Accommodation Sector Notes
Accommodation Sector
Introduction
Accommodation is a significant pillar of tourism.
Various brands and companies offer accommodation services.
Services, designs, amenities, and facilities differ based on the type of accommodation.
Tourism cannot exist without accommodation.
Accommodation: A place where people can stay or live temporarily (hotels, motels, guest houses, hostels, vacation rentals).
It involves providing lodging and adjusting services to meet needs/preferences.
The essence is to provide a comfortable, safe, and functional space for temporary stays.
Temporary stay is crucial; stays longer than a year are considered migration/residency.
Impacts of Pandemic on the Accommodation Sector
Decrease in Tourism:
Travel restrictions, lockdowns, and safety concerns led to a sharp decline in tourism.
Significant drop in bookings and revenues.
Health and Safety Measures:
Implementation of strict health and safety protocols.
Enhanced cleaning, social distancing, and contactless check-in options.
Shift to Remote Work and Staycation:
Catering to remote workers with long-term stays and workspaces.
Staycations became popular for local getaways.
Financial Strain:
Reduced occupancy rates and cancellations led to financial strain.
Staff layoffs and permanent closures.
Adapt and Innovation:
Offering flexible booking policies.
Promoting local tourism.
Diversifying services to cater to changing guest needs.
Brief History of the Accommodation Sector
Ancient Civilizations (Rome, Greece, Egypt):
Inns, way stations, and public accommodations were established for travelers and traders.
Early roadside inns mentioned in the Bible.
Excavations in Pompeii showed the Romans developed inns into a trade.
Example: Mary and Joseph's stay in a "sub-sub-ban" during the birth of Jesus.
Middle Ages in Europe:
Inns and taverns became established along trade and pilgrimage routes.
Monasteries and religious institutions offered lodging for travelers.
Renaissance and Industrial Revolution:
Growth of trade and commerce increased demand for accommodation.
Grand hotels were established in major cities for the middle and upper classes.
Significant expansion in trade, commerce, and travel led to increased movement of people.
The emergence of Hotels in urban centers.
20th Century:
Rise of modern hotel chains, motels, and resorts.
Post-World War II era: Proliferation of budget hotels and motels.
Advances in air transport increased the demand for hotel space.
Contemporary Era:
Online booking platforms, vacation rentals, home stays, and boutique hotels.
Focus on personalized experiences and sustainability.
Historical Hotels in The Philippines
Manila Hotel
Established in 1912 by American businessmen (led by William J. Newton).
Grand opening: 07/04/1912.
Known as the most prestigious hotel in the country.
Served as the residence of Douglas MacArthur during World War II.
Witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender in 1945.
Taal Vista Hotel
Located in Tagaytay, dating back to the early 1930s.
Established in 1939 by the Zubel de Ayala family.
Originally built as a guest house to showcase views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.
Maintained colonial-style architecture.
Offers a picturesque location for events.
Baguio Country Club
Founded in 1905 by American expatriates and local entrepreneurs.
Officially founded in 1908.
Envisioned as a high-class social club in Baguio.
Reflects Western lifestyle customs and British colonial-style architecture.
Expatriates: People living in a country other than their native country, usually for work, business, or personal reasons.
Hotel Classification
By Location
Center City Hotels: Located in urban areas near business districts, tourist attractions, and shopping centers.
Suburban Hotels: Found in residential areas outside the city center, catering to long-staying guests.
Airport Hotels: Near airports, ideal for layovers with shuttle services.
Highway Hotels/Motels: Located along highways for easy access for motorists needing overnight accommodation.
By Price
Economy: Basic, low-cost accommodations.
Standard: Mid-scale, comfortable with general services.
First Class: High-quality service and amenities.
Deluxe: Premium service, exclusive features, and elegance.
Hotel Rating System
The Department of Tourism (DOT) classifies hotels using a star rating system (1 to 5 stars).
Ratings are based on the quality of the physical structure, furnishings, maintenance, housekeeping, and overall service.
Star Rating System
One Star: Good, better than average.
Two Stars: Very good.
Three Stars: Excellent.
Four Stars: Outstanding.
Five Stars: One of the best in the country.
Purpose of the Rating System
Quality Assurance: Indicates superior standards.
Comparative Tool: Allows comparison of lodging options.
Expectation Setting: Sets expectations for service and amenities.
Marketing and Branding: Differentiates hotels from competitors.
