Classifying hotels

Hotel Referral Groups

A collection of member hotels with similar standards and characteristics. The member hotels can be both independent or belong to a chain The association is a way to market the property to a specific market

Hotel Group

A corporation that has a portfolio of several different hotels and brands

Hotel Chain

A group of hotel operated under the same brand name

Ice hotel

An example of a themed hotel where everything is built with ice. The hotel creates an experience and serves as an attraction to bring people to an otherwise deserted area Building material is brought from the local river when it freezes in the winter

Bar(s) and Restaurant(s)

Common service facilities that are offered in most hotels from 3 stars (or equivalent)

Hotel size

Characterized by the number of rooms available at the hotel Sometimes depend on the physical location of the hotel and the structure of the building

Economy or budget hotels

Equivalent to two- or three stars hotels Offer a limited amount of facilities and services at a reasonable price Reception should be open for about 14 hours per day Usually offer breakfast, but limited other F&B outlets

Business groups

Groups of people traveling for work Often need conference rooms with audio-visual equipment The groups may stay at the hotel all day and require F&B service for coffee-breaks, lunch, and dinner

Small hotels

Hotels with only a few rooms, maybe up to 150 Can be found anywhere; resorts, suburbs, city centre Often offer a limited amount of services and facilities

Conference rooms

Facilities that must be present for a hotel that is categorized as a conference hotel. Targets business groups

Thermal baths

Facilities that must be present for a hotel to be categorized as a SPA hotel Targets adult leisure travelers

Resort Hotels

Located in rural areas, close to attractions and activities Targets people on holiday Offer a wide range of facilities and services like pools, playgrounds, and several F&B outlets

Level of Service

Often characterized by stars, diamonds, or a description like budget or luxury Official ratings started in the early 1900's by automobile associations Standards often differ from country to country, or even within the country Based on the number and type of services and facilities offered

Supervised playgrounds

Often offered at resort hotels Targets families with children on holiday

Individual business travelers

People that travel alone for work Often stay for a short period (1 or 2 days) These guests may need a work desk in their rooms, wi-fi, and printing options They often leave the hotel in the morning and come back in the evening

Individual leisure travelers

People that travel on their own for pleasure May be single, couples, families, friends etc. Travel mainly during weekends and vacation periods Could stay for a night or two, or one or two weeks

SMERF groups

Social, Military, Educational, Religious, Fraternal

Leisure groups

Several people that travel together for pleasure Depending on hotel, often book at least 5 rooms Could be tour groups traveling by bus, or coming together to celebrate an occasion

Conference Hotels

Sometimes located in city centers or close to business districts with enough space Offer meeting and conference space, and rooms to accommodate many people Targets business groups

5 Stars hotels

The highest number of stars that can be assigned a hotel Represents a very high standard of services and facilities Must offer 24-hrs reception and room service Staff must be at least bi-lingual Must offer uniformed (concierge) services

Hotel franchise contracts

The hotel is operated by the owner or a third party The operator is running the hotel under the brand name of a well-known company The owner of the brand name makes their revenue from a fee paid by the operator The operator reaps benefits from an already established client base and strong purchasing power

Hotel management contracts

The hotel property is owned and operated by separate companies All revenue and costs belong to the owners The operating company makes their revenue from a fee from the owner

Hotel location

The most important factor when deciding where to open a hotel Characterized by where the hotel is placed Often the most important factor when a guest decides where to stay

Themed hotels

Rooms and public areas follow a specific topic Hotels that aim to differentiate themselves from others Target guests with special interests who are looking for an experience

Concierge service

Uniformed service including Bell attendants, Door attendants, and Valet attendants A requirement at hotel with 5 stars, often also found at 4 stars hotels