Posted on: Sunday, April 27, 2008
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SAVVY TRAVELER
What's in a hotel rating?
By
Irene Croft Jr.
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In the United States, star (or diamond) ratings are conferred upon hotels and resorts by two national consumer travel organizations as well as by a slew of guidebooks, travel Web sites and reservation services.
The rub is that each one employs its own set of criteria to determine a rating. True, these resources provide an explanation of their rating system to consumers, but the bottom line, however, is that a hotel may be given widely different ratings from different reviewers. What's a traveler to trust?
You should probably begin with an understanding of the generally accepted five gradations assigned to hotel standards in the U.S.
Five stars (deluxe/luxury) — These are hotels that offer a luxurious environment — only the highest level of accommodations and amenities, with a very high degree of personal service. Although most five-star hotels are large properties, sometimes the small independent (nonchain) hotel offers an elegant intimacy that cannot be achieved in the larger setting. The hotel locations can vary from the upscale suburban area, to the shores of a paradise, to the heart of downtown. The hotel lobbies are sumptuous and the rooms replete with stylish furnishings and quality linens. The amenities often include DVD players or VCRs, CD stereos, minibars, garden tubs or Jacuzzis, in-room video library, heated pools and more. These premier properties feature bars and a spectrum of restaurants, all with exquisite, tempting menus. Nightly turndown is a feature, and room service is usually offered 24 hours a day. Fitness Centers and valet and/or garage parking are typically available. A concierge is prominently at hand to assist guests with excursions, reservations and personal indulgences.
Typical five-star national chains: The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons
Four stars (superior) — Primarily large, formal hotels with smart reception areas, front desk service and bellhop service. The hotels are most often near other hotels of the same caliber and are usually found near shopping, dining and other major attractions. The level of service is well above average and the rooms are well-lit and handsomely furnished. Restaurant dining and bar venue may include more than one choice. Some properties will offer continental breakfast and/or happy hour drinks and nibbles. Room service is typically available up to 24 hours a day. Expect valet parking along with garage service, plus concierge desks, turndown service, minibars, fitness centers and, very commonly, a swimming pool.
TYPICAL FOUR-STAR NATIONAL CHAINS: HYATT, MARRIOTT
Three stars (first class) — These hotels tend to offer spacious accommodations that include well-appointed rooms and simply decorated lobbies. Porters are usually not available. They are often near major expressways or business areas, convenient to shopping and moderate- to high-priced attractions. These properties usually feature coffee-shop-style restaurants serving breakfast through dinner. Room service may not be offered and there may be no bar. Valet parking, fitness centers and pools are typically provided.
Typical three-star national chains: Sheraton, Hilton.
Two stars (moderate) — Usually denotes independent and name-brand hotel chains with a reputation for offering clean, consistent, cookie-cutter-quality amenities. The hotel is usually small to medium-sized and near modestly priced attractions. Expect telephones and TVs in the bedroom but no minibars. Some properties offer restaurants with only limited menus and some include a continental breakfast in the rate. Room service and bellhop service are usually not provided.
Typical two-star national chains: Doubletree Hotels, Days Inn
One-star (budget) — Clean, comfortable and reliable establishments with limited services and amenities. Think in terms of no frills but an adequately appointed room in which to sleep and not much more. Many hotels have no full-service restaurant but may provide a continental breakfast. Commonly near airports, malls, convenient restaurants and regional attractions appealing to families.
Typical one-star national chains: Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Motel 6
Travelers looking for ratings, from one to five stars or diamonds, for the broadest spectrum of hotels, motels and inns in the U.S. rely upon Mobil Travel Guides, http://mobiltravelguide.howstuffworks.com, and AAA TourBooks, www.aaa.com. Properties are evaluated by highly trained inspection teams according to specific standards regarding facilities and services, A hotel's being awarded five stars or five diamonds by one of the big two hotel raters makes waves within the hospitality industry and becomes a major source of pride to the winner.
Opinions and reviews of noteworthy hotels by savvy travelers are revealed in annual surveys by ever-dependable Zagat, www.zagat.com, Conde Nast Traveller, www.cntraveller.com, and Travel+Leisure, www.travelandleisure.com.
Reviews in Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, www.andrewharper.com, a deep-pocket monthly newsletter, cover only the world's "most captivating" and sumptuous establishments and comprise subjective critiques solely from the three Harper men and their wives.
Online booking agencies such as www.expedia.com, www.travelocity.com, www.orbitz.com and www.hotels.com offer to the consumer a combination of ratings generated by professional reviewers as well as by ordinary travelers who've slept the sleep.
At www.tripadvisor.com, you can read thoughtful — and highly opinionated — reports from folks who offer the pros and cons of their personal hotel experiences.
Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.
