Key Characteristics of a Palace

Key Characteristics of a Palace

Luxury hotels are defined not just by their star rating but by a set of stringent criteria designed to assure the highest level of service and exceptional standards in accommodation.

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The "Palace" designation

As of 2024, there are 31 establishments holding the Palace designation. To obtain the "Palace" designation, a luxury hotel must apply for and undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Atout France.

The "Palace" designation in France is a prestigious label given to luxury hotels that exemplify French excellence. It was launched in 2010 to recognize exceptional hotels beyond the 5-star category.

Spacious rooms

The first criterion synonymous of luxury is space. A luxury hotel typically features spacious rooms; according to Atout France, to obtain the French label Palaces that indicates Ultimate Luxury, the rooms should have a minimum size of 26 square meters for single-person rooms and 30 square meters for two-person rooms. The substantial presence of suites—roughly 20% of accommodations for a Palace—is an indicator of a high degree of service personalization, and hence of luxury.

Prime location and architecture

The location of the hotel must be exceptional, ideally situated in a region noted for its outstanding natural beauty or architectural significance. The architecture of the hotel itself should be noteworthy, whether it is a historic building, or a modern construction recognized for its design excellence and integration into significant artistic movements.

Exclusive amenities and facilities

Attention to aesthetics and quality is paramount. This includes the use of high-quality materials, the presence of art, exceptional furniture design, and well-maintained facilities, all of which contribute to the hotel's luxurious ambiance. Linens, toiletries, and other guest amenities meet the highest standards expected by guests.

Gastronomy and customized experiences

Gastronomic excellence in its restaurants, noted by major culinary guides, and a well-curated wine list are also critical. Providing tailored guest experiences such as personalized room settings, custom activities, and services that cater to the individual preferences of guests is important also.

Service excellence

Personalized service is expected to be fast, precise, and consistent, supported by a highly qualified staff that is available around the clock, covering everything from concierge services to room and valet services. The commitment of the hotel staff to excellence and attention to details is vital. Specific staffing ratios based on occupancy are essential for maintaining a high level of personalized service; for instance, in Parisian palaces, the average annual staff per key should be greater than 2.2.

Each establishment must demonstrate a unique character, even if it is part of a larger chain, and its reputation in international travel and luxury guides contributes to this unique profile. The hotel's historical significance and its ability to attract internationally renowned guests for prestigious events also play a crucial role in its status.

Each establishment must demonstrate a unique character

In your opinion, could the Savoy Hotel in London be considered a Palace?