Hotel rating

The Hotel Star is a rating symbol that is used in different countries of the Classification of hotels according to certain criteria. Are placed, the classification based on quality and performance, such as infrastructure, size and equipment of the rooms, reception rooms and lounges and the service provided. Origins are names such as Grand Hotel for gehobenste houses as early as the late 19th century.

Since there is no uniform international certifications, awarded hotel stars are officially not always congruent with the stars or other symbols, which are listed in guidebooks, travel brochures, magazines and the like. Chance of stars have been reported up to 7, but today is committed - at least in the higher classes - worldwide comparable system up to 5 stars, with some subclasses by. This is five- star and four -star hotel is the epitome of luxury hotels.

In addition, the star systems be extended to other aspects of the hospitality industry, such as spas, resorts and villas.

• 2.1 Namibia
• 2.2 Sierra Leone
• 2.3 South Africa

Europe

In most European countries a hotel classification is made by an authority or a professional association. Required by law, it is in Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Hungary. In all other European countries, it is optional. Sweden initiated only in 2003 a classification, in Finland and Norway, there are no official standardized categorization systems.

The history of the star classification relies on the development in other areas, the Michelin Guide has rated since 1900 restaurants and hotels and differentiated since 1926 by awarding stars that were like advertised by the operators. With the advent of mass tourism, tourism associations and authorities have classified the hotels and published in lists. The first ausdefinierte format based system, which was supported by the hoteliers themselves, was created in 1979 in Switzerland. This influenced the emergence of the hotel classifications in other countries, especially in Austria and Germany. The Star system DEHOGA ( German Hotel and Restaurant Association ) was introduced on 1 August 1996 and proved to be very successful (80% of hotel guests indicate that the stars are the main criterion in the choice of hotel ). This influenced the design of a transnational star system in Europe by the Hotel Stars Union.

Hotel Stars Union

Beginning of 2010 decided the hotel associations from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Hungary a common classification system, the Stars Hotel Union.

It is under the patronage of HOTREC - Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés in Europe, with its seat in Belgium non-profit umbrella organization of public catering establishments. The drafted by the Hotrec principles and criteria that had already been designed with the international hotel classification seminar in Bergen 2004, enlarged in the Hotel Stars Union, and harmonized with the national systems.

The classification was adopted at a conference in Prague on December 14, 2009. Since January 2010, she applies in Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Hungary, will create the legal basis in the course of 2010, Switzerland in 2011, conform to the local five -year cycle for change, as well as the Netherlands. With guest surveys to be " further developed and adapted accordingly to the guests expectations and demands " the guidelines in the future.

The common hotel classification is based on 21 principles, and includes a list of criteria with 270 individual points of different categories, some minimum criteria, some additional optional criteria. Focus is on quality management, wellness and sleeping comfort. The stars are distributed classes 1-5 *, and the additional quality feature superior (S).

Star categories hotel Stars Union

The hotel meet the following basic profiles:

• Differentiation to one Tern: The rooms are comfortable and are equipped with color televisions and bathrooms.
• Differentiation to three Stars: The quality of the equipment is measured by its functionality and cleanliness, the materials used are less important.

• Differentiation to two star: Solid materials, larger space, stay way (eg: sitting area, desk ) in the room and in the common lounge area.
• Differentiation to four Stars: smaller surfaces in good condition, older equipment possible.

Germany

The hotel classification in Germany is carried out since 1996 by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association ( DEHOGA). The classification is chargeable, on a voluntary basis and will remain valid for three years. The scale ranges from 1 star to 5 star. A star is the lowest category ( tourist), five stars for the highest (luxury ). Within each category can also be purchased the additional predicate Superior when the power is well above the Demanded this category, but still below the requirements of the next higher category.

Since 1 January 2010, the hotel uniform classification system Stars Hotel Union shall apply to Germany.

France

The hotel classification in France was responsible for a Tourist Commission, the department, which was subordinate to the State Secretariat for Tourism. It took place on a voluntary basis, conducted annually. The scale ranged from 0 - star ( recorded but not classified ) up to 4- star with the additional category 4 star " L" ( for luxury ), which corresponds to the 5- star category in other systems. Particularly luxurious hotels are referred to unofficially as " Palaces " ( hotel palaces ).

As of 2009, this system was replaced by a division of 1-5 stars ( Atout France ). This system came in the last few years but under heavy criticism since the classification - based on 250 criteria - is carried out by up to 50 accredited testing companies, and must be paid by the hotel. Be feared inconsistent design, complacency opinions and dumping. In addition, must be provided (up to 15,000 euros ), which one part of the Ministry for the time being but not yet by the state wants to impose a fraud prevention measure fines.

