Looking At The Stars: Understanding Hotel Standards

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A star rating outlines what guests can generally expect from hotels. In most countries, hotel classifications represent a system of ranking that evaluates the quality of a hotel in terms of amenities, luxury, and overall hospitality.

Typically, such systems are rated on a five star scale, with five indicating the height of luxury. Some of the basic determinants of a hotel’s rating include elements such as the hotel’s room sizes, bed sizes, pool size, restaurant quality, and Internet access.

To date, there is no existing international standard to classify hotels across globe. As an alternative, independent groups in each country such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) or travel websites give star ratings to hotels. In other countries like Portugal, Spain and Hungary, however, a single public standard is applied, with laws defining the hotel rating.

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Other than “star” ratings, the terms “grading” and “classification” are used to refer to the same concept. There is also a wide variety of rating schemes used by different organizations around the world. In some countries like Dubai, for example, some hotels have been advertised as seven star hotels.

Hotel standards are general guidelines and should not override consumer preference. These ratings only prove useful when determining the level of luxury of a hotel. Other factors such location, price, and activities on offer should also inform the choice of guests.

John Jefferis is a veteran hotelier who finds passion for hotel design. Follow this Twitter page for more articles about the hotel industry.

Millennials as The New Power Segment in Today’s Hospitality Industry

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The tech-savvy, travel-hungry, and adventure-seeking millenials are the fastest growing customer segment in the hospitality industry today. It is estimated that more than half of travelers in the world by 2025 will be comprised of tourists born from 1980 onwards. With this spectacular growth, hoteliers and resort owners must develop aggressive and novel strategies to engage this segment of the market and tap into new ideas to establish better services that can satisfy the unique and continuously evolving needs of young travelers.

Technology plays a dominant role for this demographic, driven by social media and Web-based conveniences such as mobile hotel check-in, e-payment, and online shopping. Food blogs and travel-related photography portals are other essential drivers. Online forums and communities such as TripAdvisor could also serve as game changers as they can be easily accessed for either raves or complaints about their travel experiences. 

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Culture buffs, trend influencers, the LGBT community, and multi-generational travelers are looking for unique and original experiences. Millennials are known for their diverse taste and willingness to explore different accommodations in search for both affordability and quality service. Many are not too keen about buying luxury service but would bite should an opportunity arise. The baby boomers who are living longer are now also rethinking how to define retirement, and are placing their energy in more creative pursuits.  

John Jefferis, a world-renowned hotelier, has been actively involved in establishing and developing various hotels, restaurants, and resorts that play key roles in the growth of the tourism industry in the Caribbean region. Follow this Twitter account for more industry updates.

What to Tell Your Hotel When Traveling with Asthma

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Illnesses should not stop people from traveling or from booking themselves a room at a hotel. To make the trip more enjoyable, it is highly advisable that people inform their hotel beforehand of certain issues. One of the more common conditions that should be reported is asthma. This is because reliable hotels may create a plan that will make the client’s stay more comfortable. This works two ways.

First, the client should inform the hotel the triggers of his or her asthma attacks. Hotels already maintain a standard level of cleanliness, so dust or pollen should not be a major concern. However, stimuli such as certain types of fabrics should be considered. There may be throw pillows or rugs made of wool or other exacerbating fibers. If the hotel is notified earlier on, the client’s room can be rid of all these things. Secondly, there is always a standby nurse on call. Nevertheless, knowing that a person with asthma will be staying for a certain amount of days assures that these medical professionals stock up on the necessary medicines and review procedures related to severe asthmatic attack. Other factors that may trigger an asthmatic attack should also be immediately told to the hotel’s concierge.

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Remember that one’s health is of the utmost importance and should never be neglected. These small and simple steps guarantee a smoother and more relaxing visit. It must also be noted that a hotel’s number one priority is the satisfaction of their customers. This includes assuring the stability and welfare of their health.

John Jefferis is known in the hotel industry as an innovator due to his constant attention to excellent hotel management and customer service. For more information on the hotels he manages, view this Facebook page.

