Photo courtesy of Betsy-South Beach
Forbes Travel Guide released its 58th annual list of star rating recipients last month, recognizing the best hotels and resorts around the world.
So what does it mean to earn a crown from Forbes?
"It's not only important to us, but it is also important to our guests that we have the stamp of approval from a media outlet as important as Forbes," said Jonathan Plutzik, principal owner and chairman of the Betsy-South Beach, an upscale boutique hotel located in Miami Beach, Florida.
The Betsy-South Beach first received Forbes Travel Guide's coveted four-star rating back in 2013, and is currently one of just more than 400 hotels around the world to boast the rating.
Forbes defines four-star rated hotels as "exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match."
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While Plutzik noted the hotel's focus has shifted to exceeding its current standards in wake of receiving the honor, he said the "reaction to receiving the award has naturally been a combination of tremendous pride and sense of relief."
In addition to bringing pride and relief to a hotel and its staff, receiving the Forbes Travel Guide's four-star rating is crucial in that it boosts outside interest in the property.
"A prestigious award like this will pique people's interest and impact their booking decisions when searching for a high quality experience in our price point," added Plutzik.
And naturally, reaching the industry pinnacle requires a team effort.
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"We rely on everyone at the hotel - from the doorman, to the front desk, to housekeeping - to live up to the expectations of a Forbes Four Star Hotel," Plutzik said.
Ultimately what makes receiving an award like Forbes Travel Guide's four-star rating so rewarding is the fact hotels have never been more visible than they are now.
"We are very aware that we live in a completely transparent, online world. Everything we do is subject to commentary, whether its online guest reviews or professionals making judgments," said Plutzik. "We are greatly excited when professional evaluators look at every nook and cranny to make sure that we are doing it right."
"It is a burden we gladly accept."
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