Definition: A Full Service Hotel property subtype typically has a full array of services available to the traveler. The extent of these amenities varies, depending on the type of the hotel/motel (star rating, etc.), particular chain, etc. However, at a bare minimum, the property should offer: on-site restaurant or dining facilities; meeting or banquet rooms; swimming pool; and 24-hour lobby/front desk. Other amenities frequently found in full-service facilities include: business centers; one or more retail shops to serve guests; more extensive health clubs; and transportation to and from airports or other nearby destinations. Floor plans of the guest rooms vary the most of any type of hotel property, from basic guest rooms, to “junior’ suites, to larger suites suitable for VIP parties. This type of property is usually the most susceptible to profitability pressure, due to the fact that there are relatively high operating costs, due to the full service nature of the property, while the same time there is pressure on revenues, due to the fact that the property often competes with limited service properties in close proximity, which can charge lower room rates. This subtype typically ranges from 500-room resorts to 300-room all-suite hotels. Resort hotel properties are characterized as properties that are the destination and/or attraction themselves for travelers. People come to a resort for the resort itself and often for no other purpose. Usually set in locations of significant natural beauty or with other nearby dominant attractions, resorts feature the amenities of a full-service hotel property, often with additional amenities such as various sports facilities and/or swimming pools, manicured grounds and landscaping, special and/or premium entertainment offerings and guest activities of various types. There are usually adequate facilities for meetings and/or conferences, as many business functions are often held at resorts. Resorts are often clustered in close proximity to other resorts. While operating costs tend to be high at most resort properties, room revenues are usually less susceptible to pressure, due to the destination characteristics of the property and the lower sensitivity to price among most of the propertys customers.