Consumer Confidence: Builds trust through standardized quality measures.
Responsible Organizations for Rating Hotels
American Automobile Association (AAA): Uses the Diamond rating system (USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean).
Forbes Travel Guide: Uses a five-star rating system worldwide.
Michelin Guide: Provides restaurant and hotel ratings in selected regions.
Government Tourism Boards: Set standards and provide ratings within their jurisdiction. (e.g. Philippines' DOT system)
DOT Hotel Classifications
Standard Hotels: Budget-friendly, offering basic amenities and services.
Deluxe Hotels: Mid-range, with additional facilities and a higher level of comfort.
First Class Hotels: Upscale, offering premium amenities, extensive facilities, and superior service.
Luxury Hotels: High-end, known for luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and personalized service.
Basic Amenities and Services in Hotels
Bed
Bathroom
Towels and Linens
Air conditioning or ventilation
Electric Outlets
Drinking Water
Wardrobe or Closet
Desk
24-hour front desk
Housekeeping
Security Services
Check-in and Check-out Assistance
Concierge Service
DOT Evaluation Criteria
Arrival and Departure
Public Areas
Bedrooms
Food and Beverage
Amenities
Business Practices
Apartment hotels also evaluated on kitchen and lounge areas.
DOT accreditation confirms that establishments meet minimum standards.
Diamond Rating System vs. Five-Star Rating System
Diamond Rating System
Used by AAA (USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean).
Focuses on cleanliness, conditions, comfort, amenities, and guest services.
Five-Star Rating System
Used by Forbes Travel Guide (globally).
Evaluates service quality, hospitality, accommodations, dining options, amenities, and overall guest experience.
Birch Al Arab Dubai: Markets itself as a "seven-star" hotel (unofficial, a marketing tactic).
Types of Accommodations
Hotels
Provide lodging and other services to travelers for a fee.
Vary in size, style, and amenities.
Offer rooms or suites, restaurants, bars, room service, concierge, fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, meeting spaces, and recreational facilities.
Types of Hotels:
Economy/Budget Hotels: Basic accommodations at affordable rates.
Midrange/Midscale Hotels: Modern amenities at an affordable price point.
Full-Service Hotels: Wide range of amenities (restaurants, room service, fitness centers, business facilities).
Luxury Hotels: Upscale amenities, luxurious accommodations, excellent service, fine dining, spas, personalized services.
Difference Between Full Service and Luxury Hotels
Amenities and Services:
Full-service hotels offer a wide range of amenities.
Luxury hotels offer the highest level of amenities, attention to detail, and exceptional service.
Accommodations:
Full-service hotels offer well-appointed rooms with modern amenities.
Luxury hotels offer opulent accommodations with high-end furnishings.
Price Point:
Full-service hotels cater to a broader range of travelers offering a balance between quality amenities and affordability.
Luxury hotels cater to affluent travelers willing to pay a premium for unparalleled service.
Motels
Roadside lodging establishments designed for motorists.
Characteristics:
Location: Along highways or major roadways.
Layout: Guests can park vehicles directly in front of rooms.
Amenities: Basic lodging, rooms with standard furnishings, private bathrooms, basic toiletries.
Cost: Affordable compared to traditional hotels.
Target market: Road trippers, families on a budget, solo travelers.
Difference Between Motels and Budget Hotels
Location: Motels near highways; budget hotels in urban centers.
Design and Layout: Motels have exterior access; budget hotels have interior corridors.
Amenities: Motels offer basic; budget hotels provide a wider range.
Sogo Hotels: Combine concepts of motels and hotels; offer amenities and short-stay options.
Resort Hotels
Intended for vacation travelers, located near beaches or mountains.
Types of Resorts
Beach Resorts: Located on or near the coast. Give access to the beach and ocean activities.
Mountain Resorts: Situated in mountainous regions. Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Offer relaxation and recreation, family-friendly activities, all-inclusive packages, and special events.
Pensions
Found principally in Europe; usually family-owned accommodation facilities.
In German-speaking Europe, called guesthouses.
Offer continental breakfast but lack facilities for other meals.
Known for informal family atmosphere.
Paradors
Unique to Spain; old castles, convents, or monasteries converted into hotels.
Operated by a government-owned company, Paradores de Tourismo de Espana.
Offer luxury, history, and cultural immersion.
