Rating May Lead to Independent Hotel Turnaround Management Gains

Unlike branded or franchised hotels and resorts where those standards already set it apart, hotel turnaround management to improve the quality and class of independent lodging properties often requires another approach. That approach could rely on the common standards that many leisure and business travelers consult, such as the American Automobile Association and Mobile Travel Guide (now Forbes Mobil) rating systems. Hotel Turnaround ManagementWhile it is necessary to become apply for and qualify to earn a certain rating (i.e. 4 Diamonds) by both AAA and Mobil in order for either to rate you, the guidelines are also a usual tool even if you go it alone without their official endorsements. Here are links to those standards and some of the qualifiers that distinguish quality and class of one hotel versus another: 1. American Automobile Association (AAA) Approval Requirements & Diamond Rating Guidelines for Lodging Some of the requirements to be rated as a “5 Diamond” (i.e. AAA’s Best) hotel or resort are certain services that must always be provided as opposed to Diamonds 4, 3 and lower ratings. These include addressing guests by their name, evening housekeeping services and 24/7 room service. Where this is critical in an independent hotel turnaround management analysis is how you stack up against similar properties and franchises that are currently listed by AAA. 2. Mobil Travel Guide (now Forbes Mobil) Lodging Guidelines – Star Ratings In terms of earning Mobil “Stars”, similar and sometimes more selective guidelines like AAA are used. For example, in order to be a 5 Star hotel or resort, 24/7 room service (including hot foods) must be provided. For each lodging property that has hotel plans to apply for 4 or 5 Star designation, more than 750 criteria are evaluated by inspectors who stay for a minimum of three days and two nights in reaching their decisions in how to rate your establishment. Comparatively speaking, the guidelines for AAA are spelled out more in certain areas that can help an underperforming hotel or resort determine where they may need to improve to win over traveler expectations. From our perspective when it involves hotel turnaround management of a non-branded lodging property, we often find that elevating one’s service levels to mirror the requirements of a Mobile 4 Star or higher rating can also help positive guest comments spiral upward dramatically.