Happy Traveling

England, and a 5 star ranking!
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If you surf the Internet, if you’re used to reside or to accept some appointments at the bar, restaurant or hotel prestigious institutions in England, you are convinced that this Country which was the most visited nation in the world already has a number of hotels classified as 5*.
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If you entered in one of these hotels, you know they are in the category of institution of very high standing and rank you on the list of 5 *. But if you, like me, lived in such institutions in the world, you know that this classification is often particular to each country, and with a bit of luck to every continent. Recently I spent a few nights at the JW Marriott Cairo, Egypt. This hotel has been described as an “equivalent * 7 in Egypt”. A few days before the opening at great expense of the Atlantis in Dubai were crackle in all media for 7 * self-proclaimed by the owner of 1 539 rooms in this hotel.
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Then some questions arise:
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* Determines the number of stars to an institution?
* Based on what criteria?
* What distinguishes a 4 L * a * 5?
* A 5 * hotel in Hong Kong is the same as a 5 * hotel in Marrakech?
* Chain hotels (JW Marriott, Sofitel, …) can be classed as 5 *?
* Establishment of 1 539 rooms can claim a decent category 5 *?
* And what about the supposed * 7 …
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To the surprise of virtually general public, it was announced on January 1 that a Government Order had been published in the Official Journal for a classification of hotels that line (finally!) On international standards. So far, it seems, no England hotel would have had the legitimacy to view these famous 5 * but everyone can now apply for this prestigious award …
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Thus by reading the ministerial order we discover that to achieve this classification 5 * must accumulate 298 points awarded on the application of well-defined criteria:
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* A double room in a 5 * hotel must meet minimum 24m2 (including health) against 16m2 minimum 4 *
* Welcome to the reception must be available when the 24/24 capacity of more than 30 hotel rooms,
* 13 ranges of products must be offered for breakfast (hot drinks, fruit juices, fresh fruit, sausages, hot dish, dairy products, cereal, cheese, jam and butter, pastries, bread, dried fruit compote or produced light) , against 11 product lines in a 4 *.
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But what really makes the difference between a hotel and 4 * 5 * confrere is played on mandatory criteria, which are not for a 4 *:
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* Clean and cover in good condition,
* Garden furniture and garden maintenance,
* Existence of a safe disposal of the customer in the hotel
* Air conditioning in the restaurant (optional if the climate of the country does not require)
* Access to channels (children, culture, sport, …) in all rooms equipped with television,
* Radio in all rooms (radio channel on television accepted)
* 50% of beds made available must measure 160 x 200 minimum
* Mini bar in room,
* Direct dial telephone in the room,
* Safe in room
* Fax and / or print on demand in the bedroom
* Computer in the room on request
* For correspondence
* Required for shoes,
* Required sewing,
* Telephone in bathroom,
* Required health per person in the bathroom (toothbrush, comb, disposable razor, …)
* Lift if rooms are located above the ground floor,
* Bathrobe in the room,
* Media business information in three languages including English,
* Accompanying the client’s facility (on request)
* Valet parking if the hotel has no parking garage or private,
* Staff carrying two foreign languages including English,
* Coverage in the room (on request)
* Personalized wake-up service,
* Possibility to dine at the hotel 5 days over 7,
* Possibility of tray meals or snacks outside the hours or days of service of the restaurant
* Room service 19h/24 for establishments with a capacity below 50 rooms and 24/24 for more than 50 rooms,
* Beverage service of all categories (subject to licensing IV).
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In reading this list you want to remember if the last 5 * in which you are descended (e) proposed well each of these services. And, according to the country of your destination, probably missing something. And probably you also have one or a few extra items. But remember, I do not mention here that the elements that become mandatory in England, compared to those who are not required for a 4 *.
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Each country is free to decide the classification of hotels though most of the major economic players in the tourism align standards to establish international standards. But this freedom also allows disparate standards you find a country to another and we all noted the difference in quality of service and sophistication of Asian hotels (for instance) compared to the same classification in other parts of the world less demanding (and least visited). Finally, the major hotel chains (including the Accor group in England) have the right to include their schools to the level of 5 * if they meet the standards in the country.
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The appearance of 7 * for some perfect marketing speech at inaugurations big show leaves me skeptical. But I do not claim to be convinced … Even though I fear that a hotel with a capacity of 1 539 rooms is quite incapable of reaching such a level of consistent service to every customer every day of the year .
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But you, what do you think … Do you think the tourism departments should agree to establish an official international classification? Or classification N’-such-a little impact when you book your next hotel stay? But i can guarantee you, if you want to stay in England The St Johns Hotel will be the best choice for you, I am really enjoy it.
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