In the dynamic hospitality industry, hotel classification serves as a crucial tool to ensure standardized service quality, transparency, and trust between service providers and customers. In India, hotel classification is governed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, which has laid out well-defined guidelines for the classification and reclassification of hotels. The classification not only aids tourists in choosing the right accommodation but also promotes India as a world-class tourism destination by maintaining consistency in hospitality standards.
Role of the Government’s Classification Committee
Ministry of Tourism and Classification Division
The Hotel
and Restaurant Approval & Classification Committee (HRACC), under the
Ministry of Tourism, is the apex body responsible for classifying hotels in
India. The committee comprises officials from the Ministry of Tourism,
representatives from the hospitality industry, travel agencies, and state
governments.
Objectives of the Committee
- Standardization of hotel services and
infrastructure
- Facilitation of quality assurance to
domestic and international tourists
- Boosting transparency and competitiveness
in the hospitality industry
- Encouraging hotels to continuously
upgrade and modernize facilities
Composition of HRACC
- Chaired by the Additional Director
General of the Ministry of Tourism
- Representatives from the Indian Institute
of Hotel Management (IHM)
- Nominees from Federation of Hotel &
Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI)
- Representatives from travel associations
like IATO, TAAI
- State tourism department officials
The
committee physically inspects hotels to verify whether the stated criteria are
met before granting classification.
Star Classification System in India
India uses
a Star Rating System ranging from One-Star to Five-Star Deluxe to
classify hotels based on a wide array of services, amenities, facilities, and
infrastructure. Here’s a breakdown:
Classification Categories
- 1-Star
- 2-Star
- 3-Star
- 4-Star
- 5-Star
- 5-Star Deluxe
- Heritage Hotels (Heritage, Heritage
Classic, Heritage Grand)
- Apartment Hotels
- Guest Houses (Silver, Gold)
Validity of Star Classification
- Classification is voluntary.
- Once granted, the classification is valid
for 5 years.
- Reclassification must be applied for 6
months before expiry.
Heritage Classification of Hotels
India
uniquely recognizes hotels operating in heritage buildings under the Heritage
Classification. This initiative encourages the conservation and adaptive
reuse of culturally significant properties.
Definition
Heritage
Hotels are those operating in palaces, havelis, forts, hunting lodges, and
traditional mansions built prior to 1950. These properties are categorized
into:
- Heritage (Basic)
- Heritage Classic
- Heritage Grand
Heritage Classification Criteria
|
Category |
Age of
Building |
Features |
|
Heritage |
Pre-1950 |
Basic modern amenities, traditional ambiance |
|
Classic |
Pre-1935 |
Superior room size, décor, and dining
facilities |
|
Grand |
Pre-1935 |
Luxurious standards, air-conditioning,
high-end services |
The
architecture and original style must be preserved. Additions must harmonize
with the existing structure.
Basis of Star Rating in Hotels
The star
rating is assigned based on an extensive list of criteria falling into multiple
categories.
Infrastructure Criteria
- Minimum number of rooms (10 or more)
- Size of rooms (single, double, suites)
- Attached bathrooms with modern fittings
- Reception, lobby, and public areas
- Parking area
Room Amenities
- Bedside tables, luggage racks
- Air-conditioning (mandatory for 3-star
and above)
- Wi-Fi internet access
- Clean linen and towels
- Wardrobes and hangers
- LED/LCD television
Food & Beverage Facilities
- Minimum one multi-cuisine restaurant
- Bar (optional)
- 24-hour room service
- Kitchen hygiene standards
Safety and Security Measures
- Fire and emergency procedures
- First-aid kit availability
- CCTV surveillance for 4-star and above
- Fire exit signs and extinguishers
- Staff training for emergency response
Guest Services
- Concierge service (from 4-star upwards)
- Business center (mandatory for 4-star and
above)
- Foreign exchange counters (for 5-star and
above)
- Valet parking
Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Daily room cleaning
- Pest control measures
- Waste management and segregation
- Laundry services
Staff Qualifications and Uniform
- Well-groomed, uniformed staff
- Multilingual reception staff (for 4-star
and above)
- Minimum qualification and experience
standards for key personnel
Environmental Practices (Eco Labeling)
- Water conservation
- Energy-saving lighting
- Green certifications (optional)
- Use of renewable energy sources
Differentiators for 5-Star Deluxe
- Luxury spa or wellness center
- Butler service
- Multiple specialty restaurants
- Chauffeur-driven luxury transport on
request
- High-end furnishing and décor
Performa for Star Classification
Hotels
seeking classification need to apply in a prescribed format along with a fee
and required documents.
Application Process
- Register online at
http://hotelcloud.nic.in
- Fill out the classification performa
- Upload all supporting documents (layout
plan, ownership, fire clearance, trade license, etc.)
- Pay the classification fee
- Schedule inspection with HRACC
- Receive classification certificate upon
approval
Key Documents Required
- Ownership deed / lease agreement
- Municipal license / trade license
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from fire
department
- FSSAI license for kitchen
- Building plan and completion certificate
- List of rooms with area and facilities
- Staff list with qualifications
Sample Performa Checklist
|
Area |
Criteria |
Points |
|
Rooms |
Min. size, amenities, air-conditioning |
25 |
|
Bathrooms |
Fittings, hygiene, hot/cold water |
20 |
|
Public Areas |
Lobby, parking, elevators |
15 |
|
Services |
Room service, housekeeping |
10 |
|
Security |
Fire safety, surveillance |
10 |
|
F&B |
Restaurant, kitchen hygiene |
10 |
|
Environment |
Waste disposal, energy saving |
10 |
|
Total |
100 |
Hotels must
achieve a minimum score to qualify for a specific star category.
Online System for Hotel Classification
The
Ministry of Tourism has introduced a centralized online classification
system to ensure transparency and minimize delays. The digital platform
allows hotels to track their application status and communicate with the
committee directly.
Benefits:
- Easy document upload
- Real-time status updates
- Centralized grievance redressal
- Faster inspection scheduling
Advantages of Star Classification
For Hotels:
- Recognition and credibility
- Better positioning in travel portals and
booking engines
- Access to government incentives and
tourism fairs
For Tourists:
- Standardized services across the country
- Reliable and safe accommodation choices
- Assists in budgeting travel expenditure
Reclassification and Declassification
- Hotels must reapply for classification 6
months before expiry
- Any alteration in services or
infrastructure may lead to reclassification
- In case of gross violation of norms, the
classification may be suspended or withdrawn
The star
classification of hotels plays a critical role in shaping India's image as a
high-quality travel destination. It ensures that service levels are benchmarked
and maintained uniformly across the country. The Ministry of Tourism, through
HRACC, continuously updates its guidelines to adapt to global hospitality
trends, digital transparency, and green practices.
