How to open a hotel? – the legal basis
Before you begin searching for an attractive location for your hotel, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the legal regulations that define a hotel and specify the minimum requirements such a facility should meet. These include:
§ Act of 29 August 1997 on hotel services and the services of tour guides and tourist guides,
§ Regulation of the Minister of Economy and Labour of 19 August 2004 on hotel facilities and other facilities where hotel services are provided (including in particular its annexes).
The above regulations divide hospitality facilities into seven types: hotels, motels, and guesthouses. Although they serve a similar function, they differ in significant details. Here are their definitions:
- hotels - facilities with at least 10 rooms, including the majority of places in single and double rooms, providing a wide range of services related to the stay of customers;
- motels - facilities located along roads, with parking, with at least 10 rooms, including most of the places in single and double rooms;
- guesthouses - facilities with at least 7 rooms, providing full board to their clients.
These requirements define the main assumptions for the hotel's construction design (or adaptation, if the building's intended use is changed). They also influence the selection of the appropriate property, which should have sufficient space to provide, among other things, access, walkways, parking, and a green zone (less stringent requirements apply to hotels in cities). Meeting these requirements determines the number of stars awarded to the facility, which reflects its standard.
Who awards stars to hotels?
The hotel's classification into the appropriate category is determined by an administrative decision of the voivodeship marshal responsible for the facility's location. The issuance of the decision itself is preceded by a thorough inspection of the building to ensure it meets minimum requirements, as well as construction, fire safety, and sanitary requirements. Based on this assessment, the marshal issues a decision and makes an entry in the register of hotel facilities for the given voivodeship. Only this document allows the hotel to begin providing services.
Investing in a hotel – choosing an attractive location
Four or five stars aren't enough to get tourists pounding on your hotel door. The most important aspect of investing in a hotel is choosing an attractive location for customers. Situating the hotel on popular hiking trails – in the mountains , by the sea , near forests or lakes – is certainly a good move. Proximity to ski lifts, thermal pools, and large amusement parks will contribute to an increase in the number of guests who value being close to their favorite forms of recreation and entertainment. If you're interested in opening a hotel in the mountains, the article on our blog "Real Estate in the Mountains – A Business Idea" is a good read.
Hotels in the city center also have enormous potential as accommodations for tourists and business travelers. They are also ideal venues for organizing various events and special occasions.
Hotel for sale - where to look for offers?
The best place to start your search is through industry portals – Orange offers over 200 listings for buildings for sale, primarily located in the centers of large cities and strategic locations in the region. These buildings, until recently, served as telecommunications infrastructure, but due to technological advancements, have lost their function. Some of them are architectural gems with a rich history. For these reasons, they represent an attractive option and offer significant potential for those dreaming of owning their own hotel. Explore our real estate offerings.