Hotels in the Philippines are diverse, each offering various amenities, facilities, and services. Each type of hotel – from tourist inns to luxury hotels –  embodies unique characteristics that attract different groups of guests. Putting up a hotel always begins with envisioning what kind of place and service you want to provide. From there, you can identify exactly what your hotel needs and generate innovative ideas to stand out from the rest.

Philippine hotels operate in varied locations under particular conditions. To know which one is the most ideal and profitable for you, here is a quick guide to the different kinds of hotel classification, types, and things they have to offer.

Hotel Classification in the Philippines

The star rating for Philippine hotels is regulated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) according to their National Accommodation Standards or NAS. Evaluators judge a hotel’s star rating by assigning points based on availability, quality, and condition of the hotel’s facilities and services. The criteria rates the following business areas:

• Arrival & Departure 10%
• Public Areas 10%
• Bedrooms 30%
• Bathrooms 15%
• Food & Beverage 15%
• Kitchen Area (apartment hotels only) N/A
• Lounge Area (apartment hotels only) N/A
• Amenities 10%
• Business Practices 10%

The star rating is awarded based on the total score acquired by the hotel, and is valid for two years as per DOT regulations. This hotel classification determines the overall quality Philippine hotels have to offer. Guests use the hotel rating to set their expectations.

• 1 STAR (20-40%) – Limited range of facilities and services
• 2 STAR (40-55%) – Increased facilities and higher comfort
• 3 STAR (55-70%) – Very satisfactory accommodation, public areas, facilities, and wider range of services
• 4 STAR (70-85%) – Premium, very broad range of facilities, responsive service
• 5 STAR (85-100%) – Luxurious and world-class, extremely detailed service, exceeds expectations

13 Hotel Types in the Philippines that You Should Know

1. Economy Hotel / Budget Hotel

This kind of mid-range hotel is perfect for cost-effective traveling. Despite its simplicity, it offers functionality, comfortable lodging, convenient services, and basic amenities at a sensible price.

2. Business Hotel

Individuals and groups who are traveling for work benefit the most from modern business hotels. These hotel types are usually located in areas with many offices, near airports and corporate or convention centers. They are equipped with amenities such as office lounge areas, workstations, printing and fax services, and fast WiFi connection.

3. Boutique Hotel

Small, charming Philippine hotels offer an intimate experience, often featuring a cultural theme that immerses guests in the local scene. This type of hotel is located in ecotourism areas, the suburbs, or historical districts. 

4. Luxury Hotel

Top-tier Philippine hotels are defined by their sophisticated facilities, and services. Luxury hotels provide high-end accommodation, recreational and wellness activities, and exceptional quality food selections. Each room is furnished with elegant amenities such as comfortable linens, fluffy towels, fragrant bath toiletries, and the like. It is ideal for guests seeking a personalized and glamorous stay.

5. Resort

A resort is one of the hotel types that offer more than just lodging and basic inclusions. It is defined by its pleasant, family-friendly environment that makes guests comfortable and relaxed. Resorts typically provide food, spa or massage services,  recreational areas like pools, and a wide range of hotel amenities.

6. Tourist Inn

Many Philippine hotels located along major highways and in the province cater to travelers who require lodging for a short stay. Tourist inns are also known as transient houses, which do not provide a large selection of amenities, but rather the basic necessities.

7. Apartel (Apartment-Hotel)

These hotel types are ideal for travelers looking for long-term stays. It functions as a residential hotel, offering basic services found in hotels like housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance. Apartels can also  feature communal areas and other facilities meant for long-term guest convenience.

8. Pension House

Boarding houses or pension houses typically host guests for a more affordable rate. These Philippine hotels operate like a dormitory, with communal facilities like bathrooms, dining areas, kitchens, and lounge areas. These are usually family-run or independently owned, taking in a mix of long and short-term guests. Non-professional domestic workers provide services and maintain the property.

9. Motorist Hotel (Motel)

Motels are built to accommodate motorists and serve as an overnight rest stop along the highway. It is one of the hotel types that feature dedicated parking spaces for its guests. Travelers may avail of lodging, shower, toilet, and sometimes, meals.

10. Hostel

Backpackers and adventurers tend to choose hostels, Philippine hotels that have communal facilities meant to foster meaningful socialization among guests. These are usually inexpensive and meant for short-term stays. Hostels can be themed, especially in beach or mountain destinations. 

11. Vacation Rental

Vacation homes are privately owned accommodations that are rented out to families or large groups of travelers for holidays or long vacations. Unlike typical hotel types, these homes are fully equipped with more than one bedroom, a kitchen, dining room, living room, and other amenities found in a regular home. Vacation rentals can range from a whole house to a condominium or apartment unit.

12. Airport Hotel

Travelers with long layovers can make use of airport hotels, which are conveniently located close to or within the airport. These hotel types usually offer pick-up and drop-off services free of charge. Airline staff, attendants, and pilots also check in at airport hotels, where they can stay until their next flight.

13. Bed and Breakfast

These hotel types are private residential homes or rooms that are rented out for short-term stays. It is a type of vacation rental that offers unique experiences courtesy of the host. Bed and breakfasts incorporate local cuisine, cultural immersion activities, and high-quality Airbnb amenities for their guests.

In spite of their diversity, Philippine hotels remain homelike, and innovative in its solutions for guests. Whether a traveler wants to save on costs, splurge on themselves, or have fun bonding with loved ones, they are sure to find the ideal hotel that suits their needs and expectations.

ALSO READ: How to Attract 7 Different Types of Hotel Guests

Equip your property with sufficient luxury amenities such as beddings, bath products, and towels. Hotel and Spa Essentials is a reliable hotel amenities supplier, recognized by upscale Philippine hotels and cozy Airbnb sites. We carry sustainable, environmentally-friendly hotel supplies perfect for all hotel types.

Send us a message today so we can help you.

Formally joining the hospitality market is a huge achievement for first-time hoteliers. The opening stage is one of the first milestones to be celebrated, but expect a lot to happen behind the scenes. To make things easier, it is crucial to come up with a hotel opening list.

From room amenities to food and drink, and a functioning reservation system, this practical hotel opening checklist will guide you to keep everything in tip-top shape for the big day.

10 Necessities For Your Hotel Opening Checklist

1. Plans for soft opening

Before the grand launch, you can hold a soft opening for a limited number of guests. This is a great opportunity to test out operations and services, as well as listen and respond to guest feedback. This way, you can adjust your operations accordingly to enhance the guest experience. A soft opening will also give you ample time to make necessary modifications to the operating budget, stocks, and hotel supplies.

2. Operational reservation system

A functioning reservation management system should be a priority on your hotel opening checklist. It lets you accommodate guest bookings prior to the opening of the hotel. Make use of telephone and online reservation systems that can be seamlessly integrated together. Set up online and cash payment channels as well for hassle-free processing.

3. Complete front office and other services

The front desk is the first place your guests will see upon entering. It is essential to hire and train competent staff to handle guest inquiries, as this area is the go-to for all types of concerns. Ensure a smooth check-in process is in place, and if applicable, self-service check in and out.

The front office is also in charge of coordinating additional services such as airport transfers, transportation, tours, and event bookings. Make sure to establish links with reputable partners for these services prior to the hotel’s opening.

4. Working systems and facilities

Conduct routine checks on physical systems, such as electrical, fire, HVAC, internet, and plumbing systems are fully functioning. Make sure that these comply with building codes and other safety regulations. Feature rooms and facilities such as the gym, spa, lounge, and pools that are now open to guests, otherwise, inform guests which ones are still soon to open.

5. Marketing and promotional materials

Months up to a year before the launch, marketing and promotional materials is a necessity on your hotel pre-opening checklist. This includes updates to the hotel website about the opening, rooms, upcoming events, facilities, and features to look forward to. 

Whenever possible, coordinate press releases and release announcements through social media and hospitality distribution platforms. This can be in the form of photographs, video walkthroughs, and other types of content. Send out invites for business partners and investors as well, before the grand hotel opening.

6. Complete room and hotel amenities

Room amenities must always be on your hotel opening checklist; after all, what’s a hotel without all the things that make a happy stay? Furnish all guest rooms with items like toiletries, hygiene kits, high-quality towels, slippers, and comfortable linens. Luxury hotel suppliers also have customization options you can use to promote your hotel branding on amenities.

7. Diverse food and beverage options

Increase options for satisfying your guests’ hunger. Provide complimentary snacks and drinks in all guest rooms. Stock minibars with delicious drinks and wine and set up room service. If your hotel has a restaurant or bar, fully stock the kitchen with essentials and test out all appliances to ensure proper working condition. Tailor the menu as well to cater to different taste buds.

