Hotel: concept, types and their characteristics. Guest private mansions. Typical problems of the hotel business

How often when choosing a hotel room, we do not often think about what hotel classification, and sometimes we opt for very expensive housing. But if you are well versed in the classification of hotels, you can save a decent amount of money. Let's analyze in detail what classification of hotels exists, and whether it is worth overpaying for the presence of the "de luxe" class.

Hotel classification system

The modern concept of a hotel was formed at the beginning of the 19th century, until that time there was the concept of inns, which were located in settlements on the way important routes. But the increase in the number of travelers, in connection with the development of trade relations, contributed to the emergence hotel industry which is gaining momentum every year.

Modern hotels can be divided into categories such as the type of property, the availability of a diverse range of services, tourist attraction and the presence of additional activities, such as a casino. Despite the fact that there is currently a popularity of hotel chain brands, the vast majority of hotels are not associated with them in any way and provide services on their own.

The cost and quality of services depends on the type of hotel. In the 20th century, thanks to the tourist boom, service quality standards increased many times over, and in order to make it easier to determine the level of a hotel, a star hotel classification system was introduced. In general terms, it can be defined as follows:

• One star (Category D) - the cheapest hotel, rooms are all of the same type, a minimum set of services, sometimes this set does not even include daily housekeeping.
• Two stars (Category C) is also a budget type of hotel, but with a mandatory daily cleaning of the rooms. In such a hotel you can find one or two types of rooms.
• Three stars (Category B) - this is already a middle-class hotel, with a standard set of services, which include daily housekeeping, a bathroom in the room, and a TV. A minibar or refrigerator may already be present in the rooms. Also on the territory of such a hotel there is always a laundry for guests, it is possible to have a swimming pool, a gym, a business center and a dining room. Some of the above may be missing, while something else may be present. In such hotels, you can already choose the type of room, for example, single, double, smoking or not, and so on.
• Four stars (Category A) is already a high-class hotel that provides all the services that a three-star hotel does. It also has special services, such as SPA, massage, several bars and restaurants, and a conference room. In such a hotel, the price per room can be significantly higher than in the previous three.
• Five stars (Category "de luxe") is a top-class hotel. Here you will find an extensive range of services, especially exclusive ones, for example, having your own golf club, multi-room apartments with maids. In such hotels, each guest is given personal attention and individual approach according to all his wishes. The price for a room in such a hotel is very high, and all world famous hotel brands try to fall into this category. Despite the fact that in different countries The concept of a "five-star hotel" varies, but one thing remains unchanged - this is a hotel of the highest service.

Also, in addition to the stars, there are other classifications of hotels. In many countries, you can find so-called club hotels, that is, closed accommodation. So hotels are divided into several classes:

• HV - club type hotel
• HV2 - a club-type hotel, in terms of service it is equal to two or three stars
• HV1 - club-type hotel, in relation to service it is equal to four or five stars

There is a classification of hotels according to the type of accommodation in the room, this classification also needs to be understood well enough so that you do not have to overpay for unnecessary services:

• Standard - standard one-room number
• Studio is a standard one-room suite, but bigger size
• Single - single standard room
• DBL - standard double room

double - one double bed

twin - two single beds

• Business - two-room suite, which consists of a bedroom and a living room
• TRPL - triple room
• EXB - extra bed in the room
• CH - the ability to additionally place a child
• Superior - superior comfort room
• Villa - accommodation in bungalows, or in cottages, there is also the designation HV
• Family room - family room, consists of two or three rooms
• Main building - larger room than standard rooms
• Duplex - two-level room
• Junior suite - a room with an improved layout, due to incomprehensibility, it is often called a "junior suite"
• Suite - rooms of improved layout and superior comfort, often called "suites"
• De luxe - superior rooms, the category includes the so-called "Presidential apartments" or penthouses, provided with the maximum range of services, which includes personal servants, always a full bar, an individual menu, and so on.

There is a classification of hotels according to the category of catering, which differ:

• OB (only bed) - only a bed, RO ( Room only) - room only, accommodation without meals
• BB (Bed-n-breakfast) - bed and breakfast, accommodation with breakfast
• HB (Half-board) - two meals a day, usually breakfast and dinner
• FB (Full-board) - three meals a day
• Al( All inclusive) - All inclusive, a mode that includes not only Three meals a day, but also additional services, such as a light breakfast, snacks, a light dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as a rule, local production. And imported drinks for an additional fee.
• UAl (Ultra All inclusive) - Ultra all inclusive, three meals a day, as well as additional services and drinks, both local and imported, in unlimited quantities throughout the day.

When choosing a hotel to stay on vacation, many people who are far from the tourism industry can easily get confused about what such concepts mean: botel, floatel, chalet, apartment, hostel ... There is nothing to be surprised at, knowing such subtleties is not entirely important, but in order to roughly imagine where you will have to live on vacation, today we will sort out all these concepts, so to speak. So, this article will focus on what types of hotels are there? And what are they?

In general, a hotel or a hotel is a building located in the city and offering a wide range of services for guests. Most of the time they are very reasonably priced. They prefer to stop there in transit, in the process of rich sightseeing tours, for example, bus tours, as well as during short-term business trips. For hotels and inns, mainly apply the standard classification - "stars". The most popular choice of the above category of vacationers are hotels in the "three stars", and what, it is a sin to conceal that you should not expect any super service and super comfort from them. Booking this type of hotel is easy even at the last moment before departure, online, but accommodation in other hotels with a high level of service need confirmation of accommodation, sometimes not a day or two, it is better to book such hotels in advance. Let's look at the types of hotels in order.

Business hotel. Business hotels differ from other types of hotels in that they are aimed at working with a specific clientele - business people. That is why business hotels are most often located in places favorable for doing business and negotiations: in the city center, in places with a well-established transport links between them and stations, airports, seaports, various exhibitions and galleries, as well as local business areas. Beyond convenience transport infrastructure, business hotels take into account other needs of their main customers: each room has a full necessary set office equipment, allowing business people to be surrounded by everything they need, which saves their precious time and makes them choose this particular business hotel. In hotels of this kind, there are often offices of various express delivery companies, an informative board with stock quotes, hotels provide the opportunity to rent their business hall for meetings by business guests. Many large corporations choose business hotels both as an accommodation option for their employees and as a venue for various corporate events. Some business hotels and corporations conclude agreements that state that the company guarantees the permanent residence of its employees, the use of hotel services, the availability of room reservations for this company, and the hotel, in due time, guarantees good discounts on its services for this corporation. It is rare to meet ordinary tourists in such specialized hotels. Such business hotels are located in places of business activity and major economic centers such as Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Moscow, Frankfurt and others.

Resort hotels or resort hotels. The resort hotel or resort hotel is a new trend in the hotel business and a great option for a relaxing holiday and complete discharge. These hotels have a wide range of sports equipment and specialized facilities suitable for this purpose, such as a tennis court, swimming pool, fitness center. The Resort-hotel differs from other types of hotels in its closeness, the presence of its own security service, which excludes the appearance of “extra” people on this territory. At its core, a resort hotel is a resort within a resort, a completely closed and autonomous system. organized recreation With great choice services for their guests. It may be the presence of several restaurants national cuisines, their shops, an amusement park or a water park, and this is all on site. In hotels-Resorts - most often there are several buildings with a variety of rooms, villas with private pools, several restaurants and bars, sometimes their own coastlines. The main advantage of staying in such Resorts-hotels is that their clients relax in complete peace, without communicating with local population in a separate autonomous system. The main location of resorts-hotels falls on the islands of the Caribbean, for example, in the Dominican Republic, in Southern Europe, this is especially true for the Spanish coasts of the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, in addition, they are in North Africa - in Morocco and in Asia - in Thailand . All along the Atlantic coast of South America, there are also endless resort hotels. and Egypt, on the territory of which there is everything necessary for the relaxation of guests: a fitness center, a tennis court, spas, shops, swimming pools, bars, restaurants and cafes, also correspond to the concept of resort hotels. This type of hotel has a minus - the inability to get acquainted with the country of rest, the traditions of the local people and culture.

