RESORT HOTEL

Both hotels and resorts are appropriate lodging options for visitors and vacationers. The main
distinction between the two is that the resort offers more recreational and sporting amenities set
against a backdrop of nature. A hotel, on the other hand, is merely a place to stay. Despite the
fact that many hotels already have this kind of feature, resorts draw visitors from other areas.
A resort hotel is a full-service accommodation establishment that usually offers entertainment
and recreational opportunities. Typically, these so-called "resort hotels" are found in areas that
are often visited for leisure and relaxation, like beaches, seashores, picturesque and historic
districts, spas, and ski parks. While some resorts have seasonal operations, they are open year-
round.
HISTORY OF RESORT HOTEL
“The sole purpose of a resort, in the classic sense, is to afford its users a place for escape or
restoration from the world of work and daily care. “
—CHUCK Y. GEE Resort Development and Management
1. ROMAN EMPIRE 18th Century
Prior to the eighteenth century, pleasure travel was not available for the masses. Lack of time and
money combined with poor transportation and a general lack of facilities to make travel
something that one had to do rather than wanted to do.
2. EUROPE A.D. 1326
Colin le Loup, a Belgian ironmaster, was cured of a long-term illness by the iron-rich waters of a
spring near Lie`ge. As thanks, he developed a shelter there to welcome others. The popularity of
the area grew so much it was renamed Spa, meaning fountain. The rise in popularity of the spas
created a demand on the part of the affluent for more private facilities. This led directly to the
development of the Swiss resort industry. Before railroads were built, guests traveled long
distances over poor roads to arrive at their destination. Having spent so much time and effort in
reaching the spa, they wanted to spend a long time up to two months to get their money’s worth.
This led to the development of facilities more extensive than those offered by a modest inn. In
Zurich, the most famous resort was the Hotel Baur au Lac, opened by Johannes Baur in 1844.
After several expansions, the hotel was completely rebuilt with an innovative design that still is
used today. While all other hotels faced the town, Baur built the new resort facing Lake Lucerne.
He became the first developer to recognize the benefit of a scenic view.
3. NORTH AMERICA
The earliest resorts in the United States were developed in the East and, as in Europe, were
established around spas. Resort hotels were opened in Virginia, New York, and West Virginia in
the eighteenth century. At approximately the same time, the seaside resort became popular.
Examples include Long Branch, New Jersey, and Newport, Rhode Island. Examples include
Long Branch, New Jersey, and Newport, Rhode Island. The latter was a commercial port where
molasses was distilled into rum, which was then traded for slaves from Africa. When the slave
trade was abolished at the end of the eighteenth century, the town turned to tourism for its
economic future. Wealthy southerners ventured north to escape the heat and malaria of South
Carolina in the summer.
AMENITIES:
The Tremont Hotel in Boston, built in 1829, is credited with introducing a number
of innovations in service, including:
1. elegant marble
2. carved walnut furniture in private rooms
 3. a pitcher and bowl and free cake of soap in each guestroom
4. gaslight instead of candles
5. French cuisine and silver table service that included forks
6. bellboys to handle guest luggage
7. an ‘‘annunciator’’—the forerunner of the room telephone

TYPES OF RESORT HOTELS:

