Kształtowane historycznie otoczenie jako specyficzny element produktu turystycznego obiektu hotelarskiego

Abstract

The setting of a hotel establishment is a very important element determining the so-called First Five Minutes or the first impression which is crucial for further consumption of the tourist product. In case of modern establishments the owner is free to transform the setting according to guests expectations, his own needs and likings. However, in case of ancient palaces, manor houses and castles converted into hotels, the owners have to deal with specific settings shaped throughout the history. Any changes of the original setting, possible only if accepted by the conservator, always lessen the historical value, thus reducing the touristic attractiveness of the place. In hotels established in ancient buildings the hospitality function may turn out to be inharmonious with their architectural features and historical localization. The potential incongruity may consist in: – excessive pedestrian and vehicular traffic, in particular need for sufficient parking space, which is an element totally discordant with the surroundings of the residence; the parking space should be particularly extensive if the hotel establishment deals with organization of big garden parties; – supply of sufficient energy to heat the building (connection with power supply or gas piping, combustible containers, etc.); – organization of logistically efficient and convenient flow of goods necessary for daily operations of the hotel establishment (food, laundry, etc.); – supply of sufficient amount of water of required quality and sewage disposal; – accessibility of the hotel premises in case of heavy snowfall. A successful long-term operation of the hotel establishment, beneficent for hotel guest and the ancient building alike, is conditional upon appropriate usage of its advantages and attenuation of disadvantageous factors and potential functional conflicts.