boutique hotels. Boutique hotels are this type of hotel with a small number of rooms, but with unique comfort and a wonderful level of service. The building of a boutique hotel should have an unusual or unique design of the entire interior, it should have a certain style, and everything inside and out should be within the same theme. By the way, boutique hotels can stand in places that were not selected at all for vacationers to stay: these can be hotels on the territory of old or abandoned factories, factories, old estates, castles, mills and aircraft hangars. When a boutique hotel is created, they try to preserve and beat the atmosphere of the former place so that the guest feels unusual and special. Will the client feel like a hero historical events or a character from a fairy tale will depend on the designers designing the hotel, and, of course, on how developed the imagination of the guest is. It is clear that due to the uniqueness of the hotel, the cost of living here will also be high. The cheapest room in a boutique hotel cannot cost less than two hundred euros per day. Boutique hotels are located in large and old cities with a rich history: Rome, London, Paris.

Apartments or apart-hotels. Apartment hotels are a completely new business trend in the hotel business, the demand for which was formed by couples with children. The difference between apart-hotels and other hotels is that guests are offered not standard rooms for living, but apartments suitable for ordinary life. But, you can book such an apart-hotel, as with the usual booking of a room in any hotel - through a call to the reception. At the same time, the guest will not have to conclude an official contract, as when renting an apartment, and he can receive the calculation at any convenient time. Aparthotels are ideal for those who are forced to live away from home for a long time. After all, the rooms of apart-hotels are equipped with everything necessary for Everyday life: kitchen appliances, TV, computer, DVD, exercise equipment. A similar room option in the apartment hotel is suite in a normal hotel, but it has a smaller size and the cost is much higher than an apartment hotel. People can live in apartments from one month to even years. Very popular apartments in Britain, the Benelux countries. Apartments can be both apartments and small houses, luxurious villas, half of the cottages with a separate entrance.

Bed & Breakfast. Bed and Breakfasts or B&Bs are small, family-run hotels that offer their customers the comfort and convenience of home, as well as home-cooked meals. This is an ideal option for the budget conscious, but who prefer a certain level of home comfort. B&B hotels are generally classified as standard - "stars" from two to five, but may not have star status at all. The latter does not mean at all that this is a rooming house for homeless people, since the hotels are small and family-run, cleanliness and comfort here are at a high level. The management of such a hotel is carried out either by the owner of the house, or members of his family. When someone from the outside is hired, the Bed and Breakfast becomes a guest house or a mini-hotel. To attract customers, the owners of the Bed and Breakfast make various bonuses and related services for their customers: these can be city tours and sightseeing tours, master classes, craft training, etc. In, especially in the Mediterranean countries, Bed and Breakfast hotels are very common. In Russia and Ukraine, this type of hotel is just beginning to develop, not always offering a decent service, but there are pleasant exceptions.

Ski hotels or chalets. Ski hotels are oriented towards ski lovers. These hotels are hotels located in winter resorts. They can combine a beautiful view from the point of view of architecture and proximity to the ski slopes, then this type of hotel will already be called a chalet. Hotels in the mountains are always focused on the basic needs of their guests: looking for ways to get them to the slopes, offering them special high-energy menus, having a rich selection of equipment. The main countries of concentration of ski hotels and chalets are Austria, Germany, Italy, France, but countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia - for all their high cost, do not reach their decent level of service. Living in a chalet is very interesting. Such buildings always look original and authentic: mostly two-story, rural-style houses, cut down from thick logs, with a reliable and wide roof. There are always few rooms: from two to twenty. The type of building - "chalet" - appeared in Swiss Alps. Previously, local shepherds lived in such houses and hid from the weather. Chalets and ski hotels are characterized by the presence on the menu of such warming drinks as mulled wine, warmed beer, hot chocolate. And, almost everywhere there are fireplaces so that guests can warm up well. The comfort of a ski hotel determines its star rating, but, by default, in any hotel that respects its reputation, winter resort the following necessary services and accessories are offered to guests: a ski pass is a type of pass for ski lifts and ski slopes, they offer equipment for rent, instructor services, medical assistance and a transfer to the slopes. Still, the availability of these items, it is better to check in advance, before booking. Each ski hotel, depending on the country where it is located, has some features and traditions. Austrian chalets and ski hotels are already locking their doors after nine o'clock in the evening. But in the resorts in the mountains of the United States, in any major ski hotel, there is always an outdoor heated pool.

