Opening and classification of a hotel - Tourist Office of the Balcons du Dauphiné (Isère)

Are you planning to open a hotel in Les Balcons du Dauphiné, in Isère? Are you looking for information about classification, mandatory display, booking overnight stays, invoicing or even safety and accessibility rules?

The Balcons du Dauphiné Tourist Office gives you the answers!

What is a hotel?

The definitions of the hotel are in the general tax code (CGI) and the tourism code.
The CGI (in 4 b) of art. 261 D) defines the accommodation services provided in the context of the hotel sector or sectors with a similar function (version in force since December 31, 2023). They must meet the following conditions:

They are offered to the customer for a period not exceeding thirty nights, without prejudice to the possibilities of renewal offered,
They include the provision of furnished premises and at least three of the following services:
– breakfast,
– regular cleaning of premises,
– the supply of household linen,
– the reception, even if not personalized, of customers.

The hotel may include a restaurant service . It is operated year-round continuously or only during one or more seasons.

It is called a "seasonal hotel" when its opening period does not exceed nine months per year in one or more periods.

Opening a hotel: the ranking

Opening a hotel: classification with an Atout France sign on the facade, © Redken

Hotels are classified into categories based on their facilities, comfort, and services. This classification is indicated by red signs. The number of stars depends on the level of comfort and services. This classification is also indicated by red signs. Only classified hotels can use the designation "Tourist Hotels ." The classification is valid for five years. Classifications can be viewed free of charge on the Atout France website.

Opening a hotel: mandatory display

The hotelier is required to display certain prices.

Outside the hotel

The hotelier is required to display outside his establishment:

The price charged per night and per person and depending on the season (low, medium and high season if applicable),
The amount of tourist tax per day and per person,
The services offered on site (breakfast served or not in the establishment, internet connection accessible or not from the room, etc.). The hotelier must specify whether or not these services are included in the price of the accommodation.
The terms and conditions by which the consumer can access information on the prices of all other services marketed.

At the hotel reception

The hotelier is required to display the above-mentioned rates as well as the departure and arrival times at the hotel reception.

In the dining room or at the bar

The display of drinks and foodstuffs offered for sale is mandatory.
The prices of telephone communications must be made known to customers.

In the rooms

The customer must have access to all prices and services provided in addition to overnight stays.

He must be informed of the methods of consulting this information in a clear, legible and visible manner.

The hotelier must always display instructions in case of fire in each room. They must be written in French and in foreign languages according to the origin of the public usually received in the establishment.

Finally, each room must have a summary plan indicating the exits to be used in the event of a fire.

Booking a hotel

This can be done directly with the hotelier, by telephone, by email or via an online reservation service.
The hotelier may be required to ask deposit.

Billing

The hotelier has an obligation to provide an invoice to his client.
This document must mention:

Hotel contact details,
Date of writing of the invoice,
Date and place of the service,
Detailed breakdown, in quantity and price of each service,
Total amount to be paid excluding tax (HT) and including all taxes (TTC),
Name of the customer, unless they object.

The invoice must be prepared in duplicate. The original is given to the customer at the time of payment or can be sent electronically.

Opening a hotel: safety and accessibility rules

A hotel must absolutely comply with safety and accessibility standards.
The premises must comply with the obligations relating to ERP (establishments receiving the public):

In terms of fire safety: prevention and safeguarding measures to ensure the safety of people must be put in place,
In terms of accessibility: access to the premises, particularly for people with disabilities, must be ensured.