Different Types of Hotel

What are the Types of Hotels

The variety of services and facilities provided by each hotel makes it difficult to establish a uniform basis for hotel classification, and if we categorize hotels according to different criteria, there will be some hotels that fall into more than one group.

1. Star Classification of Hotels

A) One-Star Hotels

These properties are generally small and independently owned with a family atmosphere. There may be a limited range of facilities and meals may be quite simple.

For example – lunch may not be served or some rooms may not have a private bath or shower. However, the maintenance, cleanliness and comfort would be at an acceptable level.

B) Two-Star Hotels

In this two-tier category, hotels will typically be small to medium-sized and offer more extensive amenities than one-star hotels. Guests can expect comfortable, well-appointed overnight accommodation, usually with a private bath or shower.

Reception and other staff will aim for a more professional presentation than one-star level and will offer a wider range of straightforward services, including food and beverage.

C) Three-Star Hotels

At this three-star level, hotels are usually of a size to support higher staffing as well as a significantly higher quality and range of facilities than in the lower star classification. The reception and other public areas will be more spacious and the restaurant will normally serve non-residents as well.

All rooms will have a private bath and shower and offer a good standard of comfort and amenities such as a direct dial telephone and bathroom amenities. In addition to room service, certain arrangements for business travelers can be expected.

D) Four-Star Hotels

Expectations at this type of four-star hotel include the level of luxury as well as the quality of furnishings, decor and amenities in every part of the hotel. Bedrooms also typically offer more space than at a lower star level. The restaurant will demonstrate a serious approach to its cuisine.

E) Five Star Hotels

The five-star hotels offer spacious and luxurious accommodation throughout the hotel that meets the best international standards. Service should be formal, well supervised and flawlessly attentive to guests' needs without being intrusive.

The restaurant will demonstrate a high level of technical skills. Staff will be knowledgeable, helpful and well versed in all aspects of customer care, combining efficiency with courtesy.

F) Heritage Hotels

The heritage hotel is a recent addition to the country's hotel industry. Heritage hotels are properties located in small forts, palaces or havelis, the residences of former royal and aristocratic families. They added a new dimension to cultural tourism.

At the historic hotel, the visitor is offered rooms that have their own history, is served traditional cuisine adapted to the demands of international palates, is served traditional cuisine adapted to the demands of international palates, is entertained by folk artists and can participate in activities that give insight into the heritage of the region and they can bask in an atmosphere that lives and breathes the past.

2. Hotel Classifications on the Basis of Size

The number of guest rooms in a hotel is a criterion to classify hotels. Hotels can be grouped into the following categories on the basis of the number of rooms or the size of the hotel.

A) Small Hotel

In India, hotels with twenty-five rooms or less are classified as small hotels. For example, The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore.

However, in the developed countries of Europe and America, hotels with less than 100 rooms are considered small. These hotels provide clean and comfortable accommodation but may not provide luxury facilities such as swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc.

B) Downtown Hotel

A downtown hotel is located in the center of a city or within a short distance of a business center, shopping areas, theaters, public offices, etc. Downtown is not necessarily a geographic center, but refers to an area that is considered the business center of a city.

The room rates in these hotels may be higher than similar hotels in other areas, so as to cover the huge investment made on the land. They are generally preferred by business clientele as they find it convenient to stay close to the place of their business activities.

C) Sub-Urban Hotel

Since the price of land in the city center is higher and space is limited, some entrepreneurs build their hotels on the outskirts of the city. These hotels provide similar facilities to city center hotels and are located in suburban areas and have the advantage of a quieter environment.

Such hotels are ideal for people who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The length of stay of guests in these hotels can be longer than in a hotel located in the city.

D) Resort Hotel

Hotels located in tourist destinations such as hill stations, sea beaches and countryside are referred to as resort hotels. These hotels have a very calm and natural atmosphere.

Room rates at these hotels can range from medium to high depending on the additional services offered. Occupancy at resorts is usually higher during holidays and weekends when guests want to take a break from their weekly routine.

E) Airport Hotels

Airport hotels are located near airports and other ports of entry. These hotels, which offer all the services of a commercial hotel, are usually patronized by travelers who need a stopover on their way to a trip.

F) Motel

The word "Motel" is formed by combining the two words "motor" and "hotel". They are located mainly on highways and provide modest accommodation to highway travelers. This phenomenon was quite common in American and European countries.

Travelers traveling in their own vehicles needed clean and tidy accommodation for the night. They also needed garages and refueling facilities for their vehicles. In the 1950s, the concept of motels was born to meet the demands of such highway travelers.

