NEW "Stars & Diamonds" HOTEL RATING SYSTEM

Mexico’s tourism industry took a big step forward in 1999 with the creation of a new, independent hotel rating system. Launched as a joint venture between the Ministry of Tourism, the Mexican Hotel & Motel

Association, and the National Tourism Council, the program is based on an extenxive study of 16 different hotel rating models from around the world.

The hotel association expects to have inspected some 1,000 properties by year’s end. Properties will be scrutinized and evaluated by specialized and impartial inspectors and results will be compiled and published by a private, non-profit certification organization (CALMECA)."Stars will be awarded based on the property’s physical attributes on a one to-five star basis. "Diamond" (one-to-five) will be awarded based on service, amenities, uniqueness of setting, ambiance, and decorative elements.

In the meantime, the older rating system (see below) is still being used.

* One to Five Stars: one star being the most limited on services, and five stars having superior amenities and international standars.

* Gran Turismo: The highest rating in Mexico, reserved for properties with exceptionally high quality amenities; a notch above five stars.

* Categoria Especial: Reserved for special properties that possess distinct features beyond those included in the star ratings beyond those included in the star ratings. These might included an history location (i.e. a converted convent or colonial mansion), a special location or a truly unique style of architecture.

This rating system shoul be used only as a guideline. It is based solely on a set of physical amenities (pool, air conditioning, number of restaurants, etc.). without regard for features such as location, service, historical significance, maintenance, etc. It does not acrry any specific pricing significance either, except for the fact that prices usually rise with the number of stars. Note: All star ratings in this Guide were taken from the "Directorio de Hoteles de Mexico" 2000 edition.

It is not uncommon to find four star, and sometimes even three star properties that surpase higher rated hotels in terms of service and quality. For most international visitors, we recommend using only three stars and above in Mexico City, Guadalajara and other metropolitan areas only four star and above properties are recommended.

AAA RATINGS

Thanks to a 1993 agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the American Automobil Association, AAA is undertaking an ambitious project to inspect lodging establishments throughout Mexico. In 1999, over 1500 properties received certification as either meeting or exceeding AAA standars. These ratings are included in this guide, and should be interpreted as follows:

* Meets AAA Basic requirements for recommendation.

** Exceeds AAA minimun requirements.

*** Significantly exceeds AAA minimun requirements in many areas.

**** Exceptional; exceeds AAA minimun requirements in most areas.

***** Renowned; awarded only to exceptional properties.

Please note that if a property listed in this guide does not contain a AAAdiamond rating, this does not mean the property did not pass inspection; it may not have been visited by inspectors.

MINI-BARS

Most tourist class hotels offer small inroom refrigerators. These are stocked with domestic and imported items (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, candy, nuts, etc.). Refer to the price list before diving in. Items are generally expensive.

GT

5 Star

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

ROOM FLOOR NUMBERS AND ELEVATORS

Floor numbers in Mexico are indicated as in Europe. Bottom floors in Mexico are referred to as the planta baja. In elevators the bottom floor is indicated by the letters "PB." The next floor up is the first floor (known to most North Americans as the second floor).

UPON CHECK-IN

The front desk (also known as Recepción) is where guests check-in. Even with pre-paid vouchers, guests are asked for a credit card for incidentals. A charge slip is run and the guest is asked to sign the blank slip. While somewath unusual elsewhere, this is a common practice in Mexico and should not be viewed with suspicion.

UPON CHECK-OUT

Since express check-out is rare in Mexico, guests need to allow a few extra minutes for check-out at the hotel’s front desk. Often there will be a line, and the final tally of your charges may take a few minutes.

SUGGESTION: Stop by the front desk the day before check-out and request a copy of your bill to review charges. Then report any discrepancies to avoid delays the following morning. If guests need a late check-out (after 1:00pm), inquire at the front desk. There is usually no problem in extending check-out a couple of hours when advance notice is given. Once the billis settled, guests are often given a pase de salida, or an exit pass. This slip of paper is given to the bellman as you depart the hotel.

TELEVISION

Most tourist-class properties now have satellite dishes or cable TV and offer in-room movie channels, ESPN, CNN, MTV and a host of other stations. Other claim to have dishes but only tune is domstic Spanish networks and one or two American chanels. It is also common upon check-in for properties to hand out a remot control. Remember to return this to the front desk upon check –out. Look for the expansion of in-room movie services into Mexico in 2000. According to reports, over 35,000 hotel rooms were equipped with this service by 2000.

POOL TOWELS

For some reason, terry cloth has taken on extraordinary value in Mexico. An elaborate system of check-in/check-out governs the dispersal of beach towels. (Heaven forbid you should ever misplace one.) Charges as high as $50 U.S.per towel are levied against offenders who forget to return their towels each day.

DRINKING WATER

Most tourist-class properties have an on-premises water purification system. Look for a sticker on your bathroom mirror about the hotel’s purification system, or ask at the front desk. It is also common for purified bottled water to be left (free of charge) in bathrooms. When you see this, it is often a good indication that the hotel water should not be consumed as drinking water.

AIR CONDITIONING

This is an indispensable amenity for all beach area hotels, and is always offered by hotels with at least a four star rating. Some hotels have a built-in shut off system that kicks in whenever the room’s sliding glass dooor is opened. Also notice hotel rooms that have tile floors, as the combination of cool air and tropical breezes can make the tile slippery.

TIPPING

The usual rules apply. Tip porters 75c-$1 U.S. per bag (dollar bills come in handy for tipping). It is also common practice to tip hotel maids, $.50-1.00 U.S. per day). Veteran Mexico travelers suggest tipping maids upon arrival. This way you’re assured extra special attention and prompt daily cleaning.

SMOKING / NON-SMOKING

Many upscale properties (Gran Turismo, 5 Star) now offer this option. Inquire at time of booking or upon check-in.

Everyday Reminders

Remember the following important items whenever you travel to Mexico

• Despite its proximity to the U.S. and the prevalence of U.S. cultural influence, Mexico is a foreign country.
• Behave like a guest, and you will be treated like one. Be gracious and tolerant... Mexicans are.
• Mexico isn’t perfect, nor is it for everyone.
• Whenever possible, SPEAK SPANISH. Your hosts will love you for trying.
• Mexicans are friendly, gregarious people- get out and make some friends. Shake hands whenever is possible – it’s a great gesture of friendship and respect.
• Learn something about Mexico and its fascinating history before you go, and be sensitive to Mexico’s 3,000-year-old culture.
• See more than just the beach resorts.
• Don’t expect everything to be as it is back home-that’s what makes visiting Mexico such a memorable experience.
• When the going gets tough or somethings goes wrong, behave like a guest, and you will be treated like one.
• Pack half the clothes you think you’ll need and twice the money.