1. Exotic Island or Beach Resorts

These resorts are more isolated and frequently have beaches as their primary draw, surrounded
by scenic natural areas. These exotic resorts might offer private pool access or a beach in front.
Numerous over-the-beach resorts with breathtaking sea views are available, and they frequently
provide a range of things to keep you occupied, such as romantic dinners and excursions.
2. Luxury Resorts
Typical hotels and resorts do not offer the services and amenities that luxury resorts do. Luxury
resorts are the place to go if you want to enjoy extravagant accommodations and services. Even
exclusive royal mansions with a theme and modern opulence are available.
Everything on board, from check-in to airport drop, is covered when you select these resorts. In
addition to hosting theme weddings, luxury resorts are furnished to accommodate business
meetings and functions.
3. Spa resorts
As the name suggests, spa resorts provide services to guests who are not even staying at the same
resort and specialize in spa treatments. These resorts frequently have serene surroundings that are
enhanced by a few natural features, such as lush gardens, hot springs, or seaside locations.
4. Golf resorts
Golf resorts are made with golfers in mind. Since the game requires the necessary space, these
resorts are usually situated in a secluded area far from the city. Their golf courses range in size
from tiny to large, accommodating players of all ability levels. Golf packages that may include
range balls, cart fees, and even meals are available at these resorts. In addition, there might be
accommodations like villas or private rooms.
5. Family resorts
Enhancing getaways or vacations for families with children who want to relax in a safe
environment is the main goal of these resorts. These locations are made with family-friendly
features in mind, such as roomy lodgings, kid-friendly entertainment, and easy access to age-
appropriate recreational centers. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including events,
picnics, organized games, and swimming pools.
6. Destination wedding resorts
These resorts serve families and couples seeking locations outside of their hometowns. There are
several reasons why destination weddings are popular, including the fact that everything you
need is in one location, eliminating the need to search outside, beautiful scenery, a tranquil
setting, and more.
7. All-inclusive Resorts
Vacation spots that provide visitors with a whole package are known as all-inclusive resorts. The
goal of the all-inclusive model is to give guests a place with all the amenities at a single price so
they can unwind and enjoy their trip without worrying about extra expenses. You pay a single
payment for all services, including lodging, food, drinks, and on-site activities. Along with a
range of entertainment alternatives like sports, water sports, and a gym, guests can enjoy
limitless meals, snacks, and beverages. These resorts offer a hassle-free experience by usually
covering taxes and occasionally airport transfers or excursions.

SPACES IN A RESORT:

 Poolside  Villa patio area

 Restaurant exterior  Balconies

 Interior courtyards
 Beachfront lounges
RESORTS HOTEL EXAMPLES IN THE PHILIPPINES:
1. Movenpick Resort & Spa Located right at the beach within Lio
Boracay With sustainability Tourism Estate in El Nido, Seda Lio
certification is a 5-star resort boasting of an
outdoor swimming pool, free airport
shuttle service from/to El Nido
Airport.

4. The Farm at San Benito

Located on Punta Bunga Cove,

Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
features a private beach area and
features rooms with a balcony
offering beautiful views of the garden
or ocean.
2. Costa Palawan Resort Tucked away within a 48-hectare lush
garden in Lipa City, The Farm at San
Benito is a 5-star resort that offers
holistic wellness programs
accompanied by exclusive amenities
such as a swimming pool.
5. Discovery Samal

Facing the beachfront, Costa Palawan

Resort offers 3-star accommodations
in Puerto Princesa and has an outdoor
swimming pool, fitness center and
garden.
3. Seda Lio

Discovery Samal features an outdoor

swimming pool, private beach area, a
restaurant and bar in Samal.
6. Golden Sands Destination
Resorts
 Golden Sands Destination Resorts
features an outdoor swimming pool,
garden, a private beach area and
terrace in Daanbantayan.

MODERN TRENDS USED IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF RESORT

HOTEL:

The design of resort hotels has changed significantly in recent years. changes brought about by
shifting customer tastes, technological developments and an increasing emphasis on
sustainability. Contemporary resort hotel architecture focuses on using experiential learning to
create memorable, immersive architecture, eco-friendly methods, biophilic design, and the
creative repurposing of structures.

1. Experiential architecture is at the heart of this evolution as visitors progressively

look for something unique, sensory-rich environments. Architects of resort hotels are
reacting by creating environments with elements that arouse feelings and engage the
senses including green, open-air atriums, peaceful water features, and interactive
displays that keep visitors interested from the moment they arrive until they leave.
Example:
The Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali offers a stunning cliffside infinity pool that merges seamlessly
with the horizon, creating an unforgettable visual experience

2. Sustainability has been a top priority, with eco-friendly elements being incorporated by
resort hotel architects to lessen their influence on the environment. This covers the
utilization of renewable energy sources, passive heating and cooling systems, and locally
sourced materials.
Example:
The Brando Resort in French Polynesia is powered entirely by renewable energy sources,
including solar power and deep seawater air-conditioning systems

