Home / ANALYSIS / Hospitality Trends / What's in the stars?

The world's oldest hotel according to Guinness Book of World Records is Hoshi Ryokan in the village of Awazu, Japan.

Why should you get your hotel classified?
The Ministry of Tourism is the government body that rates your hotel between 1 to 5 stars in India. Though you pay more tax once rated, it certifies your hotel and makes it credible. It also helps in getting all required licenses to legally run your business.

Story continues below

Advertisement

COMMENT Comment on this article

Did you know?

1. The world’s oldest hotel according to Guinness Book of World Records is Hoshi Ryokan in the village of Awazu, Japan (pictured above). It dates back to AD 717, when an inn was built near a hot-water spring said to have miraculous healing properties. The Ryokan has evolved through the centuries. Today, it offers100 rooms and can accommodate up to 450 guests.
2. The French hotel rating system does not measure quality but quantity. Why? Quality is in part a matter of opinion while quantity is measurable and verifiable. The system uses a total of 22 criteria and sub-criteria to measure the presence or absence of certain features in a hotel, and the square footage it devotes to various spaces.
3. There is no such thing as six or seven star ratings. Five-star-deluxe is the highest rating one can attain.
4. Despite the hotels being around for almost 1300 years, there is still no global standardised star rating system.
5. Classifications such as Tourist, Budget, Business and Boutique are more widely accepted as hotel types, rather than hotel ratings.

14 Indian hotels among the Small Luxury Hotels of the World

1. Chrome Hotel, Kolkata
2. Infinity Corbett Wilderness, Pant Nagar
3. The Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, Goa
4. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kottayam
5. The Lalit Temple View, Khajuraho
6. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
7. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Rajasthan
8. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Rajasthan (pictured)
9. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan
10. Old Harbour Hotel Fort, Cochin
11. Orange County Coorg, Mysore
12. Orange County, Kabini
13. The Paul Bangalore, Bangalore
14. The Raj Palace, Jaipur

9 Indian hotels among The Leading hotels of the world

1. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (41 rooms, 33 suites)
2. Taj Coromandel, Chennai (183 rooms, 22 suites)
3. Taj Krishna, Andhra Pradesh (245 rooms, 13 suites)
4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (66 Rooms, 17 Suites)
5. Taj Lands End, Mumbai (460 rooms, 33 suites)
6. Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai (228 rooms, 50 suites)
7. The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi (266 rooms, 28 suites)
8. The Taj West End, Bangalore (104 rooms, 18 suites)
9. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur (22 rooms, 41 suites)

World Hotel Rating
Despite hotels being around for almost 1300 years, no international hotel classification system has been formulated as yet and all attempts to unify the existing ones have failed.

However, this year a test period is scheduled for the World Hotel Rating (WHR) project, which hopes to set international classification standards and rating criteria for hotels across the world.

WHR intends to play a key role in the development of quality hotel services, as well as equitable and sustainable tourism and the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

A guide to knowiing your stars
1 Star
These hotels are small and usually managed and operated by the owner. The atmosphere will be more personal and the accommodations basic.

2 Stars
These hotels are generally part of a chain that offers consistent quality and limited amenities. They are small or medium in size and rooms will have a phone and TV. Room service is not a given but a small restaurant on site can be expected.

3 Stars
These hotels are usually located next to major expressways, business centres or shopping areas. They offer spacious rooms and decorative lobbies. On-site restaurants may be average in size, but will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Valet and room service are usually available.

4 Stars
One can expect formal and large hotels with excellent facilities. Above-average service, beautifully furnished rooms, restaurants, room service, valet parking, fitness center and a concierge are some amenities to expect.

5 Stars
These hotels are made to pamper. They offer the highest degree of personal service and elegance. The rooms are equipped with quality linens, all electronic gadgets, Jacuzzi tubs and in-room video facilities. There are multiple restaurants on site with extensive, gourmet menus, and room-service is also available 24-7. A fitness center, swimming pool, valet parking and concierge service are mandatory for these hotels to attain this rating.

Fees
1 Star INR6000
2 Star INR8000
3 Star INR10,000
4 Star INR15,000
5 Star INR20,000
5 Star Deluxe INR25,000
Heritage INR15,000

Top 10 points inspectors look out for while reviewing hotels

1. Ambience
2. Lay out
3. Service
4. Overall experience
5. General Manager and the staff
6. Air conditioning
7. Hygiene
8. Restaurant
9. Facilities for the physically challenged
10. Safety and security

The Classification Team

1. Chaired by Additional Director General (Tourism), Government of India
2. Member secretary HRACC
3. Representative from FHRAI
4. Representative from HAI
5. Representative from IATO
6. Representative from TAAI
7. Principal Institute of Hotel Management
8. Regional Director, India Tourism Office

 In case of Heritage category, a representative of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA)

Seven star hotels

1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE 
2. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
3. Town House Galleria, Milan

Seven star hotels under construction 

1. Morgan Plaza Beijing, China
2. Laucala Island, Fiji 
3. Flower of the East, Iran
4. Solar Powered Hotel, Kish island, Iran
5. The Centaurus Complex Islamabad, Pakistan
6. The Royalties Castle Davao City, Philippines