France’s New Hotel Classification

June 26th, 2009
Mon Hotel asked:


article by Mon “Hotel” New hotel classification in France

 

A reform of the hotel classification has been on the news since more than a year: Indeed until now there were no five stars hotels in France, but since the beginning of 2009 the change is on: Hotels that volunteer will be rated from one to five stars for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. The evaluation will be done, at the expense of the volunteers. Moreover the ratings will have to be approved by the French government

The point of this new classification system is simply to mix different point of views related to norms and understand and respond better to the clients’ needs by responding better to the comfort criteria that are a “must have” and other criteria that can please the clients.

The move was of course orchestrated by the French government whose goal is to place tourism “at the heart of the economical growth “ by defining a new political plan concerning tourism: “destination France 2020 “the matter was discussed this summer at the “Assises nationale du tourisme” that took place this summer.

The challenge is to support tourism which is the first industry of France: With the globalisation and the client’s changing needs France has to be competitive with other destinations concerning the clients’ behaviours and needs. (Not having a five star rating is a serious handicap considering that the client doesn’t always know the fact that France’s highest class of hotel is “four star luxe”).

Objectively what is going to be different about this new classification?

Firstly it is interesting to know that it is the first time in twenty two years that the classification grid is being changed: And indeed clients needs have changed a lot in twenty two years!.

The new classification is bringing major changes to satisfy the clients: - no star hotels will disappear: The hotels that volunteer will all be classified one star consequently a fifth star has been added to replace the “four star luxe” appellation. This is useful to hotel owners; it will allow French hotels to be competitive compared to hotel in competing countries. - The new classification system promises to be more exigent : let’s do a little comparison with the old classification

Old classification New classification For a first star rating 30 criteria were needed First star rating:61 criteria needed For a two star rating 30 criteria were needed two star rating:68 criteria needed For a three star rating 30 criteria were needed three star rating:75 criteria needed For a four star rating 33 criteria were needed Four star rating:94 criteria needed For a four star luxe rating 33 criteria were needed Five star rating:124 criteria needed

The classification will also comprise of optional points: Every hotels that volunteer to get reclassified will have the chance to have optional points, these optional criteria will give establishments the chance to differentiate themselves from their competitors and to show the client the diversity of French hostelry (These optional criteria will not be imposed, hotel managers will choose them). Let’s take a moment to summarise and understand this new classification: To be rated hotels will have to respond to the following exigencies: - they will have to be compliant to a number of obligatory criteria (See above page) - they will have to be compliant to a number of optional criteria

These criteria will give hotels points, and it will be the points that will be taken into account for the ratings:

To be rated “one star”, 141 obligatory points will be needed with an addition of 24 personal, optional points to the hotel. To be rated “two star”, 161 obligatory points will be needed with an addition of 24 personal, optional points to the hotel. To be rated “three star”, 177 obligatory points will be needed with an addition of 24 personal, optional points to the hotel. To be rated “four star”, 226 obligatory points will be needed with an addition of 24 personal, optional points to the hotel. To be rated “five star”,298 obligatory points will be needed with an addition of 24 personal, optional points to the hotel.

Note: hotels will be given a 5% flexibility margin: if they can not comply to all the points needed to be rated in one category they can make up for these criteria by adding optional points ,but optional points and obligatory points do not have the same value: One obligatory point is equal to three optional points. The heart of this new classification is the client: While the previous classification paid particular attention to surfaces and equipments the new classification pays particular attention to services proposed to the client (in addition to paying attention to the equipment and surfaces.) In addition to that the client will be informed about the new classification and can be solicited to make suggestions about it. Note: hotels will be given a 5% flexibility margin: if they can not comply to all the points needed to be rated in one category they can make up for these criteria by adding optional points ,but optional points and obligatory points do not have the same value: One obligatory point is equal to three optional points. The heart of this new classification is the client: While the previous classification paid particular attention to surfaces and equipments the new classification pays particular attention to services proposed to the client (in addition to paying attention to the equipment and surfaces.) In addition to that the client will be informed about the new classification and can be solicited to make suggestions about it. monhotel.fr

In terms of competitive positioning a change was inevitable: The hotels of the world’s first tourism destination could no longer afford to avoid comparisons with their international competitors! Indeed the creation or more appropriately the adoption of the fifth star will change this fact.