The Caribbean Sans the Crowds: The Islands' Best-kept Secrets

Because of their jaw-dropping beauty, the Caribbean islands attract throngs of people yearly, and while crowds are a part of traveling, being caught up in too many tightly-packed places can put damper on things, especially for those who want to relax in privacy. Fortunately, there are still some well-kept secrets in the islands where one can go to avoid the masses of vacationers.

For scuba diving enthusiasts, there's the island of Andros, known among locals and perhaps still just a handful of tourists for its blue holes or underwater sinkholes. Though Andros is the biggest among the inhabited Bahamian Islands, its population is still quite small and is considered to be the least-explored island in the Bahamas.

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Guests who like to keep active may want to head on to the "Island of Sport," or as it is formally known, Nevis. The 20-mile circumferential road on Nevis is perfect for road biking while the network of trails within the island attracts hikers. Fishing, running, and horse and drag racing are also quite popular there.

There's also Culebra, which is not really a secret as it's often referred to as the Caribbean's quietest and most peaceful island. However up until five years ago, there were only about 1,818 residents and the numbers are still low. There, one can find Playa Flamenco, a seaside resort that's been touted by many travel writers as one of the best in the Caribbean for its pristine white sand and gorgeous green waters. Another point of interest in Culebra is the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge where nature lovers can observe thirteen species of seabirds and three species of sea turtles.

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 Finally, those in search of secluded resorts can choose from Fowl Cay in the Bahamas, Hotel Bois Joli in Les Saintes, Gaudeloupe, and the tellingly-named Secret Bay Resort in Portsmouth, Dominica. These resorts pride themselves in providing tourists with tranquility and utmost comfort, in addition to beachfront accommodations and spectacular vistas. John Jefferis is the well-regarded and acclaimed hotelier who owns the Coco Reef resorts in the Caribbean. Find more tips for off-the-beaten path travel in the Islands from this Twitter account..

Beach Reads: Three Travel-Inspired Books to Bring on Vacation

Looking forward to curling up with a riveting read on the beach or poolside? Or just want a book to read while on the plane or on the train? Readers will find the following five books, evocative of exotic destinations, mysterious cultures, and interesting strangers, hard to put down.

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On the Road by Jack Kerouac

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” Jack Kerouac's novel is part fiction, and part autobiography of his travels across America. It chronicles the adventures of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty on the Great American Road Trip: A road to self-discovery and personal fulfillment. The settings are incredibly diverse, from small-town dive bars in the Midwest to party places in Mexico, and the characters' experiences are brought to vivid life thanks to Kerouac's masterful use of language.

The Beach by Alex Garland

“If I'd learnt one thing from travelling, it was that the way to get things done was to go ahead and do them. Don't talk about going to Borneo. Book a ticket, get a visa, pack a bag, and it just happens.”

Alex Garland's first novel tells the tale of a young, troubled English backpacker who sets out on a quest to find a legendary, idyllic, unspoilt beach in Thailand. Although Richard eventually finds it, not all are as they seem, and even paradise can be corrupted. The Beach is a modern-day Lord of the Flies: dark, compelling, touching on themes of loss of identity, drug use, and the breakdown of civilization. All these make it impossible to put down.

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx “Everybody that went away suffered a broken heart. 'I'm coming back some day,' they all wrote. But never did. The old life was too small to fit anymore.”

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Annie Proulx's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is centered on Quoyle, a large, bumbling newspaperman from upstate New York who, as a consequence of tragic circumstances, finds himself uprooted and transplanted to Newfoundland. 

Proulx, a native New Englander, says a lot by saying little. In short, detailed sentences, she writes with incredible deftness about the harsh beauty of the Newfoundland coast, transporting readers to Killic-Claw, a place of magical knots, vivid dreams, and new beginnings.

A vacation is the perfect time to get some reading done. For more discussions on the best books to read while on vacation, follow this John Jefferis Twitter account.