Austria

Austria started in the 1950s with a categorization by the letters A to F. In the 1970s, then became the 1 - to 5 - star system introduced. Since 1984 there were up to 2010 current form, can have according to which 76% of accommodation establishments (2009) categorize. The classification ranged from 1 - to 5 - star establishments, in the 4- star category is the intermediate level Superior has been introduced.

Since 1 January 2010, the hotel uniform classification system Stars Hotel Union shall apply to Austria. The classification in a star class takes place at the request of the company by an independent commission. Regular inspections and a system of annual self-control ensure quality. Member companies can take hospitality of Commerce voluntarily is eligible for this service of the sections of the hotel industry or trade association.

Switzerland

The most comprehensive Hotel Classification in Switzerland is the umbrella organization of the Swiss hotel industry before hotelleriesuisse. The classification is voluntary, but with costs and to a membership. The scale ranges from 0 - to 5 - star. In categories 3 -, 4 - and 5- star Superior, the addition is given to hotels, where an à la carte restaurant is attached, and their equipment, furnishings and comfort for their respective category are above average.

Since 2011 the unified classification system Hotel Hotel Stars Union shall apply to Switzerland.

Africa

In some African countries ( inter alia, South Africa, Namibia ), there is accommodation classification systems based on European models. 12 Member States of the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa ( RETOSA ) plan by 2015 a common system to implement.

Namibia

Registration and classification of hotels (and other tourist enterprises) is made in Namibia by the Namibian Tourism Board in consideration of National Tourist Accommodation Star Grading Scheme, which is used in the most recent version since February 2012. Participation in the classification is voluntary.

Until the late 1990s, only hotels (maximum 5 stars), guest farms and rest camps (maximum 3 stars) within the classification system existing since 1973 were evaluated. Between the late 1990s and February 2012, no star classification took place.

Meanwhile, all types of accommodation companies reach up to 5 stars. The default of the system can be referred to internationally as high, and the subjective impression of the individual classification officer continues to play an important role. The classification system distinguishes ten different types of accommodation ( tented lodge, tented camp, self-catering accommodation, rest camp, lodge, hotel, guesthouse, guest farm, guest house, bed and breakfast accommodation), every two years by a classification Supervisor on equipment, existing service and provided service are checked. The fees and a night with full board for the classification officer must be borne by the guest operating itself.

Importance of the Stars:

• 5 Stars: luxurious
• 4 stars: excellent
• 3 stars: very good
• 2 stars: Good
• 1 star: adequate

A completely new star system, the " National Tourist Accommodation Star Grading " Scheme will, together with the Scottish Hotel classification since mid-2009 and should be introduced by the end of 2010, but has not been fully implemented as of November 2013. It should mainly take into account non-measurable conditions and services as well as local conditions.

Sierra Leone

In West Africa Sierra Leone held an official classification of accommodation in five classes by the National Tourist Board; here is the class 1 is the highest, class 5, the lowest achievable level.

The classification is mandatory for all registered accommodation.

South Africa

In South Africa, the classification of accommodation from the Tourism Grading Council is made. It is an independent body. Moreover, inter alia, also events and other tourist facilities are evaluated. For this purpose there is a fee that depends on the size of the company ( eg number of hotel rooms). In eight property categories (Backpack Accommodation & Hostel, Bed & Breakfast accommodation, tent and camping, cottage, guesthouse, Selbsversorger accommodation, Hotel and Lodge) will be awarded up to 5 stars. As far the only South African hotel but the location in Cape Town at the Waterfront, One & Only Cape Town received six stars. The system is at the highest international level and is handled very strictly.

International associations, marketing associations and brands

International, at least the more elevated classes today are roughly comparable.

Historically widespread than the disclosure of stars is a member of the group The Leading Hotels of the World, documented with the luxury hotels periodic review. This marketing organization exists since 1928 and introduced in 1971 a comprehensive inspection system. For a membership qualities are the 5 star requirement. The offshoot of Small Luxury Hotels of the World gathered smaller houses the upscale 4 - to 5 - star category. The Five Star Alliance is an international hotel directory that classifies comparable worldwide. Great Hotels of the World gathered 4 - to 5 -star hotels. The Global Hotel Alliance is an association of luxury hotels major hotel chains.

Meanwhile, also have individual hotel chains her luxury segment in own brands from around the Luxury Collection of Starwood Group, Four Points by Sheraton, or well-known brands of chain principle as upscale positioned ( Westin, Rocco Forte, Taj, etc. ).

Seven Stars

There are a number of hotels that are advertised with more than five stars. The first hotel with alleged seven stars was the Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai, opened in 1998, in which a servant is available for each room. However, the hotel itself does not advertise it, and indicate that the seven stars are an invention of a journalist. The same applies to the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2005, that only leads five stars themselves.

The Town House Galleria in Milan, opened in 2007, and has come up here by SGS Italy issue a certificate to seven stars. However, the SGS in their general categorization hotel has only five stars; the reference remains on an unrepresented certificate from 2008.