What exactly does the fifth star represent? It will represent the best of French hostelry, the fifth star will be the distinction of excellence and it will of course offer a better readability to international clients. What exactly does the fifth star represent? It will represent the best of French hostelry, the fifth star will be the distinction of excellence and it will of course offer a better readability to international clients.

monhotel.fr

A new classification procedure: If the new classification is supposed to make French hotels compliant to international standards the attributions of stars would also be made according to the techniques used by our international competitors. The evaluation will be done by specialised audit firms which will visit hotels regularly and will be more or less exigent (depending on the rating of the hotel), moreover surprise visit will be made to hotels rated four stars and above

Every five years the classification will be subjected to changes (according to the progress or regression of the establishments).

The “Agence de developpement touristique” or Tourism development agency in English will have to support the procedure and animate it. Transition phase:

Given the time that hotels will need to adopt the classification the new and the old classification will co exist during three years strating from the publication of the “Loi Tourisme” or tourism law (which I will present later in this article). After three years the old classification will cease to exist.

A point on investments: As I said earlier the point of this classification is mostly to modernize French Hotels and it will ssdetermine new economical parameters on which establishments will build their new economical system, and to build a new economical system one needs funds. Two organisms will help hotels to find funds:

-OSEO

-caisse des depots

The Loi Tourisme

This law will modernize the regulations for professionals working in the travel business to allow them to be more competitive in the international sector. This law’s aim is to make easy the sales of tickets for travel agencies: -this law will suppress the four steps that one had to pass to have authorisation to sell trips - Every operator wanting to sale trip formulas will have to declare his activity to a national register managed by the future “Agence de developpement Touristique”. The law will be according to reports constituted of thirteen articles.

an article by “Mon Hotel”

Don’t forget to visit our website: monhotel.fr





Deal Hotels, Cheap Hotels in Deal, Hotels Accommodation in Deal Kent

June 20th, 2009
Deal Hotels asked:


Untitled Document

Welcome to Deal Hotels in Kent

Deal Hotels are situated near the beautiful places, Shopping Malls, Cinema Theaters in the Deal Kent uk, We are having very large and expensive Hotels in Deal Kent, Our hotels are very large and comfortable and also having the good Hotels Accommodation in Deal, Take the vacation of your life with cheap Hotels in Deal, offers you the hotel ratings vary from one to five stars, whilst weekends are a good choice for bargain breaks. when it comes to hotels inDeal Kent, treat you to a whole new experience - unmatched and unforgettable. All Conferences Can be Catered with for with a Range of Facilities and Equipment.

For a weekend and you can order an exquisite bouquet of fresh flowers beautifully arranged by a local florist, Book your wedding functions in Deal hotels, Resorts and Restaurants in Deal, We are having Guest houses in Deal for more enjoyable by the exceptional standards of luxury, The easiest and fastest way for you to book a room is online reservations in Deal, Our hotels provide good cattering facilities with Family hotels in Deal with the menu is varied, and the specialties different from one day to the other, Here, you can taste almost anything from homemade applesauce parfaits, grilled pineapple with fresh ham to baked blueberry French toast or fresh vegetable and tomato quiche.

All these are served with the best coffee you have ever tasted or if you prefer, a cup of tea or a glass of fresh juice, Holiday breaks in Deal, Our hotels provide with large and huge Family Rooms in Deal that you can stay very safe and secure, We can also provide Special Offers in Deal Hotels offers you a variety of lodging options, One of them would be a large Cottages in Deal Hotels, for four people, perfect for families or groups of friends, Enjoy your stay for the vacations and Christmas Celebrations in Deal Kent.

For More Information log on to : www.comfort-hotels.net/england/kent/deal-hotels.aspx ,

Find online Price Comparison : www.kent-hotels.co.uk/deal-hotels.aspx



Hotel Furniture: Designing For Profit

June 17th, 2009
Tony Nibbinsworth asked:


The look of the furniture and fittings in your hotel is extremely important. These furnishings give your hotel a grand look and are the focus of your guests attention. People stay in hotels that look nice, offer sophistication, and are extremely comfortable, otherwise, they usually turn around and leave. Hotel Furniture is the basis of a hotel’s reputation, it gives your guests their first impression, and is usually a glimpse of what they believe the service is going to be like. Guests already have an image of what Hotel furniture is supposed to be like for hospitality area, sleeping areas, living quarters and lodging. Hotel furniture is constructed with the highest quality materials like hardwood and sturdy metal that provides durability, but also materials that appear luxurious and elegant. The designs for hotel furniture vary from contemporary to the traditional and trendy, unique styles. This furniture is mostly made of out of high quality wood like cherry, oak, walnut, mahogany, maple and other exotic woods. The finish of the woods, metals, upholstery, leather, wrought iron, glass, Formica, and high pressure laminates depends on what the hotel furniture requirements are.

