Over the years the concept and the format of hotels have changed a great deal. There are various types of hotels catering to the increasing demands of tourists. The size, the facade, architectural features and the facilities and amenities provided differ from one establishment to another.
1. International Hotels:
International hotels are the modern Western style hotels seen in almost all metropolitan and other large cities as well as principal tourist centers. These hotels are luxury hotels arid are classified on the basis of internationally accepted system of classification.
The hotels are placed in various star categories. There are five such categories ranging from five stars to one star depending upon the facilities and services provided.
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These hotels provide, in addition to accommodation, all the other facilities which make the stay a very comfortable and interesting experience. Various facilities provided include well-appointed reception and information counter, banquet halls, conference facilities, etc.
There are also shops, travel agency, and moneychanger and safe- deposit facilities. Restaurant facilities, bars and banquets are an integral part of the business of a hotel.
The various services provided in these hotels include international and local cuisine, food and beverage service and restaurant service. These hotels also provide entertainment for the guests in the form of various dance and music programmes, sports and games.
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A number of these hotels belong to the luxury category. There are some international chains which own a large number of such luxury hotels. Hotels belonging to international chains are mostly owned by public companies and controlled by a board of directors.
These hotels have various departments which are managed by persons qualified and experienced in the field of hoteliering.
The chief of the hotel, designated as general manager, is responsible for the overall management and operation of the hotel through his departmental heads.
International hotels are suitable for metropolitan cities and for other large business and commercial towns and principal tourist centers. The potential of these hotels is therefore limited to these areas.
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A number of hotels of this type lave conference/convention facilities and are suitable for holding meetings, conventions and conference.
2. Resort Hotels:
Resort hotels cater to the needs of the holiday-maker, the tourist and those who by reasons of health desire a change of atmosphere. Resort hotels are located near the sea, mountain and other areas abounding in natural beauty.
Rest, relaxation and entertainment are the key factors around which resorts are built. The primary motive of a person visiting resort hotels is rest and relaxation which he is looking far away from his routine busy work life. Resort hotels are built with a view to provide special s • ‘ices to the visitors and are marked by an atmosphere of inform}.
The type of services and amenities available in resort property include recreation facilities such as swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts, skits, boating, surf-riding and various other indoor sports. Other important amenities include coffee shops, restaurants, conference rooms, lounge, shopping arcade and entertainment.
The emphasis of resort hotels, however, is on recreational facilities. The clientele of resort hotels is mostly persons with considerable income looking for relaxation and recreation. Resort hotels rarely attract commercial patronage.
Resorts can be of various types and can be classified on the basis of climate and topography broadly they fall in the following categories:
(i) Summer resorts,
(ii) Winter resorts,
(iii) Hill resorts
(iv) All-season resorts, and
(v) Health resorts.
A majority of the resort hotels are seasonal establishments which work to capacity during the high tourist season. Generally the high tourist season is the period when there are holidays at educational institutions.
However, in recent years many of the resort hotels with a view to extend the season provide certain special facilities and offer various concessions to the guests. The concessions provided include reduced tariffs, free entertainment, sightseeing, gifts, etc.
3 .Commercial Hotels:
Commercial hotels direct their appeal primarily to the individual traveller as compared to international or resort hotel where the focus is on group travel. Most of the commercial hotels receive guests who are on business although some have permanent guests.
As the hotel caters primarily to people who are visiting a place for commerce or business, these are located in important commercial and industrial centers of large towns and cities.
These hotels are generally run by the owners and their success depends on their efficient running and the comforts and facilities they provide. In some of the large industrial towns, fully licensed commercial hotels exist complete with restaurants, grill room, functional accommodation and a garage for those travelling by automobile.
4. Residential Hotels:
Residential hotels can be described as apartment houses complete with hotel service. These are often referred to as apartment hotels. The tariff of rooms in these hotels is charged on monthly, half- yearly or yearly basis and is charged for either furnished or unfurnished accommodation.
These hotels which are located mostly in big cities operate exclusively under the European plan where no meals are provided to the guests.
These hotels were developed in the United States of America where people discovered that permanent living in hotels offers many advantages. Service and amenities provided in these hotels are comparable to those of an average well-regulated home.
These are very popular in the United States and Western Europe where these are also known popularly as pensions.
5. Floating Hotels:
As the name suggests, floating hotels are located on the surface of the water. It may be on sea water, river water or on a lake. All the facilities and services of a hotel are provided in these hotels.
These hotels are very popular in many countries. In some countries old luxury ships have been converted into floating hotels and are proving very popular among tourists.
The atmosphere they provide is exclusive and exotic. In India, floating hotels in the form of houseboats are very popular with tourists.
6. Heritage Hotels:
Heritage hotels have unique architectural features used in different periods of time which blend with the culture and tradition of the area. The main idea is to convert those properties which are not being used any more for residential purposes into hotel in order to preserve their uniqueness.
Heritage hotels are operating in palaces castles/forts/hunting lodges/havelis/residence built several decades ago. The facade, architectural features and the general construction is of distinctive character.
The properties are to maintain general features conforming to the overall concept of heritage with distinctiveness. The properties so converted have all the facilities of a modern hotel.