How many types of hotels are there and how are they classified?
The world of hospitality is as diverse as the needs of travellers. Hotels are classified according to various criteria, such as stars, size, ownership, type of services offered and the experience they provide. Each classification has a clear purpose: to adapt to a specific customer profile and offer them what they are really looking for.
Are stars on a hotel a true mark of quality?
Stars are the best known method of rating hotels. They represent a standardised evaluation based on criteria such as facilities, services offered and overall quality. However, it is important to understand that they do not always reflect the personal experience of the guest, as factors such as the treatment of the staff or the atmosphere of the place are also crucial.
1 star hotels
1-star hotels are characterised by offering the essentials: a functional room and cleansuitable for budget travellers looking for an economical stay without additional services. This type of accommodation is usually located in areas where simplicity is a priority, such as rural areas, close to transport stations or along main routes.
2-star hotels
The 2-star hotels offer a basic level of comfort upgraded, adding amenities such as included breakfast, free Wi-Fi access and 24-hour reception. They are ideal for travellers who value practicality and economy, but expect certain standards of comfort.
3-star hotels
This type of hotel represents a a middle ground between price and quality. They offer additional services that enhance the guest experience, such as on-site restaurants, fitness centres, swimming pools and welcoming common areas. They are often strategically located in urban centres or tourist destinations.
4-star hotels
The 4-star hotels are designed to provide sophisticated experiences and exclusive services. They offer a wide range of facilities, such as spas, gourmet restaurants and elegantly decorated rooms. Their focus is on personalised attention and details that make every stay special.
5-star hotels
The highest standard of luxury in the hotel industry. 5-star hotels focus on at provide an unforgettable experience, with attention to detail and highly personalised service. Their facilities often include exclusive suites, restaurants run by renowned chefs, and unique services such as private transportation or butlers.
Classification according to ownership
The way a hotel is managed and owned has a direct impact on how it operates and the guest experience.
Classification according to ownership
The way a hotel is managed and owned has a direct impact on how it operates and the guest experience.
Timeshare hotels
This model allows several owners to share the use of a property, usually on a timeshare basis. It is common in holiday destinations.
Condominium hotels
Here, the rooms or units are owned by different individuals, but the management is in the hands of a central company.
Franchise hotels
Well-known brands license their name and quality standards to locally managed properties.
Hotels in property
They are managed directly by their owners, allowing for personalised administration.
Hotels operated under lease
The property leases the hotel to a specialist operator who manages the entire business, offering operational expertise and high standards.
The size of the hotel does matter
The size of the hotel affects not only the range of services available, but also the perceived atmosphere.
Small hotels
With a maximum of 50 rooms, they are usually intimate and offer personalised experiences.
Example: Boutique hotels combine exclusive design with personalised service.
Medium hotels
Between 50 and 150 rooms, they offer a balance between personalisation and a variety of service options.
Example: Business hotels in metropolitan areas.
Large hotels
With more than 150 rooms, large hotels or resorts offer extensive services, such as multiple restaurants, leisure areas and convention centres.
Example: Resort in Cancun, known for its scale and diversified offer.
Thematic or specialised classification
Themed or speciality hotels are designed to offer unique experiences that go beyond a simple place to sleep. They are carefully tailored to the specific interests, passions or needs of their guests, making their stay a memorable experience. This classification highlights the diversity and creativity in the hotel industry.
Gourmet hotels
These hotels are a paradise for lovers of fine cuisine. As well as offering accommodation, they specialise in exceptional culinary experiences, such as menus designed by renowned chefs, cooking workshops and tastings of local produce.
- Main features:
- Fine dining restaurants, often run by award-winning chefs.
- Cooking classes, wine tastings and gastronomic events.
- Strong connection with local gastronomy, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Luxury hotels
Luxury hotels are designed to meet the highest expectations. With attention to detail, exclusivity and personalised services, they focus on providing unique and memorable experiences.
- Main features:
- Spacious and elegantly decorated rooms.
- First class services: personal butler, private transport and tailor-made experiences.
- Exclusive locations in the centre of large cities or paradisiacal destinations.
Beach hotels
Ideal for those looking to enjoy the sea, beach hotels offer direct access to paradisiacal beaches, water activities and spectacular views. They are the preferred choice for family holidays, romantic getaways or water adventures.
- Main features:
- Privileged seafront locations.
- Facilities such as infinity pools, water sports and spas overlooking the ocean.
- Relaxed atmosphere that encourages rest and disconnection.
Ski hotels
These hotels are located in the mountains and offer specific services for lovers of winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. In addition, many of them combine outdoor activities with luxury and comfort.
- Main features:
- Strategic location close to the ski slopes.
- Adapted services: equipment hire, transport to the slopes and personalised lessons.
- Warm and cosy atmospheres, with fireplaces, spas and panoramic views.
Hotels for events
These hotels are specially designed to host events such as conferences, weddings or exhibitions. They offer multifunctional spaces equipped with advanced technology and staff specialised in event organisation.
- Main features:
- Event rooms of different sizes and styles.
- Additional services such as catering, decoration and technical support.
- Accommodation options for large groups.
Are a motel, a hotel and a hostel the same thing?
Although the terms "motel", "hotel" and "hostel" are often used interchangeably, each has very distinct characteristics that respond to different travellers' needs. The distinction lies not only in price, but also in purpose, location, services offered and target audience.
Motel
The term "motel" comes from the combination of "motor" and "hotel". This type of accommodation is designed primarily for road travellers seeking inexpensive and convenient stays, with easy access and egress. Motels are generally located on the outskirts of cities or near major routes.
Main features:
- Rooms located on the ground floor with parking right at the entrance.
- Basic services: Wi-Fi, television and, in some cases, light breakfast.
- Designed for short stays, such as one night or a couple of days.
Real example:
The motels on America's Route 66 are a classic for travellers seeking an authentic experience while touring the country.
Hostel
A hostel is simple accommodation that tends to appeal to budget travellers, such as backpackers, students and groups of friends. Hostels foster a social and communal atmosphere, with common areas for interaction and basic amenities. This type of accommodation is ideal for those looking for inexpensive experiences and the chance to meet people from different cultures.
Main features:
- Shared and private rooms, with very affordable prices.
- Common areas such as kitchens, lounges and coworking spaces.
- Relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere.
Real example:
The hostels that you can find during different stages of the Camino de Santiado have a rural design with affordable prices, offering both shared and private rooms.
Why does Lean Hotel System help any type of hotel?
Modern hotel management requires flexibility, efficiency and advanced tools to respond to the demands of a competitive market. Lean Hotel System is positioned as a comprehensive solution designed to adapt to the needs of any type of hotel, regardless of its size, location or focus.
Main advantages:
- Adaptability for all business models:
- Boutique hotels: Personalisation of services and focus on guest experience.
- Large chains: Timeshare management and process optimisation.
- Hostels and motels: Simplification of operations with cost-effective solutions.
- Centralisation of processes:
- It allows you to integrate reservations, check-in, check-out, invoicing and the creation of automations in a single platform.
- Reduced operational errors and better time management.
- Optimisation of the customer experience:
- Tools to personalise the guest's stay, such as room selection based on history or the creation of personalised alerts.
- Integrations for smooth communication.
- Analysis and continuous improvement:
- Generation of detailed reports on occupancy, revenue and market trends.
- It helps managers make data-driven decisions.
Why choose Lean Hotel System?
- Its flexibility allows both a roadside motel and a luxury resort to maximise revenue and enhance the customer experience.
- Continuous updates ensure that hotels are always up to date with the latest technological trends.
- The system's ease of use ensures rapid implementation and adoption by staff.