IT’S ALL IN THE RATING! Created by: Kayla Calkins EDU 505

Do you like the finer things in life? Do you like to vacation at 5-star resorts? Or relax overnight in a 5-star hotel? Or how about eat a world class meal at a 5-star restaurant? In this assignment we are going to explore the criteria used in determining what makes an establishment 5-stars. INTRODUCTION

TASK Work’s stressing you out and you need a break. Instead of the weekend trip to Niagara Falls you decide you’re going all the way this time. Your savings account says it’s doable and you’ve got your heart set on it…..you’re going on a 5-star vacation! Your boss has approved your request for five vacation days. Now you must decide where you want to go, where you will stay, and where you will dine out. Just remember….it must be 5-stars!

PROCESS 1.Decide where you want to go (ex. Barbados) 2.Browse each website listed on the resources page. 3.Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper as you explore the websites (hint: browse the websites in the order listed): Identify and define the two types of inspections the Mobil Travel Guide does when it makes an unannounced visit to one of their rated properties. List at least three things the Mobil Travel Guide inspectors look for on a visit to a hotel. In what year was the Mobil Travel Guide created? What is Mobil Travel Guide’s number one recommendation as the most romantic restaurant and where is it located?

PROCESS CONT… On average AAA evaluates how many establishments a year? According to AAA what percent of American travelers consider ratings when making accommodations? The AAA rating scale is based on diamonds (1 to 5). Identify what each level diamond means with consideration to hotels. How many restaurants (in the world) have ever been given three Michelin stars? Michelin stars are based on what five criteria for restaurants?

PROCESS CONT... 4.Using the three reference websites, select a 5-star hotel or resort where you will stay on your vacation and identify three reasons why you have chosen that location. 5.Using the three reference websites, select a 5-star restaurant which you will eat at while on vacation and identify three reasons why you have chosen that restaurant. 6.Organize your information (where you are vacationing, your hotel or resort of choice, and restaurant of choice) into a PowerPoint presentation. Be sure to have a title slide No more than four pages Be creative (include pictures and color)

RESOURCES bout-the-rating-channel.htm bout-the-rating-channel.htm sp?CategoryID=9&SubCategoryID=22 sp?CategoryID=9&SubCategoryID=22

EVALUATION Your grade for this assignment will be based on the following criteria: – Effective use of class time – Behavior while in the computer lab – Accuracy in answering the assigned 10 questions – Justification of your choice in hotel/resort and restaurant – Creativity in your PowerPoint presentation

CONCLUSION Well, your journey is now complete. I hope you all enjoyed the trip! Now that we know a little bit more about 5-star customer service programs, we can venture even further in our exploration of tourism.