History of Accommodation

What I have said about the means of repair could be repeated with reference to the
means of accommodation. For millennia, man lived in caves. The first
The houses they built were huts or tents made with skins, tree branches.
and other vegetables. In war expeditions, these were used.
techniques for accommodating troops during their movements and during long
sieges.

When the primitive cart evolved and became widespread, it adopted suitable forms for
that the displaced would sleep on board and protect themselves against the elements,
As I mentioned in the previous chapter, the courier services offered
accommodations on the route for travelers and stabling and feed for the animals of
cargo. Also, vessels of a certain size offer their crew members
(warriors or merchants) repair and overnight stay in very limited spaces, no
not only in the early times but even up to three or four centuries ago, since the
primitive vessels were not designed to transport passengers but
for materials and troops. As Norval (op. cit.) says, the origin and the history of the
hospitality is of great interest and is fascinating. Norval seeks the history and the
reason for being of these services in the needs of commerce and transportation in
antiquity, without realizing that, before the expeditions arose
merchant activities, there were already military expeditions, sieges, and blockades of the cities

enemies to conquer.

As long as it is accurate to think that war preceded trade, we can

assuming that the initial solutions to the problem of meeting the needs of
eating, drinking, and resting during the travels should have been provided by the leaders

military personnel from ancient times. The movements of the troops were very
slow in the past, the march was done at no more than four or five km/hour. The
troops needed months and even years to approach their military objective, and the
same time, or more, to return. Once in the vicinity of the enemy
he proceeded to besiege it. Siege comes from the Latin obsidio, from the verb to besiege, which also meant
sit, according to Corominas and Pascual. The site could last for years. The city of Tyre, by
example, was besieged for eleven years by Babylonian troops. Many cities
they suffered sites that lasted for years. During such long periods of time, it was necessary to

resolve issues of overnight stay, food, and occupancy in inactivity of

a large number of warriors, many of them mercenaries. The solution consisted of
in the installation of camps, true makeshift cities built
with lightweight materials, which had to include kitchens, dining areas, urinals,
first aid kits, security bodies and even, in certain cases, means of distraction
to make the wait more bearable until the right moment arrived for it
attack.

We can, therefore, consider the first form of mobile hospitality the

self-produced by those in charge of the mayor's office for the service of the expeditions
merchants' expeditions, which have fewer members than the military ones,
they should have imitated these forms of mobile hospitality. The subsequent generalization
the trade prompted the emergence of hospitality commercial services in the
the same cities visited, whether as a stopover or a destination, as we have already mentioned. In

In the most remote antiquity, there were no accommodations open to the public in the sense

modern that offered accommodation to travelers in exchange for the stipulated price,
Norval asserts in the cited work. More useful is the phrase in which the cited
The author says that foreigners were offered hospitality in a widespread manner.
for being a social obligation and a public burden that taxed the subjects.
Those who were traveling abroad were not sure of finding a
pleasant reception. Foreigners were welcomed at the establishment and, upon
to leave, they were asked for their name, permanent address, and the purpose of the
stay.

Many wealthy people in ancient times competed with each other by offering free hospitality to the

foreigners. In Greece, between the year 1000 and 500 B.C., agreements were made between
states to carry out trade exchanges. Some of these ancient states
Greeks built state inns where pilgrims ate and stayed.
they were housing freely.
As support for the caravans, services were developed since Antiquity
hospitality known as caravanserai, caravansar or caravanserai,
installations financed by the rulers and conceived to accommodate a large
number of people passing through. In a caravanserai, there could be facilities for
different levels of benefits, from those dedicated to the solemnly poor
even those that ensured high comfort for officials and merchants
wealthy. A caravanserai could integrate palaces and mosques. Historians
they cite the example of the caravanserai of Aliabad, built in the 19th century between
Tehran and Qum, equipped with baths, shops, warehouses of goods and
luxury accommodations for high-level individuals, a clear and distant precedent of
the modern establishments, so common today in advanced countries,
establishments that George Ritzer qualifies as means or cathedrals of
consumption. The anonymous author of Journey to Turkey refers to the Turkish carabanzas.
When talking about the inns of Constantinople in the 16th century: There are many inns
they call them carabanzas but since the Turks are not so generous nor do they use torreznos

(lazy ones) like us, there is no mention of beds or food, before in

I didn't see any signs of those who had a host or anyone along the whole way.
some stables with a single roof on top and inside on one side
and another full of chimneys, and high like a tailor's board, although it is not
wood but of earth, where people settle, with no more bed or bedding, not even
stable for the horses, but among so many companions they take a chimney of
you are with their saddles, and there they place their gear on which they sleep laying underneath

a little hay.

