The government has just launched a measure to introduce a single standard of hotel classification across Italy.
Up to now, the 21 individual regional authorities have had control and decision-making power regarding the inspection criteria for categories and for assigning stars to hotels, with variations in regulations leading to differences in quality and confusion among users.
The measure will now guarantee minimum national standards that every category of hotel must meet in terms of facilities and services available to guests.
The regional authorities must apply the provision, taking into account the specifics of the territory, but there can no longer be significant variations in the criteria for each category – minimum measurement of the rooms and communal spaces and services offered. The regulation also provides for the creation of a rating system, on a voluntary basis, to be combined with the stars, which measures comfort levels and service quality.
Some of the minimum standards set for 4- and 5-star hotels follow. The minimum measurement is 9 sqm for single rooms and 15 sqm for double rooms (14 sqm for 4-stars), in addition to 6 sqm for every additional bed and 5 sqm for en-suite bathroom (4 sqm for 4-stars).
Every room must have satellite TV, internet connection, safe-deposit box, bathrobe for each person, bathroom supplies and toiletries, hair dryer and, for 5-star hotels only, measures to reduce noise. The rooms must be cleaned and bed and bath linen changed on a daily basis.
Reception is available 24 hours a day (16 hours a day for 4-stars), manned by staff who can speak three foreign languages (two for 4-stars). Services include 24-hour parking (from 8 am to 10 pm for 4-stars), a room and area reserved for meetings, 24-hour bar service in the rooms (16 hours a day for 4-stars), and air conditioning in both the communal areas and the rooms, where it can be individually controlled.
October 2008
|
 |
|
