Accommodations Suggestions for the Europe and the Rest of the World
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As you are searching through the net, or talking with your travel agent, you will see many different types
of classifications with checks, stars, crowns, and other such stuff. However, you will also often see a
rating such as "Superior First Class" or "Tourist Class." This is just a little guide to help you understand
what these terms mean.
Now you must bear in mind that these are just my observations. However, I
believe you will find them to be pretty close to being true. I will list them from the low end to the high
end as I believe that most people probably travel as I do, as inexpensively as possible while still staying
in a pretty nice place. In fact, most of the hotels I stay in fall between Tourist Class (I am not a very fussy traveler) and Moderate
First Class.
Just click on the classification below for information about that classification.
Moderate Tourist Class
Tourist Class
Superior Tourist Class
Moderate First Class
Limited-Service First Class
First Class
Superior First Class
Moderate Deluxe
Deluxe
Superior Deluxe
Moderate Tourist Class...
This is normally a low budget with no, or very few, first class accommodations
or even superior tourist class features or amenities. However, normally these hotels will have some
features of a tourist class hotel. If you are really on a budget, this is what you should look for. But
even then, try to get recommendations from someone who has actually stayed there. Quite often this
hotel will be old, small, an sometimes not in very good repair. And, hardly ever will you find any air
conditioning. If you are in a pinch it may do. However, I would suggest travelers to be cautioned.
(Normally 1 star)
Tourist Class...Again,
this is strictly a budget operation. However, there are often some features and
amenities of a superior tourist class hotel, but seldom any of a first class hotel. If you are a very
discriminating traveler, or even just pretty fussy when it comes to where you will be staying, stay
somewhere else. However, I have found that many tourist class hotels offer nice, clean
accommodations with enough amenities to keep me happy. And, especially when it is not going
to be a long stay, and when I know I will not be spending very much time in the room, I settle for
tourist class. (Normally 1 star, sometimes 2)
Superior Tourist Class...
I probably stay in superior tourist class hotels more often than any other.
They are primary a budget property with well-kept accommodations. I have also found many of
the amenities to be about the same as some first class standards. I have also often found that may
of these hotels can be very charming and include some features a little more intimate than some of
the higher priced places. However, you should look carefully at the location of the hotel and the way
the hotel is run. Whenever I choose a superior tourist class hotel I do so with recommendations from
others I trust. As public rooms are normally small, limited, or non-existent, this is not the place for
someone who likes to spend a lot of time relaxing at the hotel. Many of the rooms may also be quite
small. Therefore, if you like to have more than just a place to sleep, this may not be the class of hotel
for you. For me, it has normally been just fine. You will also find that many groups use this class of
hotel so you may have to contend with large numbers of people in the public areas or the restaurant.
But, if you are on a budget, superior tourist class offers you about your best value.
(Normally 2 stars)
Moderate First Class...
This is normally a first class establishment with somewhat simpler
accommodations, public areas, and amenities than some of the higher class hotels. The hotel may
be lacking in some features such as a nice restaurant or lounge, but are often just fine for a traveler
or family that is trying to be very cost-conscious. Normally the rooms are adequate, but often tend to
be pretty functional and basic. (Normally 2 stars, sometimes 3)
Limited-Service First Class...
These hotels tend to cater to business travelers, individual travelers
who like just a little better accommodations, and tour groups that specialize in offering accommodations
to tour operators who offer first-class accommodations. The hotel is usually modern in amenities and
size, but often will have limited food service and public areas even if they do have a full-service restaurant.
(Normally 2 stars, sometimes 3)
First Class...This is the first
choice for someone who wants a dependable and comfortable hotel with
nice-sized rooms, amenities, adequate public areas, and a nice restaurant and lounge. You can also
expect some standardization in rooms and service. Many hotels in this class also offer suites, an
"executive level," or limited superior accommodations. Often used by tour operators offering a deluxe tour.
You can also expect very good service at a first class location. This should be satisfactory for almost
any discriminating traveler or group.
Superior First Class...This
is always an above average hotel and a hotel that is far above the norm.
It is often a very well-maintained older hotel or a superior modern hotel that has been specifically
designed and built for this market. Many of these hotels have outstanding features, accommodations,
public areas, restaurants and lounges, and amenities and are used by travelers who normally spend
quite a bit of time at their hotel when traveling. These hotels are always tastefully decorated both in
the rooms and in all of the public areas. (Normally 3 stars)
Moderate Deluxe...This
is basically a deluxe hotel with a few qualifiers built in such as public areas,
restaurants, and lounges that are not quite as exclusive and expensively decorated and furnished as
the deluxe and superior deluxe properties. Many of these hotels depend on a well-established name
and reputation to carry them. The more contemporary hotels in this category depend heavily on the
business traveler who is on an expense account. The rooms are often individually decorated and the
public areas and restaurants are always very tastefully done. (Normally 3
stars, sometimes 4)
Deluxe...A deluxe hotel
can be recommended to almost any very discriminating traveler. Normally it
is just about as nice as the superior deluxe hotel, with a few limited features or perhaps features, decor,
and service that is just not quite as spectacular as those found in a superior deluxe property.
(Normally 4 stars)
Superior Deluxe...This is
normally a very expensive luxury hotel that is exclusive and often
even "palatial." You can always expect the highest of standards in accommodations, facilities,
and service with very heavy emphasis being places on personal attention to details and service.
You can normally expect hotels in this classification to have a prestige "address" and to offer elegance
and luxurious surrounding in the rooms and suites, restaurants and lounges, and all of the other public
rooms. Most of the hotels (and resorts) in this category are among the top accommodation destinations
in the world. (Normally 4 stars)
Hopefully the above information will help you with your hotel selection. And, if you have specific
questions about a certain hotel, let me know and I will give you any information I have along with
any specific or first-hand information I may have on the property.