Hostels. Hostel - the favorite option of a poor student or budget traveler. Here you will not find chic decoration: there are several beds in the room, on which several people of different sex sleep. Not always a room has a separate toilet and shower, sometimes it can be one for the entire floor. On the other hand, accommodation is very cheap, fun, new acquaintances - what else do young people need? The hostel is a large hostel with a common kitchen where there is a large refrigerator where you can store your food in signed dishes. Sometimes hostels offer their customers open access in Internet. Very often hostels have a common living room, where there is a TV and people living there can easily get to know each other and chat. Therefore, if you have little money and are not embarrassed by communal discomfort, while you love to travel and make new friends, then the hostel is an ideal choice. There are also very unusual hostels located in a very strange places, which is only a hostel located in the building of a former prison in Slovenia, even more unusual - a hostel, which is a hippie commune, consisting of several combined apartment buildings in Sydney, Australia. In view of the fact that completely different people live together, keep money and documents "closer to the body." There is also a positive component to living in hostels: you have a unique opportunity to make acquaintances with interesting people: musicians, artists, actors - creative, but poor.

Mini-hotels and mini-hotels. A variety of mini hotels is very common around the world, there are a lot of them in Russia, in Western Europe, in countries of Eastern Europe. Their characteristic feature is the small number of rooms and breakfast included in the accommodation. Sometimes the name of a mini-hotel may be different, for example, in France they are called "chambre d" hôtes, literally translating - "guest rooms". In Germany they are called "pension" - boarding houses, this type of hotel is characterized by a small size of rooms and then mini-hotels can have very unusual shapes or be completely unique, for example, capsule hotels in Japan are typical for Japan, in which the room is a bed placed in a niche, that is, the area of ​​​​such a Japanese room is equal to the area one bed.Most often, mini-hotels have a class of no more than "three stars".With rare exceptions, when the rooms of this kind of hotels can have a high-class level.Unfortunately, the majority of these hotels do not manage to achieve an increase in status for a number of reasons up to four or five stars.

SPA hotels. If you want to live beautifully on vacation, book a room in a spa hotel! Here you are guaranteed relaxation, good rest and constant care for your health. The second name for this type of hotel is "wellness hotels", but it is more rare. So, what do spa hotels offer their customers? Here you can count on a large selection wellness procedures, various treatment courses, various types of massages, sauna visits, healing mud treatments, individual diets, highly qualified skin care, relaxing baths with mineral water, aromatherapy sessions, yoga classes. Perhaps it will not surprise you that the main clientele of spa hotels are women. Due to the growth of competition in the hotel business market, they do not stop there, but introduce new services. For example, they offer their clients unusual rejuvenation options, body cleansing procedures using the experience of Oriental schools of medicine, Indian Ayurvedic practices, Japanese massage - shiatsu, and so on.

Motels. Motel - a kind of hotel, which is inherently low-rise roadside hotel, with the doors of the rooms overlooking the parking lot, with a very austere decor. The whole point of staying in these hotels is to spend the night here and move on. Motels can be found in any country in the world. The price of living here is low, but the level of security is also low.

Guesthouses either guest houses . Guesthouse is a more economical option for Bed&Breakfast. This subspecies of hotels is very common in Asian beach resorts: Bali, Goa,. Such a guest house has a small number of rooms: from ten to thirty rooms, with a cozy homely atmosphere and a small number of staff. The hotel owner's family usually lives right there. Usually, low price for accommodation is easily smoothed out by a not very high level of service, and sometimes even some violations of sanitary and epidemiological standards.

Lodges. Lodges are hotels located directly on the territory of national parks or close to them. Most often, such hotels are provided to tourists who come on an African safari. Their distinguishing feature is their external similarity with the traditional dwellings of local residents and the fact that such hotels are very organically integrated into the landscape, in addition, they are built from environmentally friendly materials, but at the same time, it is very comfortable and, most importantly, safe here. Lodges are, most often, detached bungalows that can be built of stone or wood, and have a straw roof. The lodges have restaurants, reception, and the room has a double or twin beds, a bath, toilet, sink, shower, hairdryer, toiletries. The cost for a lodge is high, as a safari fee is usually included in the bill.