The Hotel business is a commercial business, and customers range from executives. top business class people, to families on vacation. To suit guests’ specifications and tastes the furnishings in the hotel need to be designed to their need. Richness and sophistication provides a warm welcome to the entrance and reception area of the hotel. Furniture forms the major asset for the hotel and the selection of hotel furniture should be made according to that.

Returning guests to a hotel, usually are returning because they prefer the design of that hotel furniture. Hotel furniture is designed to be profitable for the hotel and is designed according to the specifications offered by the buyer. Hotel furniture includes armoires, dressing tables, head boards, night tables, mirrors, desks, drawers, beds, sofas, restaurant furniture, bar furniture, patio furniture and tables and they are specifically designed to suit the needs of the design professionals, hotel operators and hotel owners. Hotel furniture is made specifically with the quality, craftsmanship and durability that the hotel industry needs, as well as at the price that the hotel industry needs. The hotel furniture you choose will depend on the size of the hotel furniture requirements, the manufacturers you want, and what you need to do to satisfy the needs of your clients.

Some manufacturers provide some of the finest quality materials at an unbeatable price and they build the furniture according to the needs of the buyers. The manufacturers design the hotel furniture to match the style preferred by the hotel and ultimately their guests. These manufacturers usually design hotel furniture for profit and also provide discounts among the customers to attract bulk orders.

Purchasing of furniture is the most important, or one of the most important things to think of when in the hotel business, and because of its importance, you should probably hire a professional designer to help give you the look you want. . Hotel furniture is a heavy investment and that’s just another reason that the decision should be made carefully by the hotel owners. After all this furniture is what will increase your hotel profit in the long run. Purchasing furniture that is not suitable for the hotel or that is not well made, is a waste of time and money. When shopping for hotel furniture, you should get a perfect balance between the form and function. Physical appearance is the most important aspect in the purchase of hotel furniture, but you can’t forget about comfort either. Comfort is also extremely important when buying hotel furniture.

Hotel furniture is designed to make a profit for the hotel owner, and some of the important guidelines in the purchase of the furniture is listed below.

* Hotel furniture is a significant physical appearance of the hotel, and one of the main reasons why guests continue to return. Therefore, the purchase of furniture should be made to attract customers’ attention. This furniture should provide satisfaction and comfort to the guests.

* The purchase of your hotel furniture should be based on your theme and style of the hotel and that style should be at the very top of your list when buying hotel furniture. Since furniture investment is heavy, you need to take your time in making the right decision.

* Designing hotel furniture for profit includes changing the look of the hotel into traditional, classic and into the latest trendiest style.

* Extensive demographic research should be done on the type of customers visiting your area and hence your hotel and the hotel furniture should be selected based on this specification.

* The guests and visitors of the hotel should be provided with the utmost comfort and care. The needs of the customers should be put above everything else and so the hotel furniture should be designed with this guideline in mind..

* The rooms of the hotel are constructed differently. For example single bedroom, double bedroom and master bedroom. The hotel furniture should serve the distinct purposes. They should also provide comfort and elegance to the customers.

* The hotel furniture should be designed with quality in mind, and the investment should only be made in high quality furniture from reputable manufacturers, who provide a guarantee, durability and flexibility.

Hotel furniture plays an absolutely essential role in the overall physical appearance of the hotel and presents the foundation of quality services offered by the hotel. Purchasing of the best and ideal hotel furniture is a crucial factor in the success of the hotel business.

So in conclusion, this is the area that you want to take great care in, choose the right furniture and your new hotel will be a success, but choose the wrong furniture and your hotel will be a total failure. This is something you really want to be careful about, and be a part of the decision every step of the way.



Varied Hotel Service Suiting Your Needs!

May 25th, 2009
Sadhana Dhanyal asked:


The hotel industry is a profitable business. A huge amount of revenue is generated through this industry. There are various kinds of hotels available, namely; luxury, heritage and cheap hotels. People travel for a various reasons. Some travel for holiday purpose, for business tours, and so on. Hotel accommodation is available for everyone. Depending on the affordability and type of accommodation that you want, you can choose a hotel. A visitor can look forward to excellent hotel service in India.

Luxurious hotels can make your stay more enjoyable. You can choose from a range of luxury hotels. You can look forward to excellent service, comfortable stay. They will be more than a place to stay. The hotel service is excellent. The hotels are committed to make your stay more enjoyable and pleasant. A visitor can look forward to a pleasant stay in any of the hotels in India. While choosing hotels, you must keep in mind certain things:

•  Ensure the hotels are known for their excellent services and are renowned.

•  Approach travel guides who can guide you to get best stay at hotels.

•  If on the lookout for cheap hotels, look online and compare the rates and the services offered.

•  Specify your needs and look for a hotel that offers the services you want.

