Summary

§         Preferred's Standards of Excellence is recognised as one of the most comprehensive and detailed quality assurance programmes in the industry.

§         The programme includes 1,600 standards and practices and awards a maximum value of 5,800 points.

§         In order to earn and maintain membership in Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, properties must consistently meet these standards and practices, which are measured annually by anonymous, independent third-party inspectors.

§         Stringent standards mean membership in Preferred is selective: only one in ten properties is ultimately invited to join.

History

Preferred established its Standards of Excellence in 1980 as a means to build and integrate the brand with the various independent members of the organisation. The Standards of Excellence has since become key to Preferred's operations for determining membership, maintaining quality and marketing. 

Approach

Preferred's Standards of Excellence™ address two primary categories, service and facility.  As technology, customer requirements and new innovations emerged, Preferred continued to add new criteria.  To assure objectivity and consistency, an independent third-party auditor evaluates quality levels, prior to membership and during annual, unannounced inspections. For a property to remain a member of Preferred, it must achieve a passing score in all areas.

Outcomes

As a result of this unique quality assurance programme, guests consistently receive the highest levels of attentive service and luxurious accommodations at all Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Industry Recognition

American Way Magazine

In 2001, American Airline’s in-flight magazine recognises Preferred’s Standards of Excellence programme as having the “highest standards” among hospitality/restaurant rating initiatives (“Making the Grade,” August 2001).

Cornell University "Best Practices" Award

In 1999, Cornell University, the American Express Travel Related Services and the American Hotel Foundation honoured Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide with the "Best Practices Champion Award" for Preferred's Standards of Excellence quality assurance programme.