Types of VIP in hotels: VIP levels that mean something
Most hotels sort VIP guests into three to five levels, from VVIP (owners, heads of state, public figures) to guests celebrating an occasion or returning after a stay that went wrong. Each level sets what happens on arrival: who greets the guest, who checks the room, what goes in it. The levels that work also say why the guest is a VIP and what each team should do about it.
In short
- Most hotels use three to five VIP levels, recorded in the property management system.
- Each level should set clear actions for each team, not only a better amenity.
- Record why the guest is a VIP. The reason changes what good service looks like.
- Keep a separate flag for service recovery, so last stay's problem is not repeated.
- Review the list at the morning briefing and after every stay.
Common types of VIP in hotels
Names and criteria vary from hotel to hotel. This is a common pattern, not a standard.
| Level | Typical guests | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| VVIP or VIP 1 | Owners and board members, heads of state, royalty, public figures | Greeted by the general manager; room checked by the head of rooms or housekeeping; security and discretion arranged; signature amenity |
| VIP 2 | Senior people at key accounts, the top loyalty tier, high-spending repeat guests, clients of luxury travel advisors | Greeted by the manager on duty; room checked by a housekeeping supervisor; personal amenity |
| VIP 3 | Returning guests, guests celebrating an occasion, journalists, event organisers | Welcomed by name at check-in; amenity; the restaurant and concierge told in advance |
| Service recovery | A guest whose last stay went wrong | The issue acknowledged by a manager; a check that it cannot happen again |
What a VIP code doesn't tell your team
A code such as "VIP 2" tells the team to take extra care. It doesn't say why, or what this guest values.
A chief executive in town for a board meeting may want speed and quiet. A couple on their tenth anniversary may want the evening to feel like an occasion. Same code, two very different stays.
How to set VIP levels that mean something
- Define each level by what changes for each team. Who greets, who checks the room, what goes in it, and what the restaurant and concierge are told.
- Record the reason with the code. "VIP 2, owner's guest" and "VIP 3, tenth anniversary" call for different service.
- Pair the code with two or three preferences. The amenity, the room and the table are chosen for the guest, not for the tier.
- Keep service recovery separate. Flag a guest whose last stay went wrong, with what went wrong, so the team can put it right.
- Keep the list short. If a third of arrivals are VIPs, the label no longer helps anyone prioritise.
- Review it every morning and after each stay. Remove codes that no longer apply and add what the team noticed.
A VIP matrix you can adapt
| Team | VIP 1 | VIP 2 | VIP 3 | Service recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front office | General manager greets; pre-registered; escorted to the room | Manager on duty greets; pre-registered | Welcomed by name; occasion acknowledged | Manager acknowledges the last stay |
| Housekeeping | Room checked by the head of housekeeping; preferences set before arrival | Room checked by a supervisor; preferences set | Preferences set | Extra check on last stay's issue |
| Food and beverage | Preferred table held; preferences briefed to the team | Preferences briefed | Occasion noted for dinner | Previous issue briefed |
| Concierge | In touch before arrival | In touch before arrival | Offers help with the occasion | In touch before arrival |
| Amenity | Chosen for the guest, with a note from the general manager | Chosen for the guest | Chosen for the occasion | Chosen for the guest, with a personal note |
Why VIP levels are hard to keep meaningful
Most hotels already hold the facts: the code, the reason and the preferences from past stays. The difficulty is getting the right part to each team at the moment of service.
Reception sees the code on the arrival list. The restaurant may not know why the guest matters, and what a waiter notices at dinner rarely makes it back for the next stay.
Where Nown fits
Nown Control gives each team a short brief ahead of each stay, with what matters to them. The kitchen sees the allergy, housekeeping the room, the concierge the occasion. During the stay, staff add what they notice, so it is there next time.
A VIP level then arrives with its reason and the guest's preferences, for every team that needs them. Explore Nown Control.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of VIP in a hotel?
Most hotels use three to five levels, often called VVIP or VIP 1 to VIP 3, plus a flag for service recovery. The top level is usually reserved for owners, heads of state and public figures.
Who decides VIP status in a hotel?
Usually the general manager with the front office, guest relations and sales teams, often at the daily briefing. Guest relations typically keeps the list up to date.
What do VIP guests get in a hotel?
Typically a personal greeting, a room checked before arrival, a welcome amenity and an upgrade when one is available. The best hotels choose each of these for the guest rather than the level.
What is the difference between VIP and VVIP?
VVIP is the highest level. It usually covers guests whose stay needs security, confidentiality or the general manager's personal attention.
Published by Nown, the memory layer of hospitality. See how Nown Control works.