The charm of the “charm hotels”: a study about charm in the so called “charm hotels” in Salvador, BA, as the users describe it
Charm. Charm Hotels. Charming Hotels. Associação Roteiros de Charme. Spatialization. Servicescape. Gastronomy
This dissertation aimed to study the charm in the so called “charm hotels” affiliated to “Associação Roteiros de Charme”, in Salvador, BA, in the way the users describe it. A qualitative research was carried out, with literature review and with field research, where information was raised through hotels´ document analysis, non-participant observation and interviews at Villa Bahia and Zank by Toque hotels in the city of Salvador, Bahia, during the month of August 2018. Two concepts were chosen - spatialization and gastronomy – in order to identify the charm of these hotels, as interpreted by its users. These users comprised guests, non-guests (passersby), managers and employees. For the analysis, the results were grouped in definition of charm; definition of “charm hotel”; comments on “Associação Roteiros de Charme” and other related association; feelings and / or reasons to stay or work at one of these hotels and what is found in the hotel which refers to the concept of charm. The results pointed out to characteristics that may identify charm in these hotels, such as gastronomy, spatialization, staff and service and the quality of rooms, in addition to other characteristics, such as the feeling of being at home, the history and the soul of the place, exclusivity and elegance. Other findings were indicative for future research, including social issues that lead the user to choose this type of establishment, users´profile, social distance between employees and guests, hotel classification, the concept of charm and some other themes listed at the conclusion of this study.