4. The role of ATOUT FRANCE in the
new rating system
The creation of ATOUT FRANCE, on 19 May 2009, was one of the key
measures of the law on the development and modernisation of tourism
services: the new rating of the tourist accommodation is one of them:
With reference to the rating of tourist accommodation, the new law
entrust ATOUT FRANCE with the following assignments:
• Designing the rating reference systems
• Updating the rating reference systems
• Marketing the new rating system to professionals in the industry and
the general public
• Publishing the list of rated establishments after notification of the
rating decision and receipt of the full report from the Prefecture.
ATOUT FRANCE thus has total responsibility
for running the system.
6. The previous standards date back to 1986 and essentially established
standards for facilities. They have become inadequate for today’s market.
In addition, they were awarded without any time limit.
The new rating system aims to:
• Improve the clarity and quality of French hotels
• Align the positioning of luxury establishments with international
standards, and those of our competitive destinations, by creating a 5*
category
• Modernize infrastructures in the hotel sector with the financial help of
local government agencies who will promote innovation and growth
• Reinforce the attraction of France as a destination to the rest of the
world
8. The rating system remains voluntary and is now valid for 5 years which
means hotels must request a new inspection at the time to retain their
rating.
It covers 5 categories: from 1 to 5*. The categories 0* and 4*L no
longer exist.
9. There are now more than 240
inspection criteria!
To be classed in its desired category, the hotel must satisfy a number of
compulsory and optional requirements defined for each category.
An inspection guide determines the methodology for evaluating
establishments, in particular the validation method to be used for each
criterion.
From now on, the inspection will be carried out by an inspection agency
accredited by the French Accreditation Committee. The cost of this
inspection will be paid for by the hotel. For 4* and 5* categories, a
mystery guest will conduct a surprise auditing visit.
The rating will still be awarded by the French Prefecture (local
government agency)
10. To obtain its rating, the hotel must
follow three key stages:
• Request the inspection and submit the preliminary analysis
• Validate the full inspection report issued by the accredited inspection
agency within 15 days
• Submit its request to the Prefecture. The Prefecture verifies the accuracy of
the facts in the document submitted and together with the opinion issued
by the inspection agency makes a decision on the rating.
Once the rating decision has been made, the Prefecture sends the category
order and the whole file submitted by the hotel to ATOUT FRANCE for
publication of the rated establishments.
Finally, the rating system itself will evolve and must be reviewed at least once
every five years in order to keep up to date with the demands of the national
and international markets.
In order to be obtaining a valid rating, hotels
ng must request an inspection before
July, 21st 2012.
12. The 1986 reference system established around thirty criteria relating to
facilities.
Today, the new reference system proposes more than 240 inspection
points spread over three key areas:
• Facilities: more spacious areas, multimedia equipment...
• Customer services: foreign languages spoken, quality of service at
reservation, reception, additional services...
• Accessibility and sustainable development: access provided for
disabled people, adequate environmental policies...
13. Each criterion is allocated a number of points, based on two types of
criterion: “compulsory” and “optional”.
To obtain the rating in a given category, a minimum number of points
must be obtained (adding together the compulsory and optional points).
A hotel that does not achieve the required number of compulsory points
will not obtain a rating.
The combination of “compulsory” and “optional” points is designed to
identify and position each hotel such as:
‐ Geographical location: in the mountains, by the sea, in the city or in the
countryside
‐ Nature of establishment: historical monument, building or remarkable
setting
‐ Corporate or family-run
‐ Independent hotel or chain
17. Economy Hotels 1*
Establishments in this category offer minimum basic facilities, essentially
adapted to receiving French customers looking for a budget
accommodation. Reception is open at least 8 hours a day.
In terms of facilities, the floor area of the reception lobby and the lounges
is at least 20m² (215,2 sq.). The minimum size of a double room is 9m²
(96,8 sq.) (excluding bathroom). Bathrooms can be private or shared.
18. Mid-Range Hotels 2*
The level of comfort and facilities offered is higher than in the 1*
category. Reception is open at least 10 hours per day by staff speaking at
least one official European language in addition to French.
In terms of facilities, the floor area of the reception lobby and the lounges
is at least 30m² (322,8 sq.). The minimum size of a double room is 9m²
(96,8 sq.) excluding bathroom.
19. MID-RANGE HOTELS 3*
The level of comfort and facilities offered is adapted to an international
clientele. Reception is open 10 hours per day by staff speaking at least
one official European language in addition to French.
In terms of facilities, the floor area of the reception lobby and the lounges
is at least 30m² (322,8 sq.). The minimum size of a double room is
13.5m² (145,3 sq.) including bathroom.
In addition, the range of services must be offered to customers : Internet
access in public areas, vending machines, etc. and the public areas are
more spacious, at least 50m² (538 sq.), including a lounge area in
particular.
20. Top-of-the-Range Hotels 4*
The 4* category provides customers with a special reception and
attention.
The size of the public areas is at least 70m² (753,2 sq.), and the size of a
double room is at least 16m² (172,2 sq.) including bathroom. Rooms are
equipped with all necessary modern comforts (Internet, Wi-Fi, access to
international channels, desk, etc.) and air conditioning.
For hotels with more than 30 rooms, reception is open 24/7 (12/7 if less
than 30 rooms) and staff is fluent in at least one official European
language in addition to French.
21. 5* Luxury Hotels
The 5* category offers customers a special personalized reception
adapted to an international high-end clientele.
In terms of layout, the public areas are much larger (at least 90m² (968,4
sq.)), the rooms more spacious, providing at least 24m² (258,2 sq.)
including the bathroom.
Rooms are equipped with all the necessary modernized comforts (air
conditioning, Internet, Wi-Fi, access to international television channels,
desk, etc.) and offer a service in line with top international standards,
while still maintaining personalisation and creativity of layout and
decoration.
22. 5* Luxury Hotels
The new rating system will also make it easier for historic establishments,
which by their nature are subject to considerable layout constraints, to
find their right full category.
For hotels with more than 30 rooms, reception is open 24/7 (12/7 if less
than 30 rooms) and staff is fluent in English plus another foreign
language.
5* hotels offer their customers assistance and personal service (24/7
room service, valet parking, butler service, safes, room-service and
bathrobes...), and restaurant facilities at the hotel.
In addition, 5* establishments must offer a certain number of optional
services to its customers: swimming-pool, spa services, tennis,
hairdressing, fitness facilities...
23. Palaces
A special label will be implemented for the “Palaces “ in 2011 within
the 5 star category. These establishments will be historical
monuments in prestigious neighborhoods offering upscale
accommodations and services including starred restaurants and state
of the art spas.
These French Palaces will be characterized by a permanent quest for
excellence, perfection, luxury and historical value.
25. First rating sign with the new rating design was officially inaugurated on
February, 24th 2010 by Hervé Novelli, Tourism Minister at the Hotel Caron
3*, in Marais district of Paris.
