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What Is Your Optimum AAA Rating

E-mail:  [email protected]
August 2000 - Before we can discuss your optimum AAA rating, we should agree on a  definition of this term.  I define your optimum rating as the highest rating your property can earn and maintain over time.  It is also the rating at which your property is best positioned to compete locally with product and price.

I consider this different from the maximum rating, which I define as the highest rating you might earn without regard to market segment, your guests� desires and preferences, and without considering the long-term costs of retaining the rating.  I can assure you that keeping a rating is more difficult and more expensive than earning it in the first place.  A major risk inherent in being �overrated� is that the time can come when you may have to choose between losing the rating and subsidizing it. 

I suggest some simple steps to determine your optimum rating.

  • Consider why guests stay at your property now
  • Determine what services and physical changes are needed to get a higher rating
  • Calculate the costs of earning and maintaining that rating vs your current rating
  • Compare costs of the higher rating with revenue potential
  • Answer the following questions:
    • Do your repeat guests want the additional services?   
    • Are they willing to pay a higher rate?  
    • Will local market conditions allow for the higher rate?
    • Can you justify and recoup the additional costs?
One other factor to consider is the availability of qualified employees capable of providing consistently superior guest service; I suggest you take a close look at your local labor pool.

Depending on the answers to these questions, your property may already be at its optimum AAA rating.  If so, I suggest that your best course of action is to focus on maintaining that rating.

If you determine that a higher rating is attainable and feasible, I suggest you formulate a plan to reach that goal.

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Contact:

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