G) Flotel

Floatels are types of accommodation facilities that float on the surface of the water. This category consists of all accommodations that are built on rafts or semi-submersible platforms, and includes cruise ships and houseboats. Some of them provide guests with luxury accommodation along with food and beverage options.

Examples- The houseboats of Dal Lake in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala are some examples of floatel in India.

H) Heritage Hotels

The heritage hotel is a recent addition to the country's hotel industry. Heritage hotels are properties located in small forts, palaces or havelis, the residences of former royal and aristocratic families. They added a new dimension to cultural tourism.

At the historic hotel, the visitor is offered rooms that have their own history, is served traditional cuisine adapted to the demands of international palates, is served traditional cuisine adapted to the demands of international palates, is entertained by folk artists and can participate in activities that give insight into the heritage of the region and they can bask in an atmosphere that lives and breathes the past.

I) Downtown Hotel

A downtown hotel is located in the center of a city or within a short distance of a business center, shopping areas, theaters, public offices, etc. Downtown is not necessarily a geographic center, but refers to an area that is considered the business center of a city.

Room rates at these hotels can be higher than similar hotels in other areas to cover the huge land investment. Business clientele generally prefer them because they are comfortable staying close to the place of their business activities.

J) Transient Hotels

Stopover hotels cater to the needs of people who are on the go and need a stopover on their way to a trip. Located in close proximity to ports of entry such as seaports, airports and major railway stations, these hotels are usually patronized by transit travellers.

They have 24-hour room service and a coffee shop and offer all the amenities of a commercial hotel. Occupancy is usually very high, slightly over 100 percent, as rooms can be sold multiple times on a given day

Example- Hotel Centaur and Radisson in New Delhi are examples of transient hotels in India. 

K) Suite Hotel

    Suite hotels provide guests with the highest level of personalized service. Guest rooms typically include a living area, a compact kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, an en-suite bedroom, and sometimes a dance floor. These hotels are patronized by rich people and tourists who like luxury.

               Examples- Burj Al Arab in Dubai

L) Residential Hotel / Apartment Hotel

As the name suggests, Residential or Apartment hotels provide accommodation for a longer period of time. These kinds of hotels are generally patronized by people who are on temporary official deputation to a city where they do not have their own residential accommodation.

The guest may decide to enter into a contract for some or all of the services provided by the apartment hotel. The hotel signs a rental agreement with the guest and the rent is paid either monthly or quarterly.

M) Bed and Breakfast Hotels

According to the European concept, bed and breakfast hotels are accommodation facilities, usually operated in large family residences.

N) Hotel Casino

Casino hotels provide gambling, such as the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. These hotels attract clients by promoting gambling games, hosting extravagant floor shows and some may also provide charter flight services to their clients.

           Example- The casinos of Las Vegas, USA is among the most famous casinos in the world.

O) Conference Centers

The word conference means a meeting, sometimes lasting several days, where people with a common interest participate in discussions or listen to lectures to gain information. The services provided are at the highest level. Typically, conferences are billed as packages that include accommodation and conference facilities.

  Example- Hotel Ashok, New Delhi is an example of a conference center.

P) Convention Hotels

A convention is defined as a formal assembly or meeting of members, representatives, or delegates of a group for the purpose of general agreement or adoption of certain practices or attitudes. This type of meeting involves a large number of participants.

Hotels catering to the needs of this segment are known as conference hotels. A congress hotel has a larger number of rooms compared to conference centers to host a large number of participants.

Q) Upmarket / Luxury 

Hotels in the category of luxury hotels, aimed at the affluent segment of society, offer world-class products with personalized services of the highest standard. The emphasis is on excellence and class.

The design and interior decoration of the hotels provides luxurious restaurants and lounges, exquisite decor, concierge services, opulent rooms and rich amenities. These hotels also offer health club facilities with trainers and nutritionists.

These hotels are generally patronized by wealthy, quality-conscious individuals and include business executives, celebrities and high-ranking political figure.

Examples-  ITC Hotel Grand Maratha Sheraton and Towers

R) Mid Market Hotel

These hotels offer modest services without the frills and personal attention of luxury hotels and appeal to the largest segment of travelers. They may offer services such as room service, 24-hour coffee shop, airport/train station pick-up and drop-off facilities and multi-cuisine restaurant with bar.

A typical mid-range hotel would be medium in size, with roughly 150 to 300 rooms. Room rent is much lower than in luxury hotels.

S) Budget / Economy Hotel

Budget or economy hotels primarily focus on meeting the most basic needs of guests by providing them with clean, comfortable and inexpensive rooms.

These hotels have clean and comfortable rooms, coffee shop, multi-cuisine restaurant, in-room telephone and music and movie channel. They may also have a swimming pool, a shopping arcade and a beauty salon.