Vacation Budget Planning for the Resourceful Traveler

Vacations don't come cheap, and making sure that every mint used in travel is money well spent is pivotal to deriving the most enjoyment out of a holiday experience. After all, not everyone enjoys roughing it the way serial backpackers do. Drafting a proper budget is key to maximizing fun and comfort within the budget.

Keep it real 

While everyone dreams of a luxurious vacation with all the frills, budgetary restrictions mean that some things have to be prioritized. A good budget plan that focuses on the essentials can help fit a great vacation to the resources available and may even help some find extra funds for a little something more.

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Go online 

The best recourse for planning an affordable vacation is to compare and contrast ticket prices and lodging online. The internet provides a wealth of information on the best deals one can get from a resort, hotel, or airline, whether one is traveling alone, with a significant other or in large groups such as with friends and family. Going online can also help the attentive traveler find last-minute deals, which can contribute significantly to savings while getting the best travel and accommodation arrangements possible 

Spending management for couples 

Budgeting can become a point of contention for couples who go out on vacation. Recently, it has been found that women and men typically spend money on different things when on vacation. Men, more often than not, spend on food and beverages whereas women spend mostly on souvenirs and duty-free shopping. Good financial habits during vacations involve reconciling and harmonizing these disparate habits.

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Couples will find that planning their budgets together will help them in some ways. Not only will it help them make the most out of their often limited resources but also help them strengthen their relationships through the value of compromise. 

Acclaimed hotelier John Jefferis, with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, founded Coco Reef Resorts, which has locations in Tobago and Bermuda. Visit this Facebook page for more hotel and hospitality industry updates.

Difficult and demanding: How to deal with complaining guests

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Guests are the lifeblood of hotels and of the whole hospitality industry. It is important to keep every guest satisfied because anything less than excellent service can keep even the potential clients away. While it is true that "you can't please everybody", the job of hospitality management and staff is to ensure that everybody is pleased. So how do you handle guests who complain and are hard to please? Here is a step-by-step guide for handling difficult and demanding people:

Listen

Allow the guest to speak his or her mind. Don't interrupt even if they have said something incorrect or if you have an objection to their complaint. Let them voice their side before providing an explanation.

Apologize

The customer is always right – although it sounds unfair and biased, it's not advisable to go against it. Even if you don't have any fault in the matter, in behalf of your fellow staff members or the management of the hotel, you should always apologize for not meeting the client's expectations. A sincere apology can ease a guest's ire.

It also doesn't help to point fingers or blame someone else for the inconvenience. Simply accept the complaint and move on to the next step.

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Solve

If there is a problem that needs to be fixed, you need to find the solution. If a guest is dissatisfied, look for a way to turn the situation around. It is your duty as a part of the hotel to address any issues guests have and to solve it as soon as possible. If it's beyond your power, relay the problem to someone who does have the authority to address the situation.

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With over 40 years of experience, John Jefferis is a dominant figure in the hospitality industry. Find out more about his expertise by liking this Facebook page.

REPOST: Booking a cruise? 18 questions to go over with your travel agent

Booking your next vacation through a travel agent maybe a good option. However, here is an important list of questions to ask your potential travel agent before making any commitments.

Sandy Fenton with the Regent Seven Seas "Navigator" in Puerto Rico  | Image Source: pennlive.com

So you've finally decided this is the year you are going to take that much deserved cruise vacation.

Good for you! And by the way, you're not alone. According to the Cruise Line International Association, 22-million passengers will cruise in 2015.

I've had the great pleasure and good fortune to have cruised over 100 times. I am always asked for my expert cruising advice.

Never before has there been such an extensive offering of ships, cabins, itineraries, amenities, onboard activities and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Depending upon your interests, passions, lifestyle and the size of your pocketbook, just about every type of dream vacation at sea is yours.

If you're curious about ancient world history, fascinated with fine arts, interested in learning new culinary skills, need to unplug and relax or just enamored with the glamour of the golden age of travel, there is a cruise ship for you.

To make the most of your choices, talk with a trusted and reputable travel agency that has in-house cruise experts. It's your vacation, your money, and you want the best cruise vacation for your dollar.

