LESSON 1: The Traditional Hotel Industry. Evolution of the hospitality industry; the “service culture”; counting and measuring occupancy and sales; perishability; location; seasonality; classifying by size, type, and number of employees; rating systems; extended-stay hotels; resorts; European, American, and Continental plans; inns; bed-and-breakfasts.

14 July 2004
Note:/1=Actual                                                    
          /2= Tourism Strategy of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports

Accomodations

A myriad of accommodations is available throughout Thailand, ranging from 5-star luxury hotels to simple tents and bungalows. The price and type of lodging facilities on offer is associated with location, with Bangkok and major tourist cities boasting some of the best hotels in the world, while rudimentary rooms are more common in rural areas. Regardless, all types of accommodations in Thailand are known for being clean, efficient, and friendly, with world-class service and unbeatable hospitality that comes naturally for all Thais, being an integral component of the culture.

Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels in urban Thailand meet the international requirement standards and are renowned for their outstanding service and hospitality. Expect to be treated like a king, living in elegantly furnished rooms with modern amenities, recreational facilities and an extensive choice of the best dining outlets in town right at your fingertip. Compared with similar establishments in the West, these hotels provide much more value for your money. Examples : The Oriental , Hyatt Erawan , Hotel Plaza Athenee , Peninsula Bangkok

Resort Hotels
Similar to the luxury hotels, the resort hotels are unsurpassed in style, comfort, and value in comparison with their counterparts worldwide. Additionally, they offer astonishing, scenic views of their surroundings, whether it's the azure blue waters of the south or the rolling hills and forests of the north. Most were specifically designed to be unique, heavenly oasis, blending harmoniously with their environment, and offering a wide range of entertainment and gastronomic delights, with services provided by charming staff. Experience it for yourself at The Regent in Chiang Mai or the Sofitel in Hua Hin.

Guesthouses/ Beach Bungalows
Booming from the backpacker phenomenon of the 1970's, guesthouses offer superb value and charming memories for budget travelers. In Bangkok, these establishments are predominantly located on Khao San Road. In other major tourist cities and seaside towns, guesthouses and beach bungalows offer clean rooms and friendly service for a relatively cheap price, some as low as 100-400 baht per night. Some may have air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. Though the facilities may be basic, the quality of service has reputedly remained good. Beach bungalows may also be prone to insect invasions.

Provincial Hotels
Mainly found in rural areas throughout Thailand not often frequented by foreign and Thai visitors, they are generally multi-story or a row of concrete blocks containing identical rooms with choice of either air-conditioned or fan. They generally offer basic facilities, most often equipped with squatting toilets, and lack eating facilities. Though cheap and clean, they may be the only option available, especially in the remoter parts of Central and Northeastern Thailand.

Homestays
The latest tourism promotion for cultural immersion is to have guests sleep overnight in a local resident's house and to learn first-hand about the culture and lifestyle of their host. Visitors may choose to stay in hilltribe villages in the North, with rural people in the Northeast, or in traditional Thai houses owned by fruit orchard owners in Samut Songkhram, only 2 hours away from Bangkok. Besides the fact that both visitors and hosts learn from each other, the lodging is relatively cheap (from 100-500 baht/night) and provides an interesting experience.

National Parks
Camping is allowed in a majority of national parks for a minimal fee, though the facilities are extremely basic in comparison to the ones in Europe and North America. Camping has never really caught on in Thailand since cheap hotels are often located nearby, plus the annoyance of mosquitoes and other insects. However, many national parks have a limited number of clean, basic, concrete bungalows. It is highly advisable to book ahead by contacting the Forestry Department in Bangkok or the national park itself.

Monasteries
Monasteries are traditionally places of refuge and it is possible to stay overnight in a temple for a small donation, regardless if you are a Buddhist or not. Expect basic facilities and early rising, though co-ed accommodations are not available. Conservative attire and proper demeanor are expected.

Apartments
Though it is widely available in Thailand at very reasonable prices, not many short-term visitors look into this option since dining out is relatively inexpensive and rental contracts usually stipulate a stay of more than a few weeks.

Prices
Because Thailand is relatively affordable for Western and Japanese visitors, the wide range of accommodations is sure to be suitable for type of budget. The luxury hotels offer suites from 50,000 Baht to simple rooms for 10,000-15, 000 baht per night. Most lodgings in major tourist destinations cost between 1,000-5,000 baht per night. An air-conditioned, comfortable room in a standard provincial hotel may range from 700-1,500 baht. Guesthouses and homestays are the most economical means of lodging.

Prices vary depending on the time of the year. Nationwide, they are at their highest during the cool season (Nov-Feb) and are less during the hot season (Mar-May) and rainy season (Jun-Oct). The only exception is Bangkok where occupancy rate is high throughout the year and prices remain relatively fixed. Hotels in Chiang Mai and Phuket are fully booked during the cool season.

Local festivals and long weekends are other factors hotels exploit for raising prices. For example, seaside resorts in Hua Hin and in Chiang Mai are fully booked during Songkran Festival in April. Even the quiet town of Ubon Ratchathani is packed when they host the famous Candle Festival in July.

Special Rates
Whether calling to book in advance or walking into a hotel, it is always a good idea to ask about their promotions or special rates. During the low seasons, especially outside of Bangkok, many lodging facilities do offer special rates which could lead to substantial savings.

Tipping
Tipping has become a normal practice in Bangkok and the major tourist destinations. Use your discretion in rewarding for good services. Between 10 and 50 baht is considered adequate in most circumstances. Usually smiles and thank yous are often appreciative enough. Luxury hotels and resort hotels will automatically include a service charge with your full expenses.

Facilities for Children
Majority of luxury and resort hotels offers some sort of babysitting services and children can normally waived from hotel expenses. They also provide children pool and playground areas, but parents must provide their own supervision.

Disabled Travelers
The awareness of the needs of disabled travelers has not been fully developed in Thailand and few special facilities are provided, even in luxury hotels. Entrance ramps