boarding houses. A boarding house is a type of hotel where people not only live, relax, but also undergo treatment. Most often, boarding houses are located in picturesque natural places, outside the city, it can be sea ​​coast or Mountain landscape. The number of rooms can be large, but with modest furnishings and necessary equipment: TV, radio, refrigerator. The main advantage of rest in a boarding house is a unique opportunity to live in unity with nature. Boarding houses can be located in pine forests, near mineral springs. The boarding house has approximately the level of a three-star hotel, so its cost of living usually fluctuates in the same range. Often vouchers to a boarding house are given to their employees by enterprises and organizations. They can also be purchased online. A ticket to a boarding house must be ordered in advance and paid in full cost immediately upon purchase. The price of a ticket to a boarding house already includes not only accommodation, but also medical services, as well as three meals a day. IN Western Europe there are also boarding houses, but with our Russian boarding houses, they are a little similar, probably only in that they also do not have much comfort, the rooms have a minimal set of furniture and a bathroom with a toilet. Boarding houses are in Germany, Spain, England. They are also common in the Swiss Alps, but there the pensions are of a completely different level: they belong to the rich and famous families, can even be located in ancient castles and mansions, the rooms are distinguished by sophistication, and the owners kindly conduct tours of the picturesque mountain to their clients.

Sanatoriums. A sanatorium is a kind of hotel-hospital where they treat chronic diseases. They offer their clients a wide range of treatments for ailments and a good choice medical procedures. Sanatoriums, like boarding houses, are most often located in very picturesque natural places: forests, on the seashore. Many sanatoriums in Russia were built during the Soviet era, there is still strict discipline, a strict daily routine, three meals a day. Very old and well-known sanatoriums are located in the resort Mineral water in the Caucasus, in the Ukrainian city of Truskavets, in Armenia near Lake Sevan, in Belarus near Lake Naroch, in Baltic countries famous sanatorium Druskininkai in Lithuania.

Eco hotels. Ecological hotels are a kind of response to the attempt of the population big cities, escape back to nature from the tenacious clutches of civilization. This type of hotel has become very popular in the last decade. They are open everywhere. The main condition of an eco-hotel is 100% clean water, organic food and natural materials used in the decoration of rooms. In addition, eco-hotels are most often built in nature reserves, where a person can harmoniously coexist with nature, while not polluting it with the products of his life. Due to such eco-cleanliness of the hotel, its price is also high. An eco-hotel can also be a hut built according to the technology of the tribes living in the area. They are very common in Oceania and countries Central America, many hotels are being built in the jungle. It is clear that the amenities in the hut will be minimal: instead of a bed - a hammock, a rough table, a couple of chairs or wicker chairs. Very often, as an additional service, an eco-hotel conducts educational sessions with its guests, teaching them to recognize the species of plants and animals of this area, they teach how to live and interact with nature as carefully as possible, and without polluting the environment. Guests of eco-hotels can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the peoples living in this territory. Guests are served local dishes. If you want to make your vacation more extreme, then a self-foraging tour is at your service.

There are also other types of hotels: camping, boat, condominium. Camping is an impromptu camp for tourists traveling by transport: car, bicycle, motorcycle. For an overnight stay, you can stay both in a house and in a tent. Guests are offered a shared kitchen, shower and toilet. A floatel is a seasonal hotel on the water. This may be the building of a landing stage, a barge, a motor ship. Botel - also a water hotel, on an equipped ship. Flytel is an air hotel. Most often, the only way to get to such a place is by air. The cost of a place in such a hotel is often exorbitant. Flytel has a landing pad, most often located far from civilization. Alkasa Hotel, also called Pousada, is a hotel located in an old medieval castle, monastery. Most of these hotels are in Spain and Portugal. This type of hotel is considered upscale and is very expensive. A condominium is a house, mainly on the coast, which is owned by a few people and, according to the contract, rent out its rooms or its entirety.

As you understand, there are a myriad of types of hotels, and every year more and more new options for accommodating tourists appear. But, we have given you the basic information that will help you have a certain concept of “what is what”.