Here are 20 questions to go over with your travel agent before making any commitments:

1. Where and when do you want to go?

2. Do you want to fly or drive to your point of departure?

3. Do you have a favorite itinerary?

4. How long do you want your cruise to last? 3-5 days? 7-14? Over 2-weeks?

5. What type of accommodations do you want? An inside cabin, a veranda stateroom or a luxurious suite with butler service?

6. Will you be traveling alone, as a couple, with a family or a group? If you are traveling with a family, how old are the kids? Do you have teenagers? Will you need baby-sitting?

7. What type of onboard activities and entertainment do you want?

8. What type of shore excursions interest you, and when do you make these bookings? The cruise lines have come a long way in expanding their port excursions, and the most popular and unique tours fill quickly.

9. Do you prefer a smaller, more intimate vessel or a gigantic mega liner with all the bells and whistles - or something in the middle?

10. Do you want a port-intensive itinerary with overnight stays or several relaxing days at sea?

11. How important is your dining experience? Many cruisers, myself included, consider the dining experience one of the cruise highlights. Choose carefully as every cruise line is different.

12. How important is personalized service, amenities and attention to detail? I have found the quality of service varies from line to line, and even among ships from the same line.

13. Are you celebrating a special occasion?

14. Do you want an all-inclusive cruise experience where all alcoholic and soft drinks, tipping and specialty restaurants are included in one price?

15. Do you (or someone you're traveling with) need medical care or special assistance?  A good rule of thumb - the larger (and newer) ships carry more medical staff and equipment.

16. What should you pack - casual and/or dressy clothes - for all ages?

17. Do you need a passport? If you don't already have one, get one. If you have one, be sure it is updated.

18. Last, but not least, what is your cruise budget?

There is a cruise perfectly suited for you and your family - and now is the time to take advantage of the savings and added values offered by the cruise lines. 

Find more reasons to travel to the Caribbean by visiting this John Jefferis Google+ page.

Visit John Jefferis on Facebook to learn more about the many beautiful islands of the Caribbean.

REPOST: Generation X spends the most per day on luxury travel

How much do you spend on your vacation? Simon Thomsen of the Sydney Morning Herald discusses how millenials spend more traveling than retired seniors.

One generation has taken a surprising lead in the luxury travel market. | Image Source: smh.com.au

Never mind the parents spending your inheritance on travel: Generation X has an even better time when it hits the road.

Virtuoso, the global luxury travel network with $US14 billion ($17.8 billion) in annual sales, has crunched its numbers, finding that while retired travelers spend more overall, Gen X goes short, sharp and flash to burn through more cash every day they're away.

Sofitel's new Sydney property will appeal to cashed up travellers visiting Australia. | Image Source: smh.com.au

Seniors spend 56 per cent more on travel annually – $US11,077 ($14,000) each – than Millennials at $US7110. Generation X's bill is $US8458 at a daily rate of $US627, which is nearly 20 per cent higher than Millennials at $US527, and the frugal seniors at $US471. Boomers seem modest by comparison, with an annual average of $US9907 per trip and $US522 per day.

Where are you going?

Seniors are away the most, at 23.5 days a year, followed by the Boomers on 19. Gen X and Millennials, who need to get back to work, have just 13.5 days.

Singapore has been named 2015's hottest tourism destination by Virtuoso. | Image Source: smh.com.au

What they do on holidays is where the differences begin to emerge with the older sector opting for a cruise – 26 per cent of Boomers, 42 per cent for Seniors – as their preferred adventure.

Millennials and Generation X-ers opt for private or escorted tour experiences (38 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively) and hotel stays over cruises (both at 15 per cent).

And while Baby Boomers are the largest segment of travelers, Virtuoso has seen a surge in Generation-X clients to overtake the Senior market (born before 1946).

US-based Virtuoso, which recently announced it would use Sydney as its regional base for its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, books around 12 per cent of its turnover from Australia and New Zealand, has seen both countries make its seasonal top 10 list for overseas visitors, especially in Q1 2015 as northern hemisphere travellers seek to escape the cold.