In the large Islamic cities, there were accommodations called han that were very similar.
to the caravanserais, and, like these, positioned on the most traveled roads. Among
the most well-known is the one in Istanbul, built in 1764. More modest
they were the establishments called fondac. The French aristocrat Charles de
Foucauld (see Journey to Morocco 1883–1884. Olañeta, Palma de Mallorca, 1998)
describe the fondac as a vast square enclosure whose perimeter is provided with
the interior of a shed; travelers settle under this shelter, and the animals
they stay in the center: the owner of the place receives a small compensation for
animals and people; also sells barley and straw.

In the Egyptian temples of the New Kingdom, there were facilities oriented towards the

accommodation for outsiders, generally nobles and merchants. The same happened in
Greece, where there were temples with areas designated for the provision of services
accommodation.

Public accommodations began to appear during the Roman Empire,

located along trade routes and major public roads.
Most of these accommodations were third class since in them you
They only attended to the poorest classes. The landlords had a bad reputation;
for the police they were regarded the same as thieves and gamblers
professionals since they were liars and cheats, adulterated the wine and stole the
oats from the feed of the guests' horses. The accommodations were not to
more than brothels, although in the busiest commercial places
And in the leisure centers along the coast, there were quite good hotels.

The offer of quality accommodation services in European cities of the century

XVI was attended to by the rental of palatial residences. Stendhal recounts in
Italian chronicles that Prince Paolo Orsini decided to spend a long stay in
the baths of Albano, near Padua, then dependent on the Republic of
Venice, with which the Orsini house was linked by reciprocal services. For this,
he rented three palaces: one in Venice, the Dandolo palace, on Zecca Street; the
second in Padua, the Foscarini palace, located in the beautiful square called the
Arena; he chose the third one in Salo, next to the delightful shore of Lake Garda. This
last had formerly belonged to the Sforza Pallavicini family. But also
there were inns that provided hospitality services paid per person and per day,
some of high quality. I will use as an example those mentioned by the anonymous author of Journey

from Turkey: It has two distinguished inns (Milan), where any prince can
you can retire by what they call taverns: the one of the Falcon and the one of the Three Kings. They were

establishments that integrated accommodation and catering, two services

hospital services that are usually provided together for a price
global. In the case of the mentioned inns, the food and overnight stay per person
and the day including the stabling and the feed for the mount was in the middle of the century.
Sixteen of four and a half reales.

The low demand for hospitality services that existed during the Middle Ages was
attended by the offer of non-profit institutions. The demand did not justify
the opening of private establishments dedicated to offering services of
hospitality.

The few that existed were of very poor quality, as we have already mentioned. The progressive

increase in demand that brought with it the reactivation of the economy that followed
the great discoveries of the 16th century, provoked a growing interest from
from the private initiative. Sales and inns emerged on the busiest routes,
which were also the ones that received the first attentions to improve them for
part of the rulers.

English inns appeared in the late 17th century. They were establishments
commercials dedicated to providing lodging services (accommodation and refurbishment) to
the outsiders and represented a notable advance. They offered individual rooms,
what was once a valuable contribution, and that, when generalized, marked
the quality threshold. The term inn is used in England to form expressions
Inns of Courts (London buildings owned by the four societies that
they detained the admission rights of those aspiring to practice law
Inns of Chancery (also London buildings that were used as residences)
of law students managed by authorized societies). In both
cases concerned the lodging integrated into institutions related to the
teaching, similar to teacher training colleges and the so-called ones in Spain
Major Colleges.

The hotel has never limited itself to providing accommodation services. It has always been customary

that integrates the provision of repair services and other services. In the 19th century
it already included laundry services, reading rooms, hairdressing, commerce
specialized, sports facilities, meeting rooms, conferences and
exhibitions. The hotel is a type of establishment that, although it has maintained its
primitive name, has long been an integrated company of numerous and
varied services offered to both outsiders and residents.

The new accommodations were partly inspired by the English model of inns, and
they were frequently located in port cities, at the service of the
needs arising from the development of maritime transport. The hotel is a
French innovation. It adopted the same name as the small palaces of the
aristocracy in the surroundings of Paris and other cities. But besides the name
the style of luxury hotels of the nobility was imitated, as well as their usual
servitude (cooks, waiters, maidservants, coachmen, etc.).

The accommodation services were provided until then by staff without

training and in makeshift facilities. With the emergence of the hotel, a transition is made into a

stage characterized by the provision of repair and accommodation services to

through modern trading companies, where they are continually integrated and
they offer new commercial services to the guests

In the first generation of hotels, the Great Western Hotel stands out.
near Paddington station, the Great Northern Hotel, at the terminal
King Cross railway station, and the Grosvenor Hotel, near Victoria station, all
they opened in the mid-19th century in London. The first hotels were
oriented, in general, to a very specific type of clientele, the passing traveler. The
Transatlantic passenger transportation companies were the first to offer
on board repair and overnight services. Many of them incorporated
hotel services with the luxury of the most luxurious hotels, as shown in the example
of the Titanic, the most modern, luxurious, and safe transatlantic ship of its time, which had the

misfortune of to shipwreck in yes first journey (1912)

The culmination of the first hotel generation was the contribution

carried out by an innovative Swiss businessman, César Ritz (1850 - 1918). The first
The hotel that bore his name opened its doors in Place Vendôme in Paris in 1898.
In a few years, the company became a luxury hotel chain with
establishments in the major cities of the world.

