Learning hotel-speak
SYDNEY – With so many acronyms and hotel terminology flying around the hotel industry it can become very confusing for the average customer.
Hotel price comparison website HotelsCombined.com has collated the top industry terms customers query.
1. Star Rating
The star rating system is a widespread classification system for hotels where luxury is indicated by a higher star rating. The AAA and their affiliated bodies use diamonds instead of stars to define hotel rating levels.
In some countries, there is an official body with standard criteria for classifying hotels, but in many others there is none. There have been attempts to unify the classification system so that it can become internationally recognised at a reliable standard but large differences exist in the quality of accommodation across countries.
In recent times, there has been an expansion beyond the traditional “five star” rating which has led customers to question whether it is simply marketing hype.
Six to seven star hotel example: Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai
Five star hotel example: Le Meridien Hotel Nice
Four star hotel example: Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort Hotel
Three star hotel example: Holiday Inn Express Stratford-London
Two star hotel example: Formula 1 Kings Cross Motel Sydney
One star hotel example: Super 8 Hotel Hangzhou Hi-Tech
2. Best Available Rate (BAR)
Best Available Rate (BAR) is a pricing mechanism introduced by hotel marketers in an attempt to reduce customer confusion and guarantee the lowest available rate for each night stay.
Where it starts to become confusing to customers is that several accommodation booking websites advertise BAR for the same hotel at different rates.
Furthermore it is evident that consumers cannot count on these guarantees as most guarantees must be carefully documented if consumers are planning to file a claim and even then it can be difficult to extract the guarantee.
3. On Request Availability
Most customers expect instant confirmation when making a reservation online. Yet there are many online travel agents which conduct business by means of “on request†availability.
An “on request†booking is when a customer submits a reservation form and payment details to an online travel agent who then contacts the hotel to confirm the customers’ reservation.
If the hotel confirms the customers’reservation request, the customers’ credit card will be charged and the customer will receive a confirmation email. If the room(s) is not available, the customer will be informed as soon as possible by email and the customers’credit card will not be charged.
Get the full article at: http://www.HotelsCombined.com/AboutUs/Press/HotelLanguage.aspx
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent