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E-mail: [email protected] |
by Harry Nobles, May 2000
The simple answer is �No." Very few things in life are always one way or the other; there are usually ambiguities and shades of gray. This is certainly true with AAA�s rating policies, procedures, and practices. Several factors can have an impact on the inspector�s rating decision. Among these are the inspector�s level of knowledge and experience. The 25,000 lodgings rated annually range from very small inns to world class resorts with thousands of rooms and extensive recreation facilities. AAA inspectors do not acquire the requisite level of knowledge and expertise to deal with this diversity overnight. They must work at it over a period of time. Like all of us, inspectors have personal preferences. While the inspectors I have known over the years make a sincere effort to keep personal bias out of the rating decision, it could occasionally be a factor. My experience , however, shows that most inspectors strive to remain objective in their interpretation and application of the AAA Rating Guidelines. The rating decision at a 1,000-room resort complex with 6 food outlets and 3 golf courses is often based on a half day visit. Is this a perfect system? Is this fair to the property? Perfect? Certainly not; no system devised and executed by humans will ever achieve perfection. Fair? That is debatable, and might be a topic for a future article. More pertinent questions about AAA ratings might be:
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Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting
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Also See: | The Unsung Heroes / Feb 2000 |
Creating Atmosphere / Jan 2000 | |
What is "Atmosphere"? / December 1999 | |
Maintaining Your AAA Rating / Nov 1999 | |
Earning a AAA Rating vs Maintaining a AAA Rating: Which Is More Difficult? / Oct 1999 | |
Remaining Hospitable in an Inhospitable World / August 1999 | |
Can Outstanding Service Offset Hotel Physical Deficiencies in the Rating Systems? / Harry Nobles / June 1999 | |
Consistency: The Hallmark of a Fine Hotel / September 1999 | |
Mobil Travel Guide Announces 1998 Mobil Four-and Five-Star Award Winners / Jan 1998 | |
Are Your Employees Checking Out As Fast As Your Guests / Setting Up an Effective Training Program / Harry Nobles / May 1999 | |
The Legend of the Pineapple / Harry Nobles / Feb 1999 |