3. Biophilic architecture, which aims to reestablish visitors' connection to nature.

traction in resort lodgings. By incorporating daylight and other natural components,
organic resort hotels' extensive views of the surrounding scenery, materials, and
areas that foster health and a strong bond with the natural world.
Example:
The Soneva Fushi resort hotel in the Maldives, for instance, features villas made from
sustainable materials, with large windows and open spaces that offer uninterrupted views of the
ocean and lush vegetation.
4. Another trend influencing contemporary resort hotels is adaptive reuse, as architects
repurpose industrial areas and historic structures to create distinctive hospitality
 destinations. This lessens the environmental impact while simultaneously preserving
architectural history.
Example:
The Aman Venice in Italy, a luxurious resort hotel set in a 16th-century palazzo, is a prime
example of how adaptive reuse can offer guests an authentic, historically rooted experience

5. Nowadays also very useful is creating of unique authentic environment. Rather than
large, uniform hotels, there’s a trend towards boutique resorts with unique themed
accommodations. Some resorts focus on avant-garde or design-driven concepts, where
the architecture itself is a central part of the experience, often collaborating with
renowned architects or designers. By embracing experiential architecture, sustainable
practices, biophilic design, and adaptive reuse, resort hotels are creating luxurious
accommodations that foster a deeper connection with nature, culture, and the surrounding
community.

Building Codes and Regulations:

HOTEL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Section 1. Definition. For purposes of these Rules, the following shall mean:
a. Hotel - a building, edifice or premises or a completely independent part thereof, which is use
for the regular reception, accommodation or lodging of travelers and tourists and the provision of
services incidental thereto for a fee.
b. Resort - Any place or places with pleasant environment and atmosphere conducive to comfort,
healthful relaxation and rest, offering food, sleeping accommodation and recreational facilities to
the public for a fee or remuneration.
c. Tourist Inn - a lodging establishment catering to transients which does not meet the minimum
requirements of an economy hotel.
d. Apartel - any building or edifice containing several independent and furnished or semi
furnished apartments, regularly leased to tourists and travelers for dwelling on a more or less
long-term basis and offering basic services to its tenants, similar to hotels.
e. Pension House - a private or family-operated tourist boarding house, tourist guest house or
tourist lodging house employing non-professional domestic helpers regularly catering to tourists
and travelers, containing several independent lettable rooms, providing common facilities such
as toilets, bath rooms/showers, living and dining rooms and/or kitchen and where a combination
of board and lodging may be provided.
f. Motorist Hotel Motel - any structure with several separate units, primarily located along the
highway with individual or common parking space at which motorists may obtain lodging and,
in some instances, meals.
g. Department or DOT - the Department of Tourism
h. Accreditation - a certification issued by the Department that the holder is recognized by the
Department as having complied with its minimum standards comfort and convenience of the
tourists.
CLASSIFICATION OF AND STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR HOTELS
Section 2. Classification of Hotels. For purposes of accreditation, hotels are hereby classified
into the following categories, namely:
a. De Luxe Class
b. First Class
c. Standard Class
d. Economy Class

Standards for each class of hotels:

Standards for De Luxe Class Hotels
 Location: Must be in a suitable area for a luxury hotel.
 Facilities: Minimum room size of 25 square meters, with high-quality furnishings and
amenities.
 Services: 24-hour room service, high-standard housekeeping, and recreational facilities.
 Food and Beverage: Must include a coffee shop and specialty dining room.
  Security and Medical Services: 24-hour security and medical services must be
available.
Standards for First Class Hotels
 Location: Should be in a suitable area for a first-class hotel.
 Facilities: Rooms must have a minimum size of 25 square meters, with quality
furnishings.
 Services: 24-hour room service and well-maintained public areas.
 Food and Beverage: At least one dining room and a bar must be available.
 Security and Medical Services: Similar requirements as De Luxe Class hotels.
Standards for Standard Class Hotels
 Location: Should be in a good area for a hotel.
 Facilities: Minimum room size of 18 square meters, with basic amenities.
 Services: Limited room service and basic housekeeping standards.
 Food and Beverage: At least one dining room serving good quality food.
 Security and Medical Services: Basic security and medical services must be provided.
Standards for Economy Class Hotels
 Location: Should be in a suitable area for a good hotel.
 Facilities: Minimum room size of 18 square meters, with basic sanitation.
 Services: Limited room service and basic furnishings.
 Food and Beverage: At least one dining room serving wholesome food.
 Security and Medical Services: Basic security and medical services must be available.