Luxury hotels of the early 20th century were not like today's. Despite
which were considered luxury hotels, not all the rooms had a bathroom
private, a service that later became the threshold of quality
unacceptable hospitality. A Ritz hotel became synonymous with establishment of
great luxury where one can stay with their eyes closed because the brand is
undisputed. Hotels ceased to be exclusively establishments limited to
the production of hospitality services to start or if one wants to resume it
integration of other productive lines in the same establishment (attractions,
distractions
teaching, fairs, exhibitions...) After the Ritz revolution, a hotel,
decidedly, a establishment where, in addition to eating, drinking, sleeping and
to rest, it is possible to meet, to make friends, to buy luxury items, to practice
sports and having scientific and business meetings, among many others
activities.

The second hotel revolution took place in the United States around the third
the decade of the 20th century. It marks the beginning of the era of the great brands.

transnational companies and the peak of brand usage is reached. The hotels
North Americans followed the English pattern of developing a specific project and, to
The difference of the European continental hotels has always been their large size.
Hotels continued to expand beyond providing hospital services. The hotel
American includes four daily refreshments in the price.
This tariff system is globally known as AP, the initials of the
American Pension

The Westin brand was created in 1930 in the United States. In 1946, it introduced payment with

credit card, was the first hotel company to establish the service of
rooms available 24 hours a day and the telephone voicemail service.
Returning to the hospitality services offered in real estate facilities,
We can now mention youth hostels and nursing homes. The
Youth hostels are facilities dedicated to providing accommodation services.
and repair at low prices although subject to the established regulations by the
International Youth Hostel Federation. The first youth hostel for students and
The school was founded in 1884 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. K. Fischer, the founder
the youth movement known as Wandervögel (migratory birds) facilitated
In 1896, the development of a network of simple shelters to be able to spend the night.
night during the educational excursions of various stages carried out by schoolchildren
under the care of their monitors or teachers

Like hotels, youth hostels are also of two types: transient or

transit and prolonged stays of several days. Similar to the shelter, although with
certain differences, it is called camping. The overnight facilities are
In this case, canvas shops or other lightweight materials, although they must have
also with other collective facilities, generally similar to those of the
hostels (living room, kitchen, sinks, washbasins, dining rooms, etc.) and with the same
The camping movement began in Europe in the late 19th century.

Tourist
Actor and object of tourism, we could not understand the activity if we do not understand
to the tourist.

In short: 'the tourist is a biopsychosocial entity that has desires, needs,

spending capacity, free time, and above all seeks pleasure and recreation in their travel.

Types of Tourism

There are multiple ways to classify tourism, based on the activity or trip.
what is done will be characterized by different variables that must be
considered in order to differentiate them.

ACCORDING TO THE MOVEMENTS

National Tourism
International Tourism
ACCORDING TO THE ORIGIN OF THE CURRENT
Recreational Tourism
Outbound Tourism
ACCORDING TO THE REASONS FOR THE TRIP
Health Tourism
Leisure Tourism
Religious Tourism
Commercial Tourism
Cultural Historical Tourism
ACCORDING TO THE FORM OF TRAVEL
Independent Tourism
Organized Tourism
Group Tourism
ACCORDING TO THE STAY IN THE
DESTINATION PLACE
Itinerant Tourism
Stay Tourism
ACCORDING TO TOURISM SPENDING
Luxury Tourism
Medium Tourism
Popular Tourism
Subsidized Tourism
ACCORDING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

High
Medium
Under
Protected (abrazed areas)

Legal Aspects of Tourism

CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS OF TOURISM

Within tourism, there is a legal framework that guides and supports development.
tourist; among other instruments are available:

National Constitution.

Organic Law of Tourism

Timeshare and Multiproperty Law

Law on Casinos and Slot Machines

Law on Foreigners and its Regulations

Land Transportation Law

Partial Regulation of the Organic Law of Tourism about Establishments of

Tourist Accommodation

Regulation on Travel and Tourism Agencies

Organic Law of the Environment

Organic Law for the Ordering of the Territory

Law of Conservation and Sanitation of Beaches

Article 310 of the National Constitution

Tourism is an economic activity of national interest, a priority for the country.
in its strategy of diversification and sustainable development.
Within the foundations of the socioeconomic regime provided for in this
constitution, the State will dictate the measures that guarantee its development.
The state will ensure the creation and strengthening of the national tourism sector.
 Article 34 Organic Law of Tourism: The development of tourist activities
it must be carried out with respect for the environment, aimed at achieving growth
sustainable economic, both in the natural and cultural aspects, capable of satisfying
equally the needs and aspirations of present generations and
futures.

