be Prepared [theory] Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life. servic Unit 7 serviced Classification of accommodation ACCOMMODATION Michael Palin SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION SERVICED ACCOMMODATION World-class budget price campsite caravanserai comfort customised service economy service hotel facilities hotel industry luxury hotel mid-range service hotel self-catering accommodation serviced accommodation service staging post star grading thermal village world-class service hotel Mid-range Economy A ccommodation has evolved through the centuries, together with the needs of travellers. The Greeks and the Romans provided accommodation at 66 thermal villages while in the Middle East they built caravansaries; during the Middle Ages inns and staging posts were created for pilgrims and travellers. The modern hotel industry started in the 15th century. Then, railway transportation brought about the birth of bed and breakfast, campsites, resorts, hostels and hotel chains. Today, accommodation is normally classified into: Serviced accommodation, where meals are provided Self-catering accommodation, where meals are not provided. Serviced accommodation can be classified according to the quality of the services offered (on the part of the staff) and the facilities available (relating to the equipment offered by the building). They can broadly be divided into: World-class service hotels, which offer high quality and customised services with dedicated staff Mid-range service hotels, which offer an average quality of service, adequate comfort and reasonable rates Economy service hotels, providing basic services at a budget price. Hotels are classified according to a star grading, with a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5 stars, though some luxury hotels define themselves as 6, 7 or even 9 stars. However, no formal body recognises any rating over five-star deluxe. Different countries have different ratings depending on their cultural standards and, so far, an international classification has not been adopted yet. However, some basic features are accepted worldwide. Service Room cleaning Linen change Reception Foreign languages spoken Extras basic daily weekly 12 hours basic daily twice a week 12 hours buffet breakfast good daily daily or on request 12/18 hours 1 tv, phone, internet, private bathroom very good daily daily or on request 18 hours 2 restaurant à la carte, room service, mini-bar excellent daily daily or on request 24 hours 3 different types of cuisine available