Hotel, hotel(from French hôtel) - an accommodation facility consisting of a certain number of rooms, having a single management that provides a set of services (at least - making beds, cleaning the room and bathroom). Hotels are divided into different classes in accordance with the services provided and the equipment of the rooms. historical name cheap hotels in Russia - inn.

Hotel related professions:

Story [ | ]

Initially, hotels arose as inns in settlements (or at forks in the road) on the route of the most important transport routes. Inns in large cities existed in the countries of the ancient world. The very word "hotel" originally meant an inn. The word "hotel" is ultimately French hotel, derived from hôte- "master". In the old days, this was the name of an ordinary city house ( hotel particulier), in which noble people often stayed during their travels.

The increase in the number of travelers in the New Age (development of trade relations, colonization) contributed to the expansion of the hotel industry. The modern type of large hotels developed in the 19th century, with the beginning of the industrial revolution.

In the 17th century, living rooms, guesthouses and inns were built in the Moscow state, designed for many merchants moving around the country. In connection with the growth of industrial production and the expansion of trade relations in the XVIII-XIX centuries, the population of cities grew, new hotels were opened. In 1910, there were 4,685 hotels in Russia, not counting inns and taverns with rooms. Rooming houses and furnished rooms served the poor. They were all privately owned and were commercial enterprises.

IN THE USSR [ | ]

Under Soviet rule, all hotels were nationalized and transferred to the jurisdiction of local Soviets. The communal enterprises had dual subordination: the local Soviets of People's Deputies decided on the development of the hotel base and the planning of operational and financial activities, and the Ministries of Housing and Communal Services of the Union republics developed and implemented rules, regulations, instructions in hotels and supervised the work of local communal authorities.

To develop tourism in 1933 State joint-stock company for foreign tourism in the USSR "Intourist" was merged with All-Union Joint Stock Company "Hotel" and received at its disposal a network of hotels, restaurants and vehicles.

By 1990, Intourist was formed as an independent branch of the country's economy. It had 107 tourist enterprises for 54 thousand places.

In Russia [ | ]

In 1997, Russia had (% of the total):

By 2000, the hotel and tourist complex of the capital of Russia united 154 hotels (without hostels and hotels at the markets), more than 4000 travel companies, 14 insurance companies and 16 motor transport companies.

Hotel chains (chains)[ | ]

The chains themselves are often integral part larger organizations - hotel groups, among which the first place is occupied by the American group .

The process of growth in the importance of hotel chains in the global hotel business is characterized by a significant contradiction: on the one hand, international hotel corporations are strengthening their positions, on the other hand, many countries create and successfully operate their own national hotel chains that compete with international giants. The creation of national hotel chains can give the hospitality industry the necessary impetus to improve management efficiency and further development, since the emergence of hotel chain operators allows the application, dissemination of high standards and technologies for the operation of hotels at the corporate level and, thereby, to improve the quality of service and the efficiency of their activities .

There is another classification of hotel chains, according to which they are divided into two main types:

• integrated chains, which consist of homogeneous units;
• hotel consortiums that bring together independent hotels.

Hotels can chain together in a variety of ways. With vertical integration, hotel corporations seek to own property in each of the market segments - luxury, first class and economy. An example is the Choice Hotels chain, where in the luxury class they are known as Clarion Inn, among the middle class hotels are Quality Inn, Quality Suites, the budget class is Comfort Inn, Friendship Inn, Rodeway, and the economy class hotel is the Sleep Inn .

Horizontal integration - the entry of hotel chains into corporations of related industries. Since Pan American opened the first of its Inter-Continental hotels in the late 1940s, several other airlines have also begun to gain horizontal integration by buying and operating hotels. Such a development of airlines, previously engaged only in the transportation of passengers, often over long distances, and now taking on the arrangements between flights, seems quite natural. What they then do with their new property depends on the strategic interests of the company. For example, Nikko Hotels has long been the property of Japan Airlines, and she is not going to give them up. And American Airlines and United Airlines have sold their stakes in the hotel business, apparently as a result of the financial difficulties they've been experiencing in recent years.

There is also a division of hotel chains into corporate and associative. Corporate hotel chains are joint hotel enterprises that are under a single subordination, observing a single system of standards, material and technical base and services. While associative hotel chains are temporary associations of independent independent hotel enterprises on a contractual basis.

