There is a complex computer-generated rating systems in the world and it is difficult for an adventurer or a wiki traveler to know what is the best buy for your money. The status of the rating association may be unclear or non-descriptive. Before, the original star ratings were in the Michelin Guides only for restaurants and not to other establishments such hotels and resorts. There were only three levels of rating:
One Star - good enough you should eat there if you are in the city
Two Star – worth a detour
Three Star – worth making a trip just to eat in the said place
Later on, the ratings were applied to hotels as well as restaurants, and the number of levels increased from one star to five star rating. Every effort has been made to rate hospitality services such as hotels, resorts, and recently restaurants. Very few systems exist for rating travel organizations and