Not surprisingly, the USA's nearest neighbours, Mexico and Canada, head the list, with New Zealand just pipping Australia as preferred destination.

By the booking

Here's where everyone's going this year, based on Virtuoso's forward sales to March 2015.

1. Mexico

2. Canada

3. New Zealand

4. Australia

5. Argentina

6. United Kingdom

7. Costa Rica

8. South Africa

9. Hong Kong

10. Chile

Meanwhile, the Peter Jackson Hobbit effect as no doubt helped produce a dramatic rise in interest for Aotearoa, with Virtuoso's "Hot List", measuring year-over-year growth, putting New Zealand in second place behind Singapore.

Aruba, if you're searching the map, is a tiny Dutch-controlled south Caribbean Sea island just off the coast of Venezuela.

The hot list

1. Singapore (up 155%)

2. New Zealand (up 95%)

3. Aruba (up 36%)

4. Israel (up 32%)

5. Puerto Rico (24%)

6. U.S. Virgin Islands (up 23%)

7. France (up 22%)

8. Bahamas (up 20%)

9. Chile (up 20%)

10. Spain (up 20%)

Looking for luxury

Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch says there's been a big shift to luxury accommodation as Australia developed high-end places such as Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Tasmania's Sapphire and more recently, One & Only on Hayman Island. Internal domestic travel has upgraded to these places.

"Australian luxury product has come a long way and we're seeing an increase in short breaks – two to three days – at these places," he said.

"The core market is still for luxury expeditions and cruising."

Sales in Australia rose 15 per cent in the past year.

The drop in the Australian dollar won't have much impact on the luxury sector, but it will give visitors to Australia more money to play with when they get here.

The age of agents

His other point, as the head of a company that's overseen more than US$32 billion in travel, is that any predictions that the internet age will see the travel agent go the way of the video store and photo lab are way off the mark.

"This is a profession that's doing really well," he says, arguing that the shifts wrought by online are similar to the ones experienced by stockbrokers

"Brokers who were truly were wealth advisers made the shift and the good ones did well," he said.

"Some people think travel agents are just order takers, but in the luxury market they're a trusted, collaborative travel adviser.

"Finding someone who will listen to exactly what you want and will deliver on that promise is the very definition of luxury travel."

Find the best travel deals and the hottest destinations by following this John Jefferis Twitter account.

Reel trip: Five movies that inspired travel

Movies aren’t just about good stories, great acting, and superb editing and cinematography. Films can also be an escape to a different reality and an inspiration to see the world with your own eyes. These five films highlight beautiful, exotic, and travel-worthy spots around the globe.

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Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This biopic tells the story of Che Guevara and Alberto Granado’s motorcycle trek across South America back in 1952, using their medical training to help lepers. This trip took them through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and then to Miami before going back to Buenos Aires.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Set in Tokyo, Japan, this movie is about Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlet Johansson) who met in Japan and formed an interesting relationship amidst the confusion and hilarity in an intriguing city. The film features Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Tokyo’s loudest and most colorful cities, landmarks such as The Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji, as well as various shrines and temples.

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

This film follows Walter Mitty, a hyper-imaginative daydreamer and a photo editor for LIFE magazine who’s led a very boring life, who goes on a real-life journey in search for a photographer when his job is put on the line. He goes from New York City to Greenland, Iceland, Yemen, and finally, Afghanistan.

Into the Wild (2007)

The film showcases the adventures of Christopher McCandless, a recent college graduate who hitchhikes to Alaska after giving away all his life savings. His crazy, visionary, and reckless journey took him to Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Mexico.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010) Based on the real-life memoirs of Elizabeth Gilbert, this movie shows the author (played by Julia Roberts) on a pilgrimage to Italy, India, and Indonesia in a bid to nourish her heart, soul, and stomach. There are other movies that can inspire someone to get up, pack a bag, and hop on the next plane to some exotic getaway. Who knows, the next movie you watch can lead you to a life-changing adventure.  

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Find out more about travel and tourism by following this John Jefferis Twitter account.