Five star or not, all hotels will now have to display their classification status prominently at the reception and on their websites, according to a new set of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism. The reason To make hotel classifications simple, transparent and time-bound. Hotels in the country have five categories 1-5 depending on the amenities they provide.

Under the new guidelines, payment for applications for classifications can be done online instead of the age-old method of demand drafts. This is to ensure eradication of the possibility of delay and manipulation caused by human interference. There is a three month time limit to ensure compliance.

It is mandatory for all hotels under whichever classification to display their classification status prominently at the reception and on their websites under a separate icon on the opening page, which will display the order of classification issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, according to a senior official of the ministry.