Prices
in the villages vary, depending on the area and whether meals are included.

Where boat trips operate in the Mekong Delta, notably around Vinh Long, tour
operators in Ho Chi Minh City or the local tourist board can arrange for visitors
to stay with owners of fruit orchards, allowing a close-up view of rural life.

Virtually no provisions exist in Vietnam for camping at the present time. The
exceptions are at Nha Trang and Mui Ne, where some guesthouses offer
tents for a few dollars a night when all rooms are full. Some tour companies
also offer camping as an option when visiting Ha Long Bay.

How Hotels Get Their Star Ratings

Ever wondered how hotels get their star ratings? What’s the difference between a 4 star hotel and a 5
star hotel? It’s time to find out.

James AquinoMay 20th, 2015

Image Credit: William Cho
Whenever a traveller is planning for a trip, he/she will look for ideal accommodations that
provide comfort at the right budget. When hotels highlight their rooms online, part of their
advertisement comprises star ratings. A higher number of stars suggests that a hotel has top-
notch amenities, and this premium comes with an increase in rates. However, the question is how
are the star ratings of hotels determined? Do these ratings serve no other purpose than being
advertisement fluff, or is there something beyond these numbers that every guest should be
aware of?

Star ratings can actually cause confusion for travellers around the world. Some hotels can boast
about having as many stars as you can imagine. There are both official and unofficial star ratings,
which make the integrity of the rating system a bit questionable at times. This can make it rather
difficult for travellers to know what really is in store for them as guests prior to arriving at a
hotel.

Also Read:  10 Hotel Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know

Are hotel star ratings a global standard?

I
mage Credit: Sean Barnard
The answer here is no. However, guests who stay in two hotels with the same star rating are
likely to receive similar amenities and services. Similar does not necessarily equate to the same
quality but rather refers to the same level of features. For example, a newly opened posh hotel in
Brisbane with a bathtub and walk-in closet gets the same rating as a hotel in Bangkok that has
been accommodating guests for more than twenty years. Ratings are quite subjective and can
depend on the culture of a particular country. While the standard rating ranges from one to five
stars, cities such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates showcase hotels with six- and seven-star
ratings.

Several rating bodies and companies have made an attempt to standardise the ratings by
evaluating hotels every five years to upgrade or downgrade their star ratings. Excellent service,
updated amenities, and a comfortable stay are the key aspects that are being evaluated relative to
the achievement of a particular rating. Different evaluating bodies use a variety of rating
schemes. Many systems, such as that launched by Forbes Travel Guide in 1958, use a standard
involving a star rating. Other evaluating companies use diamonds instead of stars to rate hotel
and restaurant services. In recent years, however, the rating systems have been criticised due to
the overly complex and intricate scoring mechanics that a layperson would likely be unable to
comprehend. The lack of a unified global scoring system for evaluating hotels also weakens the
credibility of this scheme.

Also Read:  5 Plush Hotels That are Taking Good Sleep Very Seriously
The differences in hotel ratings
As a traveller, understanding the basics of hotel ratings will help you identify which
accommodation suits your needs and has a reasonable daily rate. This discussion will focus on
the more common star ratings that correspond to the key features and services provided by
hotels.

One-star Hotel
Hotels rated with one star offer basic room options, such as a bed and a side table. Bathrooms are
likely to be shared per building or per floor, and refreshments are sold by accessing a vending
machine or through a common self-service cafeteria.

Two-star hotel

I
mage Credit: Michael Coghlan
Two-star hotels offer the same basic room options as one-star hotels but offer the additional
amenities of coloured television and a hotel restaurant.

 Examples of two-star hotels

 Clay Hotel – Jakarta, Indonesia
  Mandalay Inn – Siem Reap, Cambodia

Three-star hotel
Hotels with a three-star rating have several room options, such as Deluxe, Suite, or Premier.
Rooms may also be given varying names depending on the hotel’s preference. There are also
improvements in the availability of in-house amenities, such as a gymnasium, a full-service
restaurant, as well as business facilities and a kiosk.

 Examples of Three-star Hotels

 Ata Hotel Kedoya – Jakarta, Indonesia
 Amos Cozy Hotel – Jakarta, Indonesia

Four-star hotel
A hotel with a four-star rating shares similar amenities as a three-star hotel, but it includes an
additional restaurant and bar option, concierge, and a swimming pool, among others.

 Examples of Four-star hotels

 Nagoa Grande – Goa, India
 Harmony Saigon Hotel – Saigon, Vietnam

Five-star hotel

I
mage Credit: Fabio Achilli
Five-star hotels are considered as having the highest standard rating. These hotels offer multiple
room options with luxurious and tasteful decorations and maximum comfort. Rooms in five-star
hotels are considerably bigger than those in lower ranked hotels. Even the most basic rooms in a
five-star hotel are spacious and allow guests to experience luxury.
  Examples of Five-star hotels
 Solaire Resort and Casino – Manila, Philippines
 Fullerton Hotel – Singapore
 The Peninsula – Bangkok, Thailand

Six- or Seven-star hotel

I
mage Credit: Bertrand Duperrin
Opulent and awe-inspiring, these hotels are amazing. With additional services such as a personal
hotel attendant in every room, exquisite furnishings, and advanced technological features in
every room, it is not difficult to turn a day outdoors into a staycation whenever you are staying in
hotels rated with six or seven stars. Although these ratings are deemed by critics to be
exaggerations, the personal experience offered by such hotels is undoubtedly a realisation of
ultimate luxury.

 Examples of Six- or Seven-star hotels

 Maxim’s Hotel – Manila, Philippines
 Pangu 7 Star Hotel – Beijing, China
 Burj Al Arab – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
 I
mage Credit: Merlin Phuket
As you can see, ratings vary depending on the additional services that a hotel can offer. What
makes a hotel stand out from others that share a similar rating will be based on numerous factors,
as outlined below.

 Location
o Location will be the biggest factor that determines the overall score of a hotel
outside of its internal amenities. The convenience provided by a great location is a well-
received benefit that almost every guest will appreciate.
 Additional Hotel Amenities
o Services such as airport transfers, high-speed internet connection, spa, and others
will attract a broader audience as they provide more than what a conventional hotel can
offer. Memberships and discounts can also add up to the average guest volume because
of perks and complementary bonuses.
 Hotel History
o For sentimental guests, a hotel’s story or legacy can be a primary consideration.
Some travellers prefer accommodations that are comfortable and that have an
accompanying history. Historic hotels are like tourist attractions by themselves.

Ratings are subjective – and so are experiences

Given the subjective nature of star and diamond ratings, the true value offered by a hotel all boils
down to how an evaluator screened and scored the overall features and offerings. That being
said, ratings and experience are actually subjective depending on whom you ask and what the
evaluator is specifically looking for. There is no perfect hotel – only a perfect moment that can
happen during your stay. You will find countless four- and five-star hotels that still receive
negative feedback. It takes a matter of research and a hint of contentment on how you can make
the best of your experience in a hotel. Be “realistically sceptic” when looking for a hotel and
reviewing its ratings online. It will be a mind-blowing conquest when find a hotel that does not
have a flaw. Ultimately, how enjoyable your experience will be can best be determined by your
own personal standards.