Hotel Classifications: Do They Matter and How Do They Really Work?

As you go around online searching for the best hotels to stay in on your next family vacation, you may encounter different classifications and star ratings. What do these star ratings and letter grades actually mean and what do they tell you, as a customer, about the hotel? Most people think that 4-star and 5-star hotels are the only ones worth looking at when searching for a topnotch hotel. This is a common misconception, however.

The fact of the matter is there are many Laguindingan airporthotels and downtown hotels that have low star ratings, but they actually provide excellent quality service and amenities. Before you start assessing a hotel through its star rating, you need to understand what the rating system actually entails.  

Hotel Classification Based on Type

Contrary to what you might believe, hotels are not created equal. Meaning, not all of them target the same market. And yes, there are different markets when it comes to the hospitality business. This is why you often find certain amenities and facilities present in one hotel but not available in another. Some hotels target the business travelers; others cater to backpackers and budget travelers, while some are more suited for tourists and other segments of the population.

The different types of hotels include business hotels, extended stay or residential hotels, resort hotels, convention center hotels, and of course, budget hotels. Each of these types has market specific services and amenities that suit the needs of customers. As you can see, hotels are not one-size fits all. With this information, you can do a better job at searching for the right hotel capable of addressing your needs.

Hotel Classification Based on the Level of Service

This form of hotel classification is most probably one of the most common and is often encountered by travelers searching for a hotel online. Star ratings and letter grades are typically associated with the hotel’s level of service. But this doesn’t mean that a low star-rated hotel is terrible at providing service. So, don’t cross out 2- and 3-star hotels from your list just yet and search only for 4- and 5-star accommodations.

Star ratings are merely a guide of the level of service the hotel is intending to provide its guests. Contrary to popular belief, not all hotels are aiming for a 5-star status. Some are contented at offering a level of service for a specific market and nothing more. A one-star hotel, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a poor choice when it comes to services. This just means that the hotel is targeting budget travelers who are looking for an economical and budget-friendly place to stay in.

On the other hand, a 5-star hotel rating doesn’t always mean that the execution of the services they offer are perfect or infallible. What the high rating actually stands for is the specific target market the hotel is aiming for. This means the hotel is capable of providing luxury or deluxe accommodations and amenities to their guests.

When in the Philippines – How to Enjoy Summer Vacation without Going to the Beach

One of the popular activities during summer vacation is going to the beach to unwind and have fun under the sun. But did you know that there are a lot of things that you can do to make your summer extra fun without going to the beach? Here are some ideas you could use to have the best summer experience ever, minus the beach:

Try every extreme ride available at the Enchanted Kingdom

The Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is one of the well-known adventure parks in the country. EK boasts of several extreme rides that will definitely make your summer extra thrilling. Must-try extreme rides at EK are Anchors Away, EKstreme Tower Ride, Flying Fiesta, and Space Shuttle Max. EK also offers different attractions for children like the Stone Egg (a kiddie ferris wheel), Boulderville express (a kiddie train ride), and Up Up and Away (a balloon ride). The Enchanted Kingdom is the perfect place to bond with family and friends this summer season.

Be a scientist for a day at The Mind Museum

One of the most unique and popular museums in the country, The Mind Museum at Taguig City makes you learn more about science. Offering 250 interactive stations that discuss everything about science, The Mind Museum is considered as the country’s first ever world-class science museum.  Exhibits and galleries that can be seen at the museum are all designed by Filipino artists through the collaboration of international and local scientists. The Mind Museum is the best place to have fun exploring new things not just for kids but for everyone.

Get closer with nature at Paradise Ranch

City dwellers seldom see majestic mountains, lush vegetation, and clean bodies of water, so this summer, it would be fantastic to leave the city life for a while and visit nature parks like the Paradise Ranch in Pampanga, where you can see picturesque views and breathe clean air. Paradise Ranch is a Nature and Conservation Park that aims to teach the public on how to protect wildlife. Paradise Ranch has several attractions like a walk-through aviary and a butterfly garden. The place also offers ATV rides and ziplines.

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Summer Destinations 2015 – Most Expensive and Luxurious Resort Hotels in the Philippines

Planning to have some serious pampering this summer? Then why not stay at these luxurious resort hotels in the country that would definitely treat you like a royalty:

Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa – Panglao Island, Bohol

A member of the international Small Luxury Hotels, the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa is located in the southern portion of Panglao Island in Bohol. Covering an area of 16 hectares, this beautiful paradise is composed of fifteen villas, which are all Filipino-inspired. The cheapest accommodation in the resort and spa is priced at $700 (twin sharing). Among their villas, the most expensive is the Balai Datu (Presidential Villa), which is priced at $4200 per night.  Amenities in the Presidential Villa include an infinity pool with a whirlpool and a spa, two bedrooms, and one living room.

Discovery Shores Resort and Spa – Boracay Island, Aklan

One of the finest luxury resorts in the island of Boracay, the Discovery Shores Resort and Spa is located in the best part of the famous White Beach. The resort has been nominated in the recent World Luxury Hotel Awards, which is the most prestigious award-giving body for resorts and spas worldwide. Accommodations at Discovery Shores Resort and Spa are rated at $300 to $650. The resort offers 88 lavish guest rooms ranging from two-bedroom to one-bedroom suites.

Miniloc Island Resort – El Nido, Palawan

Built in a cove at El Nido and designed like a seaside village, Miniloc Island Resort is known to travelers as the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its serene ambiance and picturesque view, the luxury resort is one of the best in El Nido. Aside from its lavish amenities, the island resort also offers different types of water activities for their guests including windsurfing, diving, hobie cat sailing, etc. The most expensive accommodation in Miniloc Island Resort is rated at $337 per head on twin sharing.