November 8, 2010, the Minister for Tourism announced the rules for granting the "distinction Palace" and the list of members of the jury selection.
The reform of hotel classification established by the Act of July 22, 2009 for development and modernization of tourism services, focused on two main areas: modernization of the classification criteria and the revision of the procedure for obtaining the "new stars ".
Meet the expectations of French and international clientele, this new classification is threefold:
- Improve the readability and quality of the French hotel offers;
- Align the positioning of upscale properties with international practices (including those of competing destinations), by creating a category "5 star";
- Modernize the infrastructure of the hotel sector.
One of the innovations introduced by this reform is the creation of the category "five stars". Issue of image, attractiveness and radiation, causing the entire offer, it is now the figurehead of the best of French hospitality.
However, from 5 star graded hotels, some are to be distinguished. Geographical location, historical, aesthetic and / or particular heritage, bespoke service, except those institutions are part of the tourism landscape has always been French but no official distinction did not come so far to greet their difference.
Therefore, the Minister for Tourism was then entrusted to two professionals in luxury hotels with the preparation of a report on how to create a category "Palace" as a 5-star hotels.
The furnishing of this report, 9 September 2010, was followed by formalizing a distinction "Palace" and then defines the criteria and procedures for allocating entrusted to “Maison de la France”, the Tourism Development Agency France.
The decree of November 8, 2010 now fills the lack of official recognition of these institutions except by creating a "distinction Palace" for the recognition of hotels with unique characteristics.
"Distinction Palace" is meant to enhance these institutions on the international stage. More broadly, it must contribute to the influence of French culture and the attractiveness of France as a destination.
"Distinction Palace" is a collective mark which France holds the trump management and protection.