Key Features
Historical buildings
Unique location
Luxury accommodations
Cultural immersion
Unique experience
Condominium Hotels (Condotels)
Hotels with apartments/condominiums instead of basic rooms.
Units are sold to individuals given title to the real estate.
Owners can rent out units to tourists through a management company.
Owners have the option to participate in a rental program managed by properties operator or management company.
Airbnb: An online marketplace for short term rental accommodations.
Campgrounds
Combine camping with hotel convenience.
Offer campsites, cabins, safari tents, and glamping tents.
Amenities and facilities
Restrooms with showers
Laundry facilities
Communal cooking areas
Recreational facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds
On-site restaurants
Highlights
Community atmosphere among guests who share a love for the outdoors and desire to connect with nature.
Reasons for Visiting Campgrounds
Connect with nature
Outdoor activites
Flexibility
Family friendly
Escape from city life
Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
Originated in Europe, provides a bed for the night and breakfast the next day.
Offer personalized service, a homely atmosphere, home-cooked breakfast, and local insights.
Difference Between B&B and Pensions
Ownership and Operation: B&Bs are smaller, independently owned; pensions can be larger.
Accommodation: B&Bs offer limited guest rooms; pensions can offer a broader range.
Tourist Inns
Lodging establishments that cater to transients.
Do not meet minimum requirements of an economy hotel.
Smaller establishments that cater to travelers with homely and inviting atmosphere for guests with a focus on personalized service and attention to detail.
Offer basic necessities, but cannot be considered an economy hotel.
Difference Tourist Inns and Motels
Size and Scale: Tourist Inns smaller, while motels are typically larger in scale.
Location: Tourist Inns are often located in scenic or culturally rich areas, while motels are commonly found along highways, interstates, or major roads.
Amenities and Services: Tourist Inns offer range of amenities such as complimentary breakfast, on-site dining options, while motels typically provide basic amenities such as clean and comfortable rooms, parking facilities, and other facilities.
Apart Hotels
Known as service apartments or extended-stay hotels.
Combine traditional hotel features with apartment amenities.
Features:
Self-contained living spaces
Housekeeping
Concierge Services
On-site fitness centers
Laundry Facilities
Business Centers
Hostels
Budget-friendly accommodations provide shared dormitory-style rooms and private rooms.
Budget-friendly choice and cheaper than going to a regular hotel.
Locations are various (city centers, tourist destinations, and off the beat path locations).
Characterization Options
Shared accommodation
Common areas
Community vibe
Tend to be basic in terms of amenties but they offer also free Wi Fi, lockers for securing belongings, laundry services, and common areas for socializing.
Organization of the Lodging Industry
A typical hotel has seven major divisions:
Personnel: Recruits new employees and administers policies and employee benefits.
Engineering and Maintenance: Pool repairs and hotel's energy management program.
Accounting: Financial department, supervises the payment of bills, payroll, monthly income statements.
Security: Primarily focus on the safetiness of the clients and guests.
Food and Beverage: Dining experience, food related services.
Marketing and Sales: Sells the rooms and food service, advertising, and direct marketing.
Room Division: Includes front desk, reservations, and housekeeping.
Breakfast Options
Continental Breakfast
Offered by most European hotels and included in the room rate.
Also known as hotel garni or pension garni.
Includes pastries, croissants, muffins, danishes, bread and toast, cold cuts, ham, salami, cheeses, yogurt, fruit juices, and hot beverage, coffee, or tea.
American Breakfast
Includes eggs (scrambled, fried, or omelets), bacon, sausage, hash browns or potatoes, pancakes or waffles, and toast.
Buffet Breakfast
Offers an extensive spread of hot and cold dishes, pastries, fruit cereals, and beverages.
Regional Breakfast
Highlight regional or local specialties in breakfast offerings to provide guests with a unique culinary experience.
Room Service Breakfast
Offers room service breakfast menus for guests who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their room.
Grab and Go Breakfast
For guests on the go
Offer packaged pastries, fruit, yogurt cups, granola, bars, and beverages.
Hotel Terminology
Room rates are quoted in terms of meals included in the price.
European Plan
No meals included.
Most commonly used in North America.
American Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Known as full pension in Europe.
Modified American Plan
Includes breakfast and dinner, but no lunch.
breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.
Known as demi pension in Europe.
Bermuda Plan
Includes a room and a full English or American-type breakfast.
Bed and breakfast hotels operate on it.