People looking forward to spend time in recreational facility can do so choose resort or casino hotels. These types of hotels offer a variety of activities to keep travellers and families occupied during their stay. The hotel industry includes all types of lodging, from luxurious 5-star hotels to youth hostels. While many hotels provide just a place to spend the night, others cater to longer stays by providing food service, recreational activities, and meeting rooms.

Businessmen can also book hotels for meetings and conferences. Many hotels have banquet rooms, exhibit halls, and spacious ballrooms to accommodate conventions, business meetings, wedding receptions, and other social gatherings. It is believed that conventions and business meetings are major sources of revenue for these properties. Some commercial hotels are known as conference hotels—fully self-contained entities specifically designed for large-scale meetings. These types of hotels provide physical fitness and recreational facilities for meeting attendees, in addition to state-of-the-art audiovisual and technical equipment, a business centre, and banquet services. Depending upon the personal need the type of requirement, one can choose a suitable hotel.



Antwerp Hotels

May 15th, 2009
sharon asked:


You would be amazed to see the architectural marvels, museums, churches, paintings that are preserved in Antwerp. When you have decided your visit to this place, then you must also decide about your accommodation good Antwerp hotels. Getting a good hotel accommodation in Europe, that too near the place of your visit is becoming tough now and so a thorough search of Antwerp hotels and an advanced booking become essential.  Those who have visited Antwerp earlier would suggest the Florida Antwerp hotel which can be hailed the best choice of Antwerp hotels as it is run by Leonardo Hotels which is the European Division of Fattal hotels.

LOCATION: Florida Hotel in Antwerp is part of the Leonardo hotels group in Europe. This is one of the finest Antwerp hotels that is located almost in the centre of the city, Antwerp. It has the added advantage of being exactly opposite the central station and zoo. The Florida hotel in Antwerp comprises of exactly what you need for a very comfortable and homely stay in Antwerp. You will enjoy the pleasant atmosphere when you arrive at this Hotel.

Irrespective of the duration of your stay here, this Antwerp hotel makes your stay homely and absolute care is taken about your comfort.  Because of its proximity to the city, the Florida hotel in Antwerp enables you to reach all recreational and cultural points of interest without spending much time traveling. You can also go around the city on a bike or visit the zoo or museum which is very near to the Florida Antwerp hotel.

Florida hotel in Antwerp is very closely located to the world centre of diamonds which is a very important tourist spot. A visitor can go around the city on foot from this Antwerp hotel. It has been the uniform opinion of the public that the location of the Florida hotel in Antwerp is indeed the advantage of staying there, especially for youngsters who want to mostly go out. You can go around the city also on bicycles as all the sightseeing places you would want to see are not far from the Florida hotel in Antwerp. The best shopping streets like Keyserlei and Meir are very close by. You can visit Rubenshuis, the place of master painter, which is within quick reach from the Florida hotel in Antwerp and enjoy the paintings there.

ACCOMMODATION: Florida hotel in Antwerp has nearly 95 spacious rooms and 9 studios, of which nearly 40 are nearly in the new section of the hotel. You can enjoy the comfort of cable television, telephone, internet and fridge. Bar/lounge, transportation to airport, dry cleaning service, and parking facility are available in this beautiful Antwerp hotel. The Florida Antwerp hotel has accommodation options like comfort single room, budget double/twin room, comfort double/twin room, and budget triple room and each accommodation here has the best comfort and pleasant atmosphere you may not be able to find in other Antwerp hotels.

All the rooms in Hotel Florida in Antwerp are air-conditioned. There is a private parking area underneath the Florida Hotel in Antwerp, and they charge a parking fee of Euro 15 per night. You can book a parking space in advance also which is highly recommended. The parents can have one child up to the age of 2 with them in the room if they bring their own baby cot. Older children if no extra bed is required, can stay with the parents. As per the rules of Florida hotel in Antwerp, a triple room should be booked if any extra bed is required. You can book your accommodation at the Florida hotel in Antwerp using your credit card and any booking has to be cancelled one day prior to the date of arrival if such a situation arises.  If it is not done so, the price of the first night would be billed as per the rules of Florida hotel in Antwerp and you will be contacted by the hotel.

FACILITIES: The food and drinks offered at the Florida hotel in Antwerp is of very high standard and if the weather is good, it can be enjoyed outside on the terrace. The hotel also has a bar and salons to relax with drinks or book. The use of the internet at the Florida hotel in Antwerp is free of charge at the reception desk, and in the room, a nominal amount is charged for the same. No pets are allowed in Florida hotel in Antwerp and also the American Express card is not accepted here. The services of the staff and the food served in the Florida hotel in Antwerp have earned the appreciation of almost all its customers.