Article 61 Organic Law of Tourism: are providers of tourism services:

1. People who engage in tourism activities in the country, such as: guiding,
transport, accommodation, recreation, food and beverage supply, rental
of ships, aircraft and land transport vehicles and any other service
intended for tourism.

2. People who are dedicated to organization, promotion, and marketing.

from the services mentioned in the previous paragraph, on one's own account or that of third parties.

Types

HOTEL: It is the establishment that permanently provides the service of

accommodation in rooms with private bathroom service, offering the guest
basic and complementary services, according to their category and modality; being their
daily accommodation rate by room type and number of occupants.

RESIDENTIAL HOTEL: It is an establishment that provides services permanently.

the service of accommodation in apartments or cabins, offering the guest a
minimum of basic and complementary services according to their category and modality;
with its daily accommodation rates and special rates for long stays,
no less than fifteen days, by type of apartment or cabin and number of
occupants.
MOTEL: It is the establishment that permanently provides the service of
accommodation in rooms with private sanitary service, offering the guest
basic and complementary services, according to their category and modality. Located
generally in the vicinity of motorways, outside the areas
urban

PENSION: It is the establishment that permanently provides the service.

accommodation in rooms with private and/or common collective sanitary service.
At the guest's request, food service is offered under the regime
full or half; being its accommodation rate periodic – daily, weekly,
biweekly or monthly and will include in each case the agreed meal plan with
the guest.

Lodging: It is the establishment that permanently provides the

accommodation service in rooms with private and/or shared bathroom services
collective. Offering a minimum of basic services, with their rates being
accommodation periodic - daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly by type of
room or bed.

CLASSIFICATION

ACCORDING TO ITS CATEGORY

Five Stars
Four Stars
Three Stars
Two Stars
A Star

ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF CLIENTELE

Commercials
Vacation
Casinos

ACCORDING TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

Independents
Chains

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Client

It is the person to whom our products and services are directed, therefore our
effort must be directed towards your needs and requirements. For this reason
we must provide warmth, welcome him with a smile, show satisfaction with his
visit, treat him with kindness, distinction, be polite, respectful, demonstrating in
every moment that we are able to perform our work efficiently and
quality.

The most important person in the accommodation is the client; to whom one must provide
a courteous deal and a constant attitude of service; making them feel how pleased we are
your visit and create an environment that allows him to feel at home, a satisfied customer
will return and recommend the services to their family and friends.

Types

INTERNAL CLIENT: They are the people who work in the tourism sector and require
the information or product to complement a process and/or develop a
product.

EXTERNAL CLIENT: They are individuals, groups, or companies that request the services.
from the tourism sector, with quality and in exchange for which it will pay an amount of
money.

According to the frequency of customer service requests, it can be:

OCCASIONAL: It is one that, due to some reference or coincidence, comes to request the
services and attention of the establishment. This type of customer can become
fixed client, depending on the optimal development of the work carried out for
satisfy their accommodation needs.

HABITUAL: Those whose service requests are frequent, therefore we have

information from them in file.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS. They are mostly people who are affiliated

to any internationally recognized travel system or organization, according to the
politics.

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES: They are clients who will stay for a short time in
our establishment and require quick, safe, and comfortable attention.

VIP (Important Persons): They are very special clients who require a
attentive service from the moment of reservation and throughout your stay.
It is important to remember that all customers are important to the company.
they depend on the success of it.

Standards

1. FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER

Listen carefully to the client
Stay calm in any situation that arises.
Look the customer in the face and pay attention to their gestures
Answer the question clearly, precisely, and in a timely manner.

Use a tone of voice appropriate to the situation

Show the customer that at that moment he is the most important.
Be aware of the client's non-verbal communication

2. SPECIFY THE NEED OF THE CLIENT

Form questions such as: when, where, who, how, why
Summarize what the client says in order to verify its content.
Check with the client if that is the true need.

3. STIMULATE THE CLIENT

Address the client by their name
Listen to the customer without interruptions
Treat the customer like an adult

4. SERVICE-CENTERED ACTIONS
Provide explanations: Explain the rules of the establishment and the
fundamentals
Refer to the client: Indicate the person or department that will assist the client in the
situation

5. PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT SERVICE

Serve the customer quickly
Formulate precise questions
Analyze the responses of the customer or guest
Provide the service
Ensure that the customer is satisfied.
Provide alternatives to satisfy the customer or guest