Classifying Hotels :Hotels are classified according to the hotel size, location, target markets, levels of service , facilities

, number of rooms , ownership and affiliation etc. 1.Size - Or number of rooms Under 150 rooms 150 to 299 rooms 300 to 600 rooms More than 600 rooms These categories enable hotels of similar size to compareoperating procedures and statistical results . 2.Target Markets Hotel target many markets and can be classified according to the markets they attempt to attract their guests. Common type of markets include business, airport, suites, residential, resort , timeshare , casino , convention and conference hotels . Business Hotels: - These hotels are the largest group of hotel types and cater primarily to business travellers and usually located in downtown or business districts . Although Business hotels primarily serves business travellers , many tour groups, individual tourists and small conference groups find these hotels attractive. Guest amenities at business hotels may include complimentary newspapers, morning coffee, free local telephone calls , Break fast etc. In addition to this facilities like access to business centre , personal computer , Wi-Fi and fax machines also provided to the guest.

Airport Hotels: - These type of hotels typically target business clientele, airline passengers with overnight travel layovers or cancelled flights and airline personnel. Some hotels might give free transport between hotel and airport . Some hotels also provide meeting facilities to attract guests who travel to a meeting by air and wish to minimize ground travel. Another attraction of these hotels is instead of charging the guest on a daily basis guest can also pay for their room on a hourly basis.

Suite Hotels: - These kind of hotels are the latest trend and the fastest growing segments in the hotel industry . Main attraction of these hotels is guestrooms with a living room and a separate bedroom. In exchange for more complete living room suite hotels generally have fewer and more limited public areas and guest services than other hotels . This also helps keep suite hotel's guestroom prices competitive in the market .Professionals such as accountants, lawyers, business men and executives find suite hotels particularly attractive as they can work and also entertain in an area besides the bedroom.

Extended Stay Hotels: - Extended stay hotels is somewhat similar to the suite hotels , but usually offers kitchen amenities in the room . These kind of hotels are for travellers who want to stay more than a week and does not want to depend on the service of the hotel . Extended service hotels usually does not provide any F & B service or Laundry service etc. These kind of hotels are considered by guests as "Home away from home "

Apartment Hotels: - Apartment / Residential hotels provide long-term or permanent accommodation for Guest. Usually guest makes a lease agreement with the hotel for minimum of one month up to a year. These lease agreements are renewed on a yearly basis. Guest rooms generally include living room , bedroom, kitchen , private balcony , washing machines , kitchen utensils etc. Residential hotel also provided Housekeeping , laundry , telephone and in some hotels a restaurant and lounge etc will be present on the premises.

Resort Hotels: - Resort hotels are usually located in the mountains, on an island , or in some other exotic locations away from city's . These hotels have recreational facilities , scenery , golf , tennis , sailing , skiing and swimming . Resort hotels provide enjoyable and memorable guest experiences that encourage guest to repeat to the resort.

Bed and Breakfast Hotels :- These are houses with rooms converted into overnight facilities , this can size up to 20 to 30 guest rooms . They are also known as 'Home Stay's'. The owner of the B&B usually stay on the premises and is responsible for serving breakfast to guest . Due to the limited services offered at these hotels the price for room is very less than any full service hotel.

Timeshare and condominium Hotels: - Another new type or segment of the hospitality industry is the timeshare hotels. These are sometimes referred to as " Vacation-interval" hotels . Timeshare hotels are where the guests who purchase the ownership of accommodations for a specific period .These owners may also have the unit rented out by the management company that operates the hotel . Condominium are similar to timeshare but the difference between the two lies in the type of ownership. Units in condominium hotels only have one owner instead of multiple owners , each for a limited amount of time each year. In a condominium hotel, an owner informs the management company if when he/ she wants to occupy the unit.

Casino Hotels :- Hotels with gambling facilities may be categorized as a distinct group called Casino Hotels .Although the food and beverage operations in casino is luxurious their functions is secondary to and supportive of casino operations. Casino hotels attract guest by promoting the gambling and other entertainments. Conference Centres: - These type of hotels focus on meeting and conferences and overnight accommodation for meeting attendees. They also provide High quality audiovisual equipments, business services , flexible seating arrangements , flipchart etc. These hotels mostly located outside the metropolitan areas and have facilities like golf , swimming pools , tennis courts , fitness centres , spas etc. Convention Centres: - Convention hotels are larger in size compared to conference centres and likely to have more than 1500 rooms . These hotels are huge and have sufficient number of guest rooms to house all the attendees of most conventions, even the size of the meeting rooms , ball rooms , exhibit rooms are quite huge .They usually cater to convention market for state , regional , national, and international associations

Definition of the term Hotel:-

A Hotel or Inn may be defined as an establishment whose primary business is providing lodging facilities for the general public, and which furnishes one or more of the following services :

1) Food and beverage service 2) Room attendant ( House keeping ) service 3) Concierge 4) Laundry or dry cleaning service 5) Use of furniture or fixtures

6) Bell and Door attendant service 7) Conference and Banqueting 8) Business center etc. According to the category of the hotel they provide different level of personalized service .

Definition of the term motel :The term motel is a contraction of motor hotel. It is a lodging facility that caters primarily to guests arriving by automobiles. Early motels often provide parking spaces near guestrooms, but that has changed in recent years as motel owners and franchisors have become more aware of guest security Motels may be located in any setting, but are usually found in suburban or roadside areas . They became especially successfull in the 1950's and 1960's with the development of the inter-state highway system in the US . Many motels are two-story or low-rise building located near major highways. Pool areas with shrubbery, trees, and children's playground etc. By the way the term Hotel is used as a general term for motels, hotels, inns suite hotels, conference centers and other lodging properties .

HOTEL CLASS
Hotel star ratings are general quality indicators and should be regarded as just that broad guidelines in measuring a hotels general quality, amenities, and customer satisfaction; ratings are not meant to be perfectly precise critiques. All the amenities and services that a resort offers may not necessarily be reflected in star ratings. Due to differing parameters and criteria from resort to resort, along with the incredibly wide range of customer preferences and individual expectations, and stating the fact that these ratings are general in nature, Area Travel International cannot guarantee exact accuracy in every element of all ratings. Five Star: Exceptional Five-star hotels are characterized by the best in luxury, service, location, fine dining with exquisite menus and often-famous chefs, and exceptional convenience and comfort. They achieve excellence in every facet of hospitality and are known for their superb craftsmanship in architecture, landscaping, interior design, and exquisite taste. This elegant ambience carries throughout the rooms, lobbies, facilities, and outer grounds. The highest quality linens, bedding, flooring, and amenities are used. Expect high-speed internet access, CD/DVD sound systems (mostly but not always), and 24-hour room service, along with gourmet dining, butler service in some hotels, and original wall art, flowers, and elegant room dcor. Generally offered are special guest access to golf courses, luxury spa services on site, the latest in fitness center and gym facilities, tennis courts, and several multiple-purpose pools, concierge services and complete hotel services. These hotels may be larger (most commonly the case) or smaller for certain intimate luxury properties. Excellent business centers and meeting facilities are usually present in the larger properties. Landscaping and grounds are elegantly designed and meticulously groomed. Four Star: Superior Four-star hotels are very upscale accommodations, offering excellent restaurants, fine dining, bars, lounges, and complete room service. High-quality construction, very personalized service, contemporary furnishings, valet parking, and many other major hotel services are available. Concierge services, fitness centers and spas, and high

quality linens, bedding, flooring, and amenities are used. There are usually several spacious and well-maintained pools. Excellent service and careful attention to details also typify a four-star hotel. These hotels may also have business relationships with golf courses and other recreation sites, resulting in special rates for guests. Excellent business centers and meeting facilities are usually present. Comfort and convenience of guests are the staffs prime concern. Landscaping and grounds are beautifully groomed and well laid-out. Three Star: First Class Three-star hotels are markedly upgraded to include more spacious guest rooms with quality amenities, good dining service on-site, usually a pool and fitness center, well-laid out lobbies, and variable room service. These first-class mid-scale properties offer other amenities such as valet parking and on-site medical services are typically available. Meeting and conference facilities for business groups or family reunions are sometimes available in three-star resorts. Usually the grounds are well manicured and aesthetically pleasing. Two Star: Value Two-star hotels also are identified by basic and clean accommodations, with some business services (typically without meeting rooms), bellhop service, and fairly complete fitness and recreation facilities. In-hotel restaurants have limited menus and typically consist of continental breakfast service. Small to medium size properties are the norm, with convenient proximity to medium-priced attractions. Rooms have comfortable accommodations and typically include telephones, TV, and a few other basic amenities; room service and baggage service are usually not included. Basic landscaping and grounds care. One Star: Economy One-star hotels are characterized by basic, clean, and simple accommodations, usually a budget-travelers basic needs. Rooms are generally small and amenities are more needs driven than wants-based. Most will not have on-site restaurants, may not have a private bathroom, an in-room telephone, or other amenities. Limited hours may apply to public access and guest reception. Hotel locations may be near affordable attractions, public transportation, and major streets or population centers, usually within walking distance of good restaurants. Half-star ratings Area Travel uses half-star increments to augment the precision of our five-star scale. There are so many varieties and choices among property types, amenities, and services, and guest preferences; the use of a half-star gives additional clarity and precision to overall ratings.