8. Thorough staff training and reporting process

Hire and train staff within a realistic timeline before the hotel opening. Staff training is a critical part of your hotel opening checklist. Ensure their familiarity with the hotel guidelines, house rules, layout, and systems. It is recommended to cross-train certain hotel staff, especially key leaders, for versatility. Establish a reporting system according to the organizational chart for structured management.

9. Comprehensive security system

Create a safe environment for all hotel guests. Set up an all-inclusive physical security system to be sure that all public areas of the hotel are free of hazards and potential threats. This also extends to IT security, which protects your guests’ data. Consider overall safety and security as a vital item on your hotel opening checklist.

10. Extensive housekeeping system

Top off your hotel pre-opening checklist with a detailed housekeeping system. Lay down all housekeeping duties and rules for each area and room. Hire skilled housekeeping staff and provide them with updated manuals and training if necessary. This is incomplete without cleaning tools and materials. Provide staff with commercial-grade cleaning supplies for effective upkeep and maintenance of all facilities.

A hotel opening checklist establishes best practices that can help eliminate operational flaws during its initial run. Then again, hospitality trends continue to shift each year, so there is always room for growth, no matter how long a hotel has been around.

ALSO READ: The Complete List of Hotel Room Necessities that You Must Have in Your Property

Haven’t ticked amenities off your hotel pre-opening checklist yet? Look no further for a luxury hotel amenities supplier than Hotel and Spa Essentials. Find high-quality towels, breathable hotel linens, dry and wet amenities, and more. Talk to us today.

Peak travel season is the most profitable time for hotels, but it is also the most challenging. There is nothing more frustrating than a shortage of supplies when the guests start pouring in. That’s why it is essential to ensure the completeness of your hotel’s inventory before your property reaches full occupancy. Not only does a complete stock keep you ready for emergencies, but it also shows how you value timely and quality responses to guests’ demands.

Here is a handy checklist of all the essential peak season hotel supplies you need to stock up on. This includes room amenities, food and beverage, as well as housekeeping needs for every hotelier.

Hotel Amenities to Replenish Your Peak Season Inventory

Linens

Luxury linens and beddings are essential for optimal guest comfort. Because of linen’s thermoregulating characteristics, it is popular for both hot and cold seasons. This fabric naturally enhances sleep quality by enabling breathability.

The longevity of linens also depends on proper storage and maintenance. Implement strategic handling practices to make the most of your linens and enhance their lifespan. 

Towels

Promote healthy staff and guest hygiene by increasing the amount of available towels. Invest in high-quality terry cloth towels that are both absorbent and comfortable to the touch. Consider stocking up on towels that are friendly to guests with sensitive skin conditions as well.

Make towels a part of your summer season hotel supplies as well, due to expected increase in pool or beachfront usage.

Hotel toiletries and bathroom amenities

Restock your wet hotel amenities such as soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotions. After spending the day vacationing outside, guests will greatly appreciate a complete range of amenities for their bath.

Dry hotel amenities like dental and shaving kits, combs, slippers, and toothbrushes are essential for personal care. These can be disposable or reusable. Reduce waste during the peak season by investing in eco-friendly dry amenities, which are sure to win the approval of environmentally conscious guests.

Food and beverages

Restock your hotel room minibars with a range of food and beverages for your guests. Whether complimentary or not, your guests will appreciate the availability of delicious snacks and refreshing drinks in the room.

Hot seasons are a good time to offer fresh, fruity drinks along with your hotel services. If your property has an in-house restaurant or bar, whip up cool refreshments that complement the current season. Keeping your menu updated is another way to earn excellent satisfaction ratings during the peak season.

Cleaning products

Pristine hotel rooms, lobbies, and facilities would be nothing without trusty hotel cleaning supplies. Because the peak season brings in a large number of guests and little downtime for housekeeping, it is important to invest in effective cleaning supplies to maximize your staff’s time. 

Availability of cleaning products ensures a quick disinfection process for continuous room turnovers. Clean and well-maintained rooms are key to good first impressions. Hygiene also plays a big factor in the reputation of your hotel.