Hotel code of the Philippines summary:

Authority and Purpose of the Hotel Code
 The Department of Tourism is empowered by Executive Order No. 120 to create
regulations for the operation of establishments catering to tourists.
 The Hotel Code of 1987 establishes rules for the accreditation and classification of hotels,
resorts, and tourist facilities.
 Non-compliance with the code may result in sanctions and penalties.
Registration and Licensing Process
 Applicants must submit a completed application form in quadruplicate to the Department
of Tourism.
 Supporting documents include corporate registration, financial statements, and staff lists.
 Applications must be executed under oath and may be rejected for deficiencies.
Inspection and Approval Process
 An inspection committee will evaluate the hotel’s compliance with standards.
 A checklist of requirements will be used during the inspection.
  The committee will report findings within five days, and the applicant can comment on
the report.
Conditions for Issuance of License
 A certificate of registration and license will only be issued if all conditions are met.
 The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
 Fees for registration and licensing vary by hotel class.
Prohibition and Penalties
 No hotel may operate without a valid license; violations may result in fines or closure.
 Transfer of ownership or registration requires prior approval from the Department of
Tourism.
 Violations of the code may lead to imprisonment, fines, or revocation of licenses.
Miscellaneous Provisions
 Hotels must maintain a register of property left by guests and submit various reports to
the Department of Tourism.
 Confidentiality of certain data is mandated, and penalties for violations are specified.
 The code is effective 15 days after publication and includes a separability clause for
invalid provisions.
Conclusion
The Hotel Code of 1987 establishes comprehensive regulations for the operation of hotels in the
Philippines, ensuring standards for quality, safety, and service in the hospitality industry.

The National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) also applies to resorts and hotels,
aiming to ensure the safety, accessibility, and functionality of these hospitality facilities.
 Key Considerations for Resorts and Hotels in the NBCP
The NBCP addresses specific concerns related to the unique nature of resorts and hotels,
including:
 Occupancy: Resorts and hotels typically house a large number of transient guests,
requiring special considerations for fire safety, egress routes, and emergency procedures.
 Amenities: The presence of amenities like swimming pools, spas, restaurants, and bars
necessitates additional regulations regarding safety, sanitation, and accessibility.
 Accessibility: Hotels and resorts must comply with accessibility standards for guests
with disabilities, ensuring that all areas are accessible and usable by everyone.
 Specific Provisions Relevant to Resorts and Hotels
1. Structural and Fire Safety
 Building Materials: The NBCP specifies the standards of building materials that can be
used for construction, ensuring structural stability and fire resistance.
 Fire Suppression Systems: Hotels and resorts are required to have sprinkler systems,
fire alarms, and other fire suppression systems to minimize the risk of fire hazards.
 Emergency exits: Clear and accessible escape routes are essential in case of fire or other
emergencies. This includes ensuring adequate width and lighting for corridors, stairwells,
and exits.
  Fire Doors: Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting
egress routes and providing time for evacuation.
2. Electrical and Plumbing Systems
 Electrical Wiring
 Plumbing Systems
 Ventilation: Proper air circulation and prevent the buildup of moisture, odors, and
harmful gases.
3. Accessibility Standards (BP 344)
 Wheelchair Access: Hotels and resorts must provide wheelchair-accessible entrances,
ramps, elevators, and restrooms to ensure equal access for guests with disabilities.
 Accessible Rooms: A certain percentage of hotel rooms must be designed and equipped
to meet the needs of guests with disabilities, including features like lowered countertops,
grab bars, and accessible shower stalls.
 Communication: Hotels and resorts must provide accessible communication systems for
guests with hearing or visual impairments, such as visual fire alarms, TTY phones, and
captioned phones.
4. Environmental Regulations (Clean Water Act (Republic Act No. 9275) and water code of
the Philippines)
 Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency
5. Compliance and Enforcement
 Inspections: Building officials conduct regular inspections to ensure that hotels and
resorts comply with building codes and regulations.
 Permits: Hotels and resorts must obtain permits for construction, renovation, and other
changes to ensure compliance with building codes.
 Penalties: Failure to comply with building codes can result in fines, legal actions, or even
the closure of the facility.

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[Link]
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Canoaadmin, & Resort, C. R. G. (2024, May 2). What is a resort hotel. Canoa Ranch Golf
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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM. (n.d.). REVISED RULES AND REGULATIONS
GOVERNING THE ACCREDITATION AND STAR RATING OF HOTELS, RESORTS AND
APARTMENT HOTELS. MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2024-0002.
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