Hotel Online  Special Report
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Hotel Renovation Ideas vs
AAA Ratings Criteria

E-mail:  [email protected]
Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson Griggs,  October 2003

A recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers contains some very welcome news about renovation predictions for 2004.  Based on the revenue increases predicted for next year, the report forecasts a significant increase in renovations by hotel owners and management companies.  
 
Certainly this is good news for the industry in general, and for guests in particular.

The report mentions some specific areas that will get attention including guestrooms, public spaces, and function rooms, all of obvious and immediate  

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benefit to guests.  Also of importance to guests is better use of guest history and more employee training.  

The only item of potential concern to us is the mention of wall-mounted TV�s.  AAA has a long established standard regarding the placement of televisions.  A wall-mounted TV is considered acceptable only at the 1 Diamond rating.  AAA�s detailed rating guidelines specify the TV be in an open armoire or on the credenza top at the 3 Diamond level.  4 and 5 Diamond ratings standards call for a closed armoire.

It is very important to note that one physical shortcoming will rarely be the determining rating factor, but may become a contributing factor when combined with other deficiencies, physical or service related.   The question to be resolved is how AAA will deal with this.  Will AAA relax its standard on TV placement?  Only time will tell if this potential concern becomes a reality. 

If your AAA rating is an important part of your property�s image and marketing strategy, we suggest careful consideration of any rating related points when planning your next renovation.  

Harry Nobles & Cheryl Griggs
www.optimumrating.com

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Contact:

Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting
POC:  Harry Nobles
E-mail:  [email protected]
Phone:  757-564-3761
Fax:        757-564-0076
www.optimumrating.com

Credentials: 

  • Former head of AAA Lodging/Dining Ratings Program. 
  • An independent consultant serving the hospitality industry. 
  • A Special Training Consultant to the Educational Institute, American Hotel/Motel Association
Also See: New Employee Orientation: Necessity or Luxury?  /  July 2003
Save the Best - Replace the Rest / July 2003
AAA and Mobil Ratings As a Sales Tool / May 2003
How Well Do You Know Your Competitor? / May 2003
Our Favorite Hotel?  / March 2003
The Current Value of AAA Hotel Ratings / Feb 2003
Stars and Diamonds; Some Similarities and Some Differences / January 2003
AAA's Delay: Good or Bad? / July 2002
Timing Is Everything, Or Is It? / July 2002 
Boutique Hotels: Have They Gone Too Far / May 2002
People Really Do Make the Difference / Jan 2002
What Is a Boutique Hotel? / Dec 2001
The Non-negotiable Traits of Leaders / Oct 2001 
How Important is Service? / Sept 2001
Front Desk Service Mistakes / Aug 2001
Food & Beverage Mistakes & How to Correct Them / July 2001
Bell Staff Mistakes & How to Correct Them / July 2001 
Attitude vs Aptitude / June 2001
Female Business Travelers' Expectations / June 2001
Is Outsourcing Your Training a Viable Alternative? / June 2001
Unique Identity + Consistent Service = Success / May 2001
AAA Standards vs  Guests' Expectations / May 2001
Are Your Guests Better Informed Than Your Staff? / April 2001
Are U.S. Hotels Rated Differently From Other North American Hotels? / April 2001
The Design Theme - AAA / Mobil Ratings Connection / March 2001
Attitude Can Make the Difference / January 2001
How Should Casino-Hotels be Rated? / Dec 2000
Does AAA Rate Resorts Fairly? / Nov 2000
Is Your Property Suffering From Design Deficiency? / Nov 2000 
The Future of AAA Ratings / September 2000
What Is Your Optimum AAA Rating / August 2000
If You Disagree With Your AAA Rating�../ June 2000
Are AAA Ratings Always Accurate and Objective / May 2000
Creating Atmosphere / Jan 2000
What is "Atmosphere"? / December 1999
Maintaining Your AAA Rating / Nov 1999
Earning a AAA Rating vs Maintaining a AAA Rating: Which Is More Difficult?  / Oct 1999
Can Outstanding Service Offset Hotel Physical Deficiencies in the Rating Systems? / Harry Nobles / June 1999 
Consistency: The Hallmark of a Fine Hotel / September 1999
Who Should Train Your Employees  / Aug 2000 
Mobil Travel Guide Announces 1998 Mobil Four-and Five-Star Award Winners / Jan 1998 
Key to Success: Training + Follow-Up / June 2000
The Legend of the Pineapple / Harry Nobles / Feb 1999 
To Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting Index Page

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