Laundry products

Hotels typically have on-site laundry facilities, and depending on how big a hotel is, these rooms can accommodate large, commercial washers and dryers. These machines are nothing during the peak season without the essential laundry products, such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener, and stain removers.

Study your linens to find out if any of them require special handling or products, and stock up on the basics. A complete line of laundry products allows housekeeping works to move quickly and efficiently throughout the day. This will address additional demands for linens, towels, robes, and the like.

Peak season can get exciting, but also turns your hotel into a busy beehive. It can be easy to overlook the above essentials before the peak season arrives, but those down times are actually the best opportunities to replenish your hotel supplies. Nothing is more important than keeping your hotel profitable throughout the entire year.

ALSO READ: 14 Hot Airbnb Summer Essentials Your Guests Will Love

Running low on the necessities? Hotel and Spa Essentials has you covered! Choose from our wide catalogue consisting of eco-friendly bathroom amenities to top-quality linens, all used in luxury hotels and resorts. Contact us today for sustainable and trusted hotel amenities.

Airbnbs are usually expected to look exactly as advertised, if not even better. The question is: are you able to match your guests’ expectations? Airbnb maintenance is the key strategy to master. A 2022 study shows that customer satisfaction is impacted by room cleanliness and the availability of amenities and facilities. It’s more than just sweeping your floors and dusting off the tops of closets. This encompasses routine preservation of aesthetics, cleanliness, and functionality of everything inside and out.

Every new or experienced Airbnb host should keep their properties in top shape. New owners, in particular, might be overwhelmed with the number of things they need to take note of. Read through this detailed guide to know the best practices for Airbnb maintenance.

How can property maintenance affect your Airbnb business?

Regular upkeep contributes to the overall health and cleanliness of your property. This is also part of Airbnb’s parameters for responsible hosting. As a business owner, you can benefit from property maintenance in the following ways:

• Boosts reviews: Guests are likely to praise a property first on its cleanliness. After all, no one wants to spend their getaway among clutter and discomfort. This is a baseline for customer satisfaction.
• Increases visibility and occupancy rates: More positive reviews equal enhanced visibility and potential to attract more guests. This also strengthens your reputation in the industry.
• Creates room for competitive pricing: Once your property’s value increases as a result of positive guest experience, you can gradually tailor a more authoritative pricing strategy.
• Reduces maintenance costs: Preventive practices decrease the need for frequent repairs, replacements, and overall maintenance requirements. This saves money and increases revenue from higher occupancy rates. 
• Enhances guest comfort, safety, and satisfaction: By eliminating health and safety concerns, guests can expect a more satisfying stay. Be a responsible host by ensuring their safety from potential accidents and malfunctions.

The Ultimate Host’s Handbook for Airbnb Property Maintenance

Identification

It is important to identify the tasks that need to be done, things to be repaired, and spots that require extra attention.

• Inspect the indoor amenities – check everything from top to bottom, inside and out for damages, stains, wear and tear. Do not forget the plumbing and electricity outlets.
• Inspect outdoor furniture, landscaping, and amenities for any defects or cleaning requirements.
• Test out appliances to ensure working conditions.
• List down tasks based on your initial inspection.
• Create a calendar or time-table for your Airbnb property maintenance.

Preparation

Prepare yourself, your cleaning team, and the property for a smooth process.

• Open windows and doors to properly circulate air while cleaning
• Use face masks and cleaning gloves where necessary. This helps prevent allergic reactions to dust and contamination.
• Use appropriate, safe cleaning supplies.
• Disinfect your hands.

Cleaning

Cleaning methods can vary depending on the type of room and furnishing. Follow your to-do list for priority areas, and check the following tasks off as well:

Bedroom and living room

• Regularly change bed linens, mattress, and pillows.
• Wash and properly dry linens to prevent discoloration, tears, and dust.
• Clean under beds, large furniture, and mats.
• Dust and wipe off closet, desk, and appliance surfaces.

Bathroom

• Sanitize and clean toilets inside and out.
• Clean drain catchers and strainers.
• Replace towels and other dry amenities.
• Refill wet amenities.
• Eliminate marks and stains on the mirrors, glass, shower tiles, and walls.

Kitchen

• Clean and sanitize utensils and kitchenware. 
• Replace any expired items or complimentary snacks in drawers, cupboards, and refrigerator.
• Wipe down any stains or spots on the tabletop and stoves.
• Clean the sink drain catchers.

Sanitizing

Surfaces that frequently come in contact with guests, like TV remotes, doorknobs, and handles need to be sanitized with alcohol or other disinfectants.

• Carefully read and follow instructions on product labels of disinfectants. Materials such as wood, rubber, metal, or painted surfaces may be sensitive to certain chemicals.
• Sanitize surfaces in each room with appropriate disinfectant.
• Allow surfaces to air-dry.

Inspection

Airbnb property maintenance does not stop at sanitizing. Make your rounds again to make sure you did not miss anything.

• Review your checklist for items you might have missed.
• Check each room and furnishings around the property.
• For repairs or objects that you need to attend to for more than one day, take note of these as urgent tasks and create a timeline.

Reset and Replenish

Finally, resetting involves replacement of Airbnb amenities, protective covers, linens, and other complementary goods in your property.

• Sanitize your hands before replacing amenities for your next guests to prevent cross-contamination.

• Replace beddings and linens.
• Replace dry and in-room amenities.
• Clean equipment.

Areas that may require special maintenance

Outdoor

Furnishings and amenities located outside such as pools, barbecue grills, sun chairs, and gardens may need special attention.

• Regularly trim greenery.
• Clean the pool and balance the chemicals.
• Inspect locks and bolts to ensure functionality.
• Check window conditions and replace damaged glass.
• Inspect roof for any leaks and potential long-term water damage.

Electricity and Wi-Fi

Having a working internet and electricity connection makes your guests’ stay more convenient.

• Ensure that all lines and connections are tidy and undamaged.
• Manage cables for a presentable look.
• Ensure outlets are functional.
• Check internet connection for speed and connectivity.

Amenities

Amenities give guests a good first impression of a property, as well as the host. Invest in sustainable Airbnb supplies to create an eco-friendly environment.

• Provide high-quality linens and bed sheets.
• Stock up on luxury hotel amenities.
• Choose to go green and use amenities in naturally-sourced packaging.

Who can perform Airbnb property maintenance tasks?

Do-It-Yourself

Hosts, especially those who have a hands-on approach to hosting, can D.I.Y. their Airbnb maintenance. Not only is it cost-efficient, but the host has more control on managing cleaning and repairs. Some amenities may require special care that hosts are typically more knowledgeable about.

This is recommended for hosts who live nearby and have ample experience in handling maintenance problems or repairs. However, this poses a challenge to those who manage multiple properties and is best for one or two Airbnbs only. Another challenge is that sourcing materials for larger repairs may require extra time or assistance.

Professional services

Larger or multiple properties may benefit better from professional cleaning and Airbnb maintenance services. This allows the host to tackle more than one area (rooms, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor, large appliances and venues). 

This could lead to potentially increased costs, but usually results in better quality. More often than not, maintenance and housekeeping companies possess industry-grade products and tools for their services. This approach is time-efficient for hosts, particularly during peak season and for those who have to maintain several properties.

Be a responsible Airbnb host

Communicate with your guests regarding maintenance and repairs.

Regularly announce any updates and maintenance works through your property listing. This builds their confidence that the host is attentive and knowledgeable about the Airbnb property. Don’t forget to manage and respond to complaints swiftly to enhance the guest experience.

Do preventive maintenance on all appliances.

Take these appliances for regular checks and servicing. Note down which ones are frequently used by guests as they might be subject to mishandling or need replacements.

Consider automation.

Smart devices now integrate simple features into their system, such as auto-cleaning. Consider investing in devices that can easily automate cleaning tasks to lessen manual labor.

Partner with a dependable Airbnb amenities supplier.

You don’t have to replace amenities with the same ones each time. Level up your property with a trusted Airbnb and hotel supplier. Partner with one that carries top-notch luxury hotel amenities and quality brands. Regularly updating the quality of your amenities, linens, and equipment will impress your guests and excite them to book another stay.

Keeping your property clean and functional is essential to Airbnb hosts. This also ensures your business continuity, because when guests experience a brand-new feeling each time they enter your property, they will be encouraged to come back again.

ALSO READ: Airbnb Success Strategies That Every Host Should Master

Not sure where to source luxury hotel supplies for your Airbnb? Hotel and Spa Essentials offers must-have amenities for Airbnb. Browse our collection of items that are featured in top-rated hotels worldwide. Contact us today to elevate your Airbnb property.