Europian classification of hotel types

The Inexpensive Hotel is also called the 1-star hotel according to the European classification. These are plain hotels and inns of small scale. Inexpensive hotels are modestly furnished. However, rather good facilities are provided for the guests. Bath and lavatory arrangements are offered, but they are not provided in every bedroom. Washbasins are provided in every bedroom.

As a rule the inexpensive hotels have got a lounge area. There are no phones in bedrooms, but the use of telephone is arranged. Not every room is fitted with a radio and a TV-set.

Meals are provided for residents but are usually limited to nonresidents. In some inexpensive hotels meals are not served to nonresidents at all.

Inexpensive hotels offer low prices. So they are used by the guests who cannot afford to pay much.

Some inexpensive hotels may be old enough with rather small rooms. But the main thing is that they are neat and clean and the service is friendly.

The inexpensive hotels are situated away from the city centre and far from convenient means of transportation. It means that the location is not convenient.

The Moderate Hotel is also called the 2-star hotel according to the European classification.

Those hotels offer a higher standard of accommodation than the expensive hotels. However, according to the standards only 20 per cent of rooms contain a private bathroom or a shower with a lavatory.

TV-sets are provided in some rooms or there is a TV-set in a lounge. Assistance with luggage is arranged for guests. There are bedside lights in the rooms. Wake-up calls are offered. The rooms are not air-conditioned which is disadvantage for resort and beach hotels in hot countries.

Hot morning tea or hot morning breakfast is available in every moderate hotel.

The moderate hotels are located at a distance from centres of activity. Good transportation may not be available.

The prices are reasonable for the guests with limited incomes.

The Expensive Hotel is also called the 3-star hotel according to the European classification. These are well-appointed and very comfortable hotels. A more spacious accommodation is offered to the guests. According to the standards two thirds of rooms contain a private bathroom or a shower with a lavatory.

All rooms are fitted with a telephone, a radio, and a TV-set. Many expensive hotels offer private parking. In many expensive hotels dogs and other pets are admitted.

In resort or beach hotels in hot countries bedrooms are fitted with air-conditioning which is a great. Often rooms in resort or beach hotels are not fitted with TV-sets.

Wake-up calls, room service, hair-dryers, porterage are offered.

Fuller meal facilities are provided foe the guests. All expensive hotels have got a restaurant and a bar. Meals are provided on a half board basis. Hot tea in the morning and hot evening meal are always offered in the expensive hotels.

The expensive hotels usually have a rather good location. Good transportation is also available.

The Deluxe Hotels is also called the 3-star hotel.These are exceptionally well-appointed hotels. A higher standard of comfort and service are offered to the guests. A private bathroom or a shower with a lavatory are provided in all rooms.

All rooms are fitted with a telephone, a colour TV-set, a radio.

The deluxe hotels offer a 24-hour access and a lounge service to the guests until midnight.

All deluxe hotels contain a variety of bars and restaurants. Meals are provided on a full board basis: hot breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The resort and beach hotels in hot countries offer private swimming-pools. The rooms are fitted with air-conditioning and mini-bars. Saunas and solariums are also provided.

The deluxe hotels have excellent location in beautiful neighborhoods and convenient transportation means. The prices are rather high but the guests get their money’s worth.

The Superdeluxe Hotels is usually called the luxury hotel. Such hotels are also known under the name the 5-star hotels. These are exceptionally luxurious hotels. Extremely comfortable and luxurious guestrooms are offered to the guests. Perfectly appointed public rooms are provided for the needs of the guests: lounges, banquet halls, conference rooms.

The superdeluxe hotels offer the greatest convenience, the best comfort and the widest service to their guests.

All guestrooms include private bathrooms. All guestrooms are fitted with up-to-date equipment and amenities: room telephones, colour TV-sets, home videos, background music, mini-bars, full-length mirrors, excellent furniture.

A variety of recreational facilities is provided for the guests: swimming-pools, health clubs and fitting centres, saunas, solariums, beauty parlours. Where gambling is allowed, the superdeluxe hotels contain casinos and night-clubs.

The superdeluxe hotels provide all-night lounge service and all-night room service. Private parking lots are provided for the guests.

A variety of restaurants and bars cater for the needs of all kinds of visitors. They are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and supper.

The superdeluxe hotels have got a very high proportion of employees to guests and guestrooms. It means that a large number of people are employed to serve the guests. The proportion may be three employees to one guestroom. The employees are perfectly trained to meet the high standards of service.

The superdeluxe hotels are built and designed to provide service for wealthy and important guests. Such hotels are located in fashionable neighborhoods with the best and convenient connections.

(A Course of English for Tourism and Hospitality)