This research paper includes design standards and regulations for hospitality interior projects, specifically of a 5 Star hotel. A large field of standard dimensions are covered in this paper along with a case study done in Rotana Hotel, Al Ain, UAE. The research also elaborates the specific theme of French Rococo and its design inspirations.

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STUDIO IV – HOSPITALITY
RESEARCH PAPER
Azra Maliha
201420058

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INDEX
1. Hotel definition
2. Types of hotels
3. Psychology of hotels
4. The project concept
5. Historical theme
6. Inspirations from history
7. Project philosophy
8. Dubai municipality hotel regulations
9. Human dimensions
10.Circulation of restaurant spaces
11.Other important dimensions
12.Period furniture dimensions
13.5 star hotel regulations
14.Case study – Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Al Ain
15.Hotels reflecting the project theme
16.References

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Hotel definition
A hotel is a commercial formation which provides accommodation, lodging, meals and other
social, business and cultural services for travelers, tourists or local public. As it serves a large
variety of services in both commercial and hospitality fields, hotels can be categorized by size,
place, target markets, levels of services provided, ownership and affiliation etc.
Types of hotels
Size
1. Small hotels- under 100-150 rooms
2. Medium hotels- between 150- 299 rooms
3. Large hotels- between 300-600 rooms
4. Major hotels- over 600 rooms
Place
This classification is on the basis of hotel site and location.
1. Commercial or city hotel: situated in cities which mostly facilitates business related
services.
2. Resorts: these are usually located in natural and aesthetically pleasing sites for tourists and
vacation destinations.
3. Transit hotels: mainly provides accommodation facilities for passengers, so located at
airport, railway stations, bus stations, sea ports, etc. or nearby to these places.
4. Motels: these are situated nearby to motor ways or highways to provide lodging, food, and
other services.
5. Sub-urban motels: these are placed a bit away from main city, suitable services for budget
traveller.
Target markets
Based on the target market guest type they want to attract to a hotel, for example, businessmen,
corporates, casino, suites, etc.
1. Business hotels: the largest group in the hotel categories which serves business travellers and
corporate people, usually located in big cities, downtowns or business districts.
2. Airport hotels: serves airport passengers, overnight transit passengers, airport crew members
or for travellers whose flights gets delayed. This type is linked to transit hotels.
3. Suite hotels: these are among the trendy hotel services in the current market. In this type of
hotels they provide living room with the hotel bedroom, allowing the guests to have scope

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to relax and entertain.
4. Resort hotels: exotic hotels situated in countries and cities whose natural view is aesthetically
pleasing, soothing and calm for the guests. Resorts are popular choices for tourism, vacation
destinations or adventure stay overs. These hotels have amenities like golf, tennis, sailing,
skiing, boating, swimming, etc.
5. Extended stay hotels: they provide kitchen or kitchenette along with bedroom and living
room, suitable for guests who wish to stay more than a week but don’t want to spend on hotel
facilities.
6. Service apartments: similar to extended stay hotels, except provided with few more service
like washing machine, balconies, etc. guests who wish to stay more than a week up to a year
make lease agreement and stay at the hotel.
7. Casino hotels: these hotels have gambling and luxury casino facilities which functions as
supportive secondary marketing along with other hotel facilities.
Ownership
This type categorizes hotels into six according to how they are owned in a contractual way.
1. Independent hotels which are owned and operated independently.
2. Independently owned but given to lease to an operative being.
3. A single entity or organization own a particular hotel but hire a management company to
operate by signing contract. The management company may or may not require to invest on
the hotel.
4. Chain hotels, are series of hotels which are owned and run by one individual person or
company, like a chain.
5. Owned by a single person or organization but run by chain.
6. Owned by individual but operated by franchise, meaning a certain hotel chain authorizes an
individual hotel to use their trademark.
Levels of services provided (ranking system)
1. World class services: these are the luxury hotels, ranked 5 star and above which targets the
top level of guests and customers, business executives, political and media figures, etc. with
the best hotel facilities and services.
2. Midrange services: these hotels are the largest section which provide services to the normal
publics and travellers, ranked 3 star and 4 star. Services are adequate and affordable for a
great number of people in the society.
3. Limited or economy services: primarily provides comfortable, clean and good quality
lodging services for guests and travellers who don’t want to spend extra money on luxurious

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amenities or products.
Psychology of hotels
Every single thing in a hotel, starting from a reservation call to check out, have powerful
psychological effects on the guests and customers. This is because hotels are supposed to be
welcoming in a way that guests need, hence the service is called hospitality.
The most important things which affect psychologically to the guests minds are the hotel theme
and color scheme. This depends on the type of hotel and what kinds of major activities will take
place, for example creating different moods according to the theme, relaxed, uplifted, exciting,
soothing, cozy, etc.
The brand identity and level of services should complement the color scheme, theme, furnitures,
lighting and other design elements. This will allow guests to understand what kind of hotel it is
and whether or not it is what they are looking for. Color and lighting have very strong effect on
our perception and mood; for instance, red and orange is the color representing energy, stimulate
appetite, conversation, digestive system, etc. this is one of the reasons why Chinese restaurant
interiors have red, orange or similar shades, which also represents good luck and fortune relating
it with theme philosophy.
While designing hotels and resorts, we need to consider all the facts of customer comfort and
satisfactions. A well planned space, whether it is the bedroom, bathroom or hotel lobby will
aesthetically please the guests, as well as will serve smooth circulation and task.
The project concept
To design the main lobby, restaurant and swimming pool spaces of a 5 star hotel, considering all
the standard regulations, hospitality design ethics and psychological aspects in order to create a
welcoming and elegant luxury for the future guests.
Historical theme
The hotel’s interior spaces will be designed in a modern style, but elements from a certain
historical period as the main inspirations. In this project, the theme is French time period style
with Louis XIV and Louis XV being predominant.

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The French architecture was inspired by Greek and Roman periods. It includes different styles,
like renaissance, baroque, regence, rococo, and more, all being closely similar to each other but
there are noticeable differences in the designs of furnitures, ceiling and wall designs, color scheme
and other elements.
Inspirations from history
Elements:
 Columns, arches and designs of ceilings and walls
 Furnitures
 Motifs, moldings and decorative elements
 Paintings, sculptures.
Places:
 The palace of Versailles
 The Ebersmunster abbey church
 Hall of mirrors
 The Gardens
People:
 Louis XIV
 Louis XV
 Queen Marie Antoinette
 Mistress Madam Pompadour
 Jean Antoine Watteau (painter)

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Furnitures

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Architectural elements

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By Antoine Watteau
Madam Pompadour
Paintings

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Project philosophy
Renaissance means Rebirth, Baroque means Mannerism, Rococo stands for Rocaille or Shells and
Regence means Regent or administrator. Every style has its own deep gist and inspirations. French
theme is not just ornamentation or over the top decoration, but a century’s movements reflected
upon the designs.
Although modern, the hotel will bring the sensation of French royalty of 17th
century. The French
theme will complement the luxurious modernism of the 5 star hotel.
Color schemes (baroque and rococo)

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Dubai municipality hotel regulations
There are several codes and regulations by government of Dubai for hotels in terms of health and
safety, licensing, taxes and fees, construction guidelines, engineering consultancy rules, green
building regulations, etc.
According to Dubai municipality:
 Hotel buildings must be contracted with proper engineering without defects and with legal
licenses and documents.
 Sufficient ventilation and lighting must be provided, air conditioning systems should be well
maintained and as per DM requirements.
 Food preparation, storage and cooking spaces must be visited and maintained under the
conditions given by Food control department.
 Water tanks must be made with materials approved by DM and in contract with Water Tanks
Maintenance Company (also approved by DM). Filters and appropriate examinations must
be done.
 Washrooms must be provided with hygienic products along with regular cleaning schedule.
 Drainage system, solid disposal and pest control should be provided.
Swimming pool safety regulations:
 The design and hygiene of the hotel swimming pool should be in accordance to the Local
Order 11/2003, covering filtration system, re-circulation and disinfection of pool water and
other safety and hygiene measures taken at design process.
 Adequate safety equipment for people using the swimming pool must be provided.
 Qualified lifeguard should be appointed who is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
and approved life saving techniques.
 First aid, life ring and lift, gas mask for chlorine gas leakage, etc. shall be provided.
Swimming pool design regulations:
 Pool deck should only be used for functions it is meant to be.
 Slides (if provided) must be approved by the authorities.
 Barricade or obstructions must be provided to separate kids’ pool from adults’ ones.
 Pipelines and other construction elements should be designed in such a way that they won’t
become obstruction. Avoid sharp edges.
 Any change in swimming pool design must be approved by Public Health and Safety
Department before implementation.
 Proper ventilation shall be provided if swimming pool is in a closed place.

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Human Dimensions
Bar space:
A – 193- 213 cm
B – 168-183 cm
C (small counter width) – 25-30.5 cm
D & F (customer activity zone) – 45-61 cm
E (circulation zone) – 76.2 cm
K (counter height) – 106-114 cm
J (footrest height) – 17-22 cm
A (customer activity zone) – 76 cm
B (work activity) – 61-76 cm
C (work activity) – 71-96.5 cm
A – 152-167 cm
B – 45-61cm
C – 91.4 cm
L – 24 cm

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A – 193- 213 cm
B – 45-61cm
C – 91.4 cm
E (sitting zone) – 30.5-45.7 cm
F (back counter height) – 88.9-91.4 cm
G (counter height) – 106.7 cm
H (stool height) – 76.2-78.7 cm
K (footrest height) – 30-33 cm

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A – 193- 223.5 cm
B – 163-197 cm
C – 106 cm
D – 76.2 cm
E – 40.6-43.2 cm
F – 73.7- 76.2 cm

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Circulation of restaurant spaces
The circulation area for hotel restaurant must be minimum of 3 feet, with the main corridor
inside being 5 feet. The passages between tables should be 2 feet minimum.

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Other important dimensions

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Period furniture dimensions

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5 star hotel regulations
Hotel lobby and reception:
 Hotel entrance and lobby area must represent the brand identity of the hotel.
 Minimum of three receptionist spaces must be included with additional staff for
room allotting.
 Designated concierge desk or help desk should be provided apart from the reception.
 Furnishings, décor and fittings of excellent quality and conditions, with luxurious
standards.
 Environment size should provide generous amount of space for circulation and
personal spaces.
 Additional facilities should be provided like secondary dining, business center, etc.
 Excellent lighting, air conditioning and temperature control.
 Impressive and attractive entrance hall with clearly designated reception area.
Bars, lounges and restaurant areas:
 Excellent quality environment, sufficient size of seating spaces, well-designed
layout to provide generous amounts of personal and circulation space with privacy
of guests.
 Variety of seating arrangements with range of environments.
 High quality furnitures and other accessories.
 The design shall reflect the type food which will be served in this area.
 Total seating capacity will be linked to number of guest bedrooms.
Administrations and other facilities:
 A back office must be provided attached or behind the reception counter, preferably
hidden or semi-hidden from public view. This office can be used as money vault,
important document storages, security room, etc.
 All types of management and administration areas should be designed favoring
maximum ease of availability for the staff members.
 Minimum of x2 person lift for guests and x1 passenger service lift must be provided.
 Luggage unload/load services should be provided.

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Case study – Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Al Ain
Al Ain Rotana is a 5 star hotel, situated at the heart of al Ain city, 25 minutes drive from
Al Ain International airport, making its location the most convenient for all citizens. It
consists of 242 elegant rooms, suites, studio, villas and chalets with six world-class
restaurants. It has swimming pool and gym workout area along with Zen the Spa.
Hotel facilities:
 Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club
 Squash and Tennis courts
 Animation team
 Wi-Fi services
 Business center with professional secretarial support
 Rooms for guests with special needs
 Smoking rooms
 Gift shop
 Hair and Beauty salon
 Babysitting upon request
 Doctor on call
 Car and limousine rental
 Multi-lingual employees
 Valet parking and dedicated parking area
Available room types:
1. classic room (king or twin)
2. classic one bedroom suite
3. premium bedroom (king or twin)
4. premium one bedroom suite
5. chalets one bedroom
6. chalets two bedrooms
7. villa two bedrooms
8. Falaj studio
9. Falaj suite

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Zakher ballroom B
Zakher ballroom A
Lulu majlis B
Lulu majlis A
Zakher ballroom C
Main entrace
Function rooms layout

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Restaurants
1. TRADER VIC'S (French Polynesian): The restaurant has Polynesian style and décor
with unique Chinese oven, reflecting the time of Han Dynasty. Mai Tai bar is the ideal
place to sit and chat, served signature cocktails and cuisine.
2. MIN ZAMAN (Lebanese/Arabic): traditional Lebanese and Arabic cuisine along with
the entertainment of belly dancer and singer. Guests can choose outdoor or indoor seating.

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This restaurant space had a shisha place while entering, with an attractive chandelier as seen in above
picture. The floor was marble, and shisha space wooden parquet. Walls were decorated in a mixture
of glass tiles, wooden paneling. A soothing, dimmed lighting mood is created. The environment
gives Arab culture feeling, with the chairs upholstered and comfortable.

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3. ZEST (international restaurant): international cuisine served for breakfast, lunch
and dinner with live cooking stations.

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4. MOODZ (lounge bar): classic and elegant lounge bar with DJ and moodz cocktail
services.
5. AQUARIUS (pool side dining): aesthetically pleasing eating space with vibrant
cocktails, soothing music and refreshing atmosphere.
This space starts after the reception, on the left, before the entrance of swimming pool. Its two steps up,
leveled space with 3 different kinds of counters, filled with buffet, fruits, drinks and others. The counters
are lit with under lights, ceiling with cove lights. The floor is again a combination of wooden parquet and
marble slabs. In the mid sitting area, the floor is made of glass, with pebbles and lighting underneath.
There are also seating arrangements along the façade, viewing the swimming pool. Right side, near the
wall are private space with wooden claddings. Overall it’s a nice combination of cozy and energetic place.

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6. ATRIUM CAFÉ (lobby café): situated in the main lobby area, this space provides
selection of tea, coffee, homemade pastries and light snacks.
The lobby
The lobby instantly gives a view and feeling of luxury and elegance soon after the entrance.
Its an open space, with heights same as the 5 floors. The roof is a shading system, which
provides sufficient lighting at daytime that they do not use any artificial lights. Reception
area is clearly designated, with the atrium café in the middle. Seating arrangements are
done in variety of spaces. There are also two separate desks for tourism and customer
manager help desk. There is also a piano kept in the corner of the lobby.

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The swimming pool
A very elegant place, consisting of a main pool, a kid’s pool and a Jacuzzi. A bar is placed
midst of the main pool serving cocktails. The pool side deck is has deck chairs. There is
also grass path with kids’ playground. The pavement guides the path to the Aquarius
restaurant beside the pool, while the corridor also have this cozy, dark, mysterious seating
arrangements (pictures above). The corridor is also the ways to enter to different
restaurants, like the Min Zaman, Zest, etc.

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Hotels reflecting the project theme
 Hotel Violette
 Hotel de Soubise
 Ritz hotel, Paris
 Hotel de Lassay Palais Bourbon Paris

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References
 Time Saver- human dimension standards book
 www.google.com/images (pictures)
 www.pinterest.com (pictures)
 www.rotana.com
 http://www.jean-antoine-watteau.org/the-complete-works-6-24-3-0.html
 http://www.designsponge.com/category/interiors
 http://algedra.ae/en/blog/rococo-style-in-architecture-and-interior-design
 http://essenziale-hd.com/2012/12/10/style-at-a-glance-rococo/
 http://hotelinteriordesigns.eu/category/resort-hotels/
 http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/last-week-we-looked-at-96472
 http://the-sdg.com/journey-through-paris-rococo-style-at-the-hotel-de-soubise/
 https://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Art/rococo.shtml
 http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/estate/palace
 https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/the-baroque-
period-27/architecture-of-the-baroque-period-901/french-architecture-in-the-baroque-period-
versailles-647-7500/
 http://setupmyhotel.com/train-my-hotel-staff/front-office-training/76-classification-of-hotels.html
 http://www.slideshare.net/AndresRuiz54/classification-48688855
 http://economic-mgmt.blogspot.ae/2012/11/classification-of-hotels-by-location.html
 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/stuck/200911/the-psychology-hospitality
 https://login.dm.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/ccb46b48-86a8-4939-95c8-06949ebb2db1/DM-
PH%26SD-P7-WI03-
(Health+Requirements+for+Hotels+%26+Furnished+Apartments).pdf?MOD=AJPERES
 https://www.dm.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/1255210046cabc3fad67effd83920d2a/DM-PH%26SD-
P7-TG01-(Guidelines+for+Swimming+Pool+Safety).pdf?MOD=AJPERES
 https://esiinteriors.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/the-psychology-of-colour-in-hospitality-spaces/
 http://www.theaa.com/staticdocs/pdf/travelandleisure/hotels/quality_standards_for_hotels.pdf
 http://www.fitzwilliamhotelbrand.com/ENG/static_files/files/brand-standards.pdf