The world's largest hotel chains are Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Global Hyatt Corporation, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental, Le Meridien, Ritz-Carlton.

Classification [ | ]

Several small brands can be combined into a common system in order to expand the prospects for bookings and generalize marketing (for example, association Choice Hotels).

In Russia [ | ]

Until 1995, Russia did not have a classification system for accommodation facilities harmonized with international ones. Each department developed its own standards for enterprises subordinate to it. determined the category of the hotel according to the price list K-05, developed. In 1994 GOST "Hotels" was adopted. The standards valid as of the 2010s on the territory of the Russian Federation were introduced in 1995 simultaneously with the procedure for certification of tourist services and hotel services. The system was extended to hotels and motels, which are classified into categories from 1 to 5 stars. The classification of hotels in Russia at that time was voluntary.

On January 1, 1999, the GOST standard was put into effect, which established the gradation of accommodation facilities in many respects similar to the standard classification developed by WTO experts.

In Russia, the official hotel classification system until July 19, 2013 was regulated by the order of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of Russia.

Since July 1, 2011, obtaining a star category in accredited organizations that classify objects of the tourism industry, including hotels and other accommodation facilities, ski slopes, beaches, has become mandatory for all hotels located in the city of Sochi, since from July 1, 2011 the implementation providing hotel services without a certificate of category assignment entails the imposition of an administrative fine. Since July 19, 2013, the classification system has been regulated by the order of the Ministry of Culture.

Since August 7, 2007, the Russian International Hotel Classification NGO has been conducting classifications according to the official hotel classification system in Russia. The classification committee consists of 79 officially certified experts.

Hotel star system[ | ]

The cost and quality of hotel services depends on the type of hotel. Thanks to the tourism boom of the last decades of the 20th century, service quality standards have risen significantly everywhere. In order to make it easier to determine the level of the hotel, a star system classification (from one to five stars). In general terms, such a classification is as follows:

Type classification[ | ]

Pension [ | ]

Half board [ | ]

Motel [ | ]

Hostel [ | ]

In many countries there are also so-called gay friendly- hotels providing services for the recreation of sexual minorities, where customers gay can rest easy without fear of homophobic reactions from other customers or staff.

In Russia there are also so-called departmental hotels, which are attached to various government and municipal structures, as well as to large enterprises and companies, for the resettlement of business travelers.

exotic hotels[ | ]

Aparthotels [ | ]

Created on the principle of apartments (apartments), but there is no need to conclude an agreement with the owner for a certain period, and the guest can check out at almost any time. The booking system is standard, as in other hotels. In terms of comfort, apart-hotels can be compared with home conditions, and their prices are much lower traditional hotels. World famous apart-hotel brands: MaMasion, , .

Scattered hotel[ | ]

The hotel, which is not a single block, but consists of various historical buildings located in a small community.

Hotel without staff[ | ]

A hotel operating with the help of automatic devices, without direct contact between the guest and the staff.

Furnishings and services[ | ]

Accommodation [ | ]

Furnishings and amenities[ | ]

Standard room furnishings usually include a bed , wardrobe , a small table and a private bathroom with a shower and often a Jacuzzi . Also, in a typical case, sets of bedding, toiletries and towels are provided for each guest. Most middle-class hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, TV, alarm clock, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, mini-fridge or mini-bar. It is becoming more and more common to have access to a wireless high-speed Internet line (free of charge or for a fee). Some rooms include small kitchens with stovetops and crockery.

Services [ | ]

A standard service is usually considered daily cleaning of the room.

Middle-class hotels, as a rule, have swimming pools, business centers, conference rooms, guest laundries, and gyms. In addition, a number of external services are provided: providing transport from and to the station or airport for guests arriving by plane or train (so-called).

Nutrition [ | ]

Kitchen interior in a small hotel

Types of catering in hotels:

The food itself can be carried out:

Booking hotel rooms[ | ]

Prices [ | ]

The cost of living in hotels depends on many factors: its level, its location, season, day of the week, occupancy of the hotel, type of room, floor, view from the window, etc. In addition, you need to pay attention to what services included in the price of the room, and which ones are provided for additional fee(e.g. breakfast, use of the Internet, minibar, etc.). As a consequence, hotel prices are subject to constant, daily and even hourly changes.

Hotels, as a rule, participate in the generally accepted system of discounts in each country (discounts for large tour groups, pensioners, businessmen, members of various associations), but are not always tied to it without fail. Small hotels publish their own discount coupons in newspapers and various catalogs. In most cases, there is no public price list for rooms. However, prices can be approximated on the websites of hotels and travel portals, which also list services and provide detailed room descriptions.

Payment Methods [ | ]

In addition to cash, credit cards are the accepted means of payment in most countries. It should be borne in mind that some hotels, even accepting cash payments, also require a card, trying to insure themselves against losses in case of possible damage to the room by guests or theft.

Of hotel chains, the prevailing number of hotels are in no way connected with them and operate independently. Hotel brands either form a single network of hotels that are wholly owned by the parent company (for example, Hilton), or are franchised to private owners, who themselves must ensure that their hotels meet brand standards (e.g., Best Western). Several small brands can be combined into a common system in order to expand the prospects for bookings and generalize marketing (for example, association Choice Hotels).

Comments
/* The control method is indirectly related to the classification. Franchising and owner management are polar states of management in terms of the scope of legal rights and share in profits. Omitted management method based on lease agreement */
/* Hilton has hotels transferred to them under the management of a third-party management company under a franchise agreement */

In addition to ordinary hotels located along the busiest highways, as well as near tourist attractions, there are more specialized ones: resort (located on the beaches, near natural attractions, etc.), business hotels (located in the center of large business cities, with a mandatory the presence of multifunctional conference rooms, luxury apartments), spas, casino hotels, etc. In Russia, there are also so-called departmental hotels, which are attached to various government and municipal structures, as well as to large companies.

Star system

The cost and quality of hotel services depends on the type of hotel. Thanks to the tourism boom of the last decades of the 20th century, service quality standards have risen significantly everywhere. In order to make it easier to determine the level of the hotel, a star system classification (from one to five stars). In general terms, such a classification is as follows:

1. one star- a cheap hotel with a minimum of services (daily housekeeping is not always included in them). All rooms are of the same type.
2. Two stars- a low-budget hotel, also with a minimum of services, but with a mandatory daily cleaning of the rooms. One or two types of rooms.
3. Three Stars- a middle-class hotel with a standard set of services: daily housekeeping, bathroom, TV, mini-bar or refrigerator in each room; on the territory of the hotel there is a laundry for guests, a swimming pool, a gym, a business center, a place for breakfast provided by the hotel. Some of these services may not be available, while others may be available. Availability of different types of rooms (single, double, smoking, non-smoking, etc.).
4. four stars- a high-class hotel that provides all of the above services, as well as special ones (such as spas, massages, the presence of several bars and restaurants, conference rooms). Prices for rooms in such hotels are much higher than average.
5. Five Stars- luxury hotel. They are distinguished by an extensive range of services, especially exclusive ones (for example, the presence of a private golf club, multi-room apartments with a maid). The guest is given personal attention, contributing to take into account all his wishes. Prices for rooms in such hotels are quite high, as well as for their services. As a rule, all famous world urban and resort hotels. Despite the difference in systems, a “five-star hotel” is always understood as a hotel of the highest service. Some hotels claim to be 6 or even 7 stars, but so far this has not become a widespread hotel practice and is more of a marketing ploy.

In Russia, the official classification system for hotels is regulated by the Federal Tourism Agency of the Russian Federation (see Classification System).

There are also other classification systems (in particular, the classification system American Automobile Association, AAA). Many hotels cannot reach a certain level only due to some architectural features(lack of an elevator, for example, in old castle hotels, where the service can be equal to five stars).

In addition to ordinary hotels, there are other types of inns.

Half board

Motel

Motel is a small hotel, the entrance to the rooms of which is carried out from the street (from the car parking place). As a rule, motels have only one or two floors, the number additional services and room types is minimal, which corresponds to the low cost of living. For many people, especially those who are constantly on the road in their cars, motels are convenient because of the absence of lengthy registration formalities, the ability to have their car in sight; direct access from the street to the room is also an advantage for the disabled . The disadvantages of motels include their low level of security, as well as minimal maintenance.

Hostel