What if your hotel ranking became your greatest growth driver?
Imagine how a simple audit transforms not only your online visibility, but also your guests’ perceptions internationally.
This isn’t a marketing fantasy. This is exactly what the Atout France hôtellerie quality audit allows.
Still perceived by some hoteliers as an administrative burden, this process is actually a strategic opportunity. It’s a tool for structuring, upgrading, and even accessing certain financial benefits or partnerships.
But to reap all the benefits, it’s essential to understand how it works.
What criteria are evaluated? How can you prepare properly? What mistakes can you avoid?
In this comprehensive article, we guide you step by step through the evaluation process, the requirements, the challenges… and, above all, the concrete actions to take to successfully pass your audit.
The Atout France quality audit is much more than a one-time check: it’s a mandatory step for any request for hotel classification in France, whether it’s a first application or a renewal.
This classification – from 1 to 5 stars – is based on a strict national standard, designed to ensure a consistent standard across the country.
This standard contains more than 240 criteria, divided into five main categories:
- Quality of Reception and Services
- Facilities
- Accessibility (including disability)
- Sustainable Development
- Cleanliness and Maintenance
The objective is clear: to ensure a reliable, consistent, and high-quality customer experience, regardless of the establishment or its location.
Please note: The ranking obtained is valid for 5 years, but remains conditional on maintaining the quality level. In the event of a justified complaint or an inconclusive unannounced inspection, the ranking may be withdrawn.
2. Who conducts the Atout France hotel quality audit?
Contrary to what one might believe, the audit is not conducted directly by Atout France.
These are independent organizations accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) or recognized by Atout France.
These organizations must meet several requirements:
- Neutrality and independence
- Specific auditor training
- Adherence to a standardized protocol
This framework guarantees the fairness and reliability of the evaluation process.
Warning: Choosing a non-accredited organization will invalidate your ranking request. Girault-Pasqué is an accredited organization for Atout France evaluation.
3. The evaluation process: the stages of the quality audit
The audit takes place over a typical day and includes three main phases: preparation, on-site visit, and report.
Every step counts.
Step 1: Contact & Preparation
The establishment is contacted by the auditing body to schedule a visit.
This is where it all begins.
Checklist – Before the Audit:
- Download the official Atout France reference document corresponding to your type of accommodation.
- Gather the requested documents (plans, technical data sheets, licenses, instructions, etc.)
- Conduct an internal self-assessment of the criteria
- Identify any gaps that need to be corrected
- Brief your teams: welcome, behavior, and presentation count.
Good preparation accounts for 50% of the success of the audit.
Step 2: On-site Inspection
The auditor scrutinizes each criterion:
- Inspection of rooms (surface area, bedding, soundproofing, amenities)
- Common areas (lobby, circulation, breakfast, restrooms, etc.)
- Services offered (multilingual reception, room service, concierge)
- Compliance with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility
- Cleanliness, hygiene, maintenance
Each criterion is ranked:
- Mandatory: must be met to be ranked
- Optional: several options, a minimum requirement
- Bonus: allows you to stand out
Tip: Don’t neglect Not bonus criteria – they enhance your establishment beyond the regulatory minimum.
Step 3: Report and Summary
At the end of the visit, the auditor provides a detailed report to the hotelier.
It includes:
- Validated criteria
- Discrepancies noted
- Recommendations for improvement
If the minimum score is reached, the organization sends the report to Atout France, which formalizes the ranking.
Good news: in the event of minor non-compliance, it is possible to correct the discrepancies and request a repeat visit.
4. Conditions for a successful quality audit
Obtaining a ranking is a strategic challenge for any hotelier. But to succeed, you need to understand what is actually being evaluated.
The 4 pillars of success:
- Compliance with the standard: achieve the required score in both mandatory and optional criteria.
- Impeccable cleanliness: attention to detail! Mold, dust, and limescale in the bathrooms are all a no-go.
- Accessibility and eco-responsibility: compliance with PRM standards, waste sorting, energy savings.
- Modern services: free Wi-Fi, quality bedding, and helpful staff have become essential.
What we often forget:
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- Noise (soundproofing checked)
- Visible maintenance (condition of paint, floors, lighting)
- Documentation displayed or available to the customer
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5. Why is this audit a growth driver?
It would be wrong to believe that the Atout France ranking is only used to “put stars on the facade.”
Here’s why it is strategically important:
Increased visibility on OTAs (Booking, Expedia, etc.)
Platforms highlight ranked establishments, which are considered more reliable by travelers.
Enhanced credibility
For a foreign customer, an official ranking inspires more trust than a simple description.
Self-assessment tool
The audit report serves as a working basis to improve the customer experience.
Facilitates certain financing or partnerships
A valid ranking may be required in certain public tenders or collaborations with institutions.
6. Prepare for your audit like a pro: concrete best practices
The best strategy remains anticipation. Waiting until the last minute is the best way to fail.
Checklist – Optimal Preparation:
- Read the entire guide
- Identify the “black spots” to correct
- Conduct mock internal audits regularly
- Implement a 3- to 6-month action plan
- Train staff in key behaviors: reception, attitude, responsiveness
- Update technical and administrative documents
Objective: to ensure that on the day, the auditor doesn’t discover anything you don’t already know.
Conclusion: Don’t be subjected to the audit, turn it into an opportunity
The Atout France audit isn’t a sword of Damocles. It’s a roadmap to bring your establishment up to the standards expected by today’s travelers.
It’s demanding, of course. But in return, it offers:
- A lever for differentiation
- Institutional credibility
- A better online conversion
- And above all, an improved customer experience
So, why wait? Prepare your next quality assessment today as a strategic project, and make each star a driver of growth.
FAQ – Atout France Quality Audit: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Atout France ranking mandatory?
No. It is optional but strongly recommended for visibility, credibility, and certain partnerships.
How often should the audit be conducted?
Every 5 years. However, unannounced inspections may occur in the meantime.
Can you lose your classification?
Yes. In the event of proven complaints or persistent non-compliance, Atout France may suspend or revoke your classification.
How much does an audit cost?
The cost varies depending on the accredited organization and the size of the establishment. It generally costs between €300 and €1,000.
What happens if you fail the audit?
A period of time is allowed to correct any discrepancies. A follow-up inspection may be requested.