Hotel Star Rating Procedure in Vietnam

The Hotel Star Rating Procedure affirms a hotel’s standing and improves competitiveness. This is vital as Vietnam’s tourism sector grows. Star rating recognition proves service quality. It builds credibility and attracts tourists. This document details the Hotel Star Rating Procedure. It explains the process and necessary documents under the Law on Tourism 2017. This guide helps clients prepare and execute the Hotel Star Rating Procedure effectively.

Understanding the Hotel Star Rating Procedure

The Law on Tourism 2017 allows tourist accommodation establishments, including hotels, tourist villas, tourist apartments, and tourist ships, to register for star ratings. This classification follows national standards. Star ratings range from 01 star to 05 stars.

Participation in the Hotel Star Rating Procedure is voluntary. Article 50, Clause 1 of the Law on Tourism 2017 states: “Organizations and individuals conducting tourist accommodation services may voluntarily register for a star rating of their tourist accommodation establishment with a competent state agency.” Hotels can choose to register or not, based on business needs and development strategies.

Many hotels still opt for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure. It demonstrates service quality and attracts tourists. This is important in Vietnam’s developing and competitive tourism industry.

The Hotel Star Rating Procedure for Hotels

Though voluntary, many hotel owners pursue the Hotel Star Rating Procedure. Understanding the process and dossier is key for efficient execution.

Required Dossier

To achieve a star rating, hotels must prepare a complete and accurate registration dossier. Article 50, Clause 4 of the Law on Tourism 2017 specifies these documents:

• An application form for recognition of tourist accommodation establishment star rating. This uses Form No. 07 from Circular 06/2017/TT-BVHTTDL (amended by Point c, Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 13/2019/TT-BVHTTDL, effective January 20, 2020; Point a, Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular 04/2024/TT-BVHTTDL, effective August 20, 2024).
• A self-assessment of the hotel’s quality according to national standards for star rating of tourist accommodation establishments.
• A list of managers and staff, including personal information, positions, and professional qualifications.
• Notarized copies of diplomas, certificates, professional training certificates, and certificates of work duration in tourism for managers and department heads.

Preparing the dossier correctly saves time. It avoids complications during review. Units must carefully check each document before submission.

Process for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure

After preparing the complete dossier, organizations and individuals follow these steps for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure:

Step 1: Submit Dossier to Competent State Agency

The submission agency depends on the registered star rating:

• 04-star and 05-star ratings: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
• 01-star, 02-star, and 03-star ratings: Provincial-level specialized tourism agency (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or Department of Tourism, depending on the locality).

Dossiers can be submitted by post or online via the National Public Service Portal.

Step 2: Competent State Agency Assesses and Returns Results

Upon receiving the dossier, the competent state agency will:

• If dossier is incomplete/invalid: Within 03 working days of receipt, notify in writing, specifying required amendments or supplements.
• If dossier is valid: Within 30 working days of receipt, the agency, in coordination with socio-professional tourism organizations, will assess and issue a decision recognizing the hotel’s star rating.

Note: After successful recognition, the hotel must display the star rating recognition sign. This sign must follow the prescribed model and be placed at the main entrance area, per Article 50, Clause 8 of the Law on Tourism 2017.

The star rating recognition decision is valid for 05 years. Hotels wishing to re-register must note the deadline and follow the Hotel Star Rating Procedure steps again.

The Hotel Star Rating Procedure is straightforward. Hotel businesses should follow regulations to avoid legal risks and ensure a smooth process.

When is a Hotel’s Star Rating Recognition Decision Revoked?

A star rating recognition decision can be revoked under certain circumstances.

Article 52, Clause 1 of the Law on Tourism 2017 states: “The competent state agency that recognized the star rating of a tourist accommodation establishment shall revoke the recognition decision if the establishment fails to maintain quality according to the recognized standards.”

Revocation cases include:

• Facility degradation.
• Reduced service quality.
• Non-compliant personnel.
• Violations of safety, hygiene, or fire prevention regulations.

Competent authorities may conduct regular or unscheduled monitoring, assessment, and inspection.

Hotel owners must note that if there are changes to facilities or services, the business must request re-assessment according to Article 50 of the Law on Tourism 2017.

Revocation directly impacts the hotel’s reputation and business. Establishments must maintain quality, regularly review services, invest in facilities, and train staff to uphold the recognized star rating.

Consulting and Implementation Services for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure by Long Phan Consulting Company

Applying for star rating recognition requires understanding legal regulations and meeting practical conditions. Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive consulting services for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure for hotels.

Long Phan Consulting Company‘s services include:

• Advising on suitable star ratings based on the hotel’s current conditions.
• Advising on meeting conditions for the desired star rating.
• Preliminary assessment and guidance on preparing a complete dossier according to legal regulations.
• Checking document validity; assisting in drafting and completing the registration dossier.
• Acting as an authorized representative to submit dossiers, monitor progress, and handle issues with competent authorities.
• Advising on improving facilities, service quality, and staff training to meet rating standards.

Long Phan Consulting Company commits to providing professional, effective, and time-saving services throughout the Hotel Star Rating Procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hotel Star Rating Procedure

Below are common questions regarding the Hotel Star Rating Procedure for hotels.

Is hotel star rating registration mandatory?

No, registration is voluntary. Article 50, Clause 1 of the Law on Tourism 2017 allows organizations and individuals in tourist accommodation services to voluntarily register. Many hotels register to enhance reputation and attract tourists.

To which agency does a hotel submit its star rating application dossier?

This depends on the registered star rating:

• 04-star and 05-star: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
• 01-star, 02-star, and 03-star: Provincial-level specialized tourism agency. Dossiers can also be submitted by post or online via the National Public Service Portal.

How long does the assessment and result notification take for a valid dossier?

For a valid dossier, within 30 working days, the competent state agency will assess and issue a star rating recognition decision, in coordination with socio-professional tourism organizations.

How long is a hotel’s star rating recognition decision valid?

The decision is valid for 05 years. After this period, hotels needing to re-register must follow the Hotel Star Rating Procedure again.

In which cases can a hotel’s star rating be revoked?

A star rating can be revoked if the hotel fails to maintain quality according to recognized standards. Specific cases include facility degradation, reduced service quality, non-compliant personnel, or violations of safety, hygiene, or fire prevention regulations.

What should a hotel note after receiving star rating recognition to maintain its awarded rating?

After recognition, the hotel must display the star rating sign per regulations at the main entrance. More importantly, the hotel must actively maintain service quality and facilities according to recognized standards. If facilities or services change, the business must request re-assessment under Article 50 of the Law on Tourism 2017.

Conclusion

The Hotel Star Rating Procedure requires careful preparation of both the dossier and service quality. Clients must understand legal regulations and follow the correct sequence to achieve the best results. With practical experience and in-depth understanding, Long Phan Consulting Company is ready to accompany clients throughout this process. For detailed consultation and professional support for the Hotel Star Rating Procedure, please contact hotline 1900 636389 of Long Phan Consulting Company today for optimal assistance.