You can trust established chains such as Marriott or Hilton
but there is so much on offer that it would be a shame to
miss out on the smaller or independent hotels as they may
be able to offer you something the larger chain brands can't.
The Rating System
The star system was created to help guests judge how
good a hotel is. Star ratings symbolise the level of
standards a guest can expect and are recognised
worldwide. Ranging from 1 – 5, the quality of service,
amenities, size and condition of rooms and building, safety
and security, atmosphere, quality of food and drink, hotel
presence and efficiency of staff are judged.
1 Star
Practical accommodation. Don't expect anything more than
the absolute basics. The shower room is likely to be down
the hall, but remember, it's the cheapest accommodation. If
you're looking for a bargain, and don't mind not having
en-suite facilities, don't hesitate to consider one-star hotels
– just check the room first. Go for one that offers clean
sheets and a nice neighbourhood. It may be cheap but you
don't want to slum it next door to a crack den!
2 Star
Although many offer en-suite facilities you may find in some
hotels there is still a need to share the shower room down
the hall with other guests. You'll have a colour television, a
comfortable bed, and a restaurant/dining room for breakfast
and dinner.
3 Star
Private bathrooms in the (usually smallish) room colour
television, occasionally even a mini bar, a phone, laundry
service (optional) and a more formal style of service along
with the opportunity for room service during certain times to
be expected.
4 Star
Four-star hotels are spacious and have the creature
comforts with a touch more luxury, including private baths in
addition to a strong emphasis on food and beverage,
24-hour room service and a dry cleaning service available.
More often in well situated locations.
5 Star
Simply the best. The interiors will be of the highest
standards. Opulent, stylish and of absolute luxury. Nothing
is too much for guests. Exceptional comfort, 24 hour room
service, luxury amenities, for example, spas or star rated
restaurants serving superb cuisine are the norm. The
concierge will be only too happy to get you want at whatever
time of the day, (so long as it's legal). You will feel very well
cared for by professional, attentive staff providing a flawless
service. This is the kind of luxury dreams are made of.
The star definitions should be treated as a general guide to
what you should expect from a star rated hotel as there is
yet no definitive worldwide standardisation available.
Because of this, it can sometimes be abused and you could
find yourself booking into a hotel that just doesn't come up
to what you believe to be adequate for its rating.
Due to the lack of consistency in hotel ratings around the
world you could find yourself staying in, for example, a
three-star hotel abroad which may be better than a
three-star hotel in your native country. But be warned, it can
go either way and you could find yourself in a less than
desirable hotel with exactly the same star rating.
Keep in mind it is your right to view a room before you
commit to staying in it. Ask to do so.
Recommendation
If you're thinking of booking into a hotel, but don't know what
it's like, www.gate14.co.uk suggests you take the following
steps.
Ask trusted friends with similar tastes to recommended
somewhere
Alternatively, search the name of your intended hotel and
read impartial hotel reviews from people who have stayed in
the accommodation.
Reviews can be seen at Holiday Watchdog. It's free to use
and you can even submit a review of your own.
If you would like to see special offers in accommodation, go
to http://www.gate14.co.uk/SV4.html.
Lee Fullman is a travel journalist and researcher. His contributions of valuable travel secrets can be seen at web portal http://www.gate14.co.uk/journey.html For further contact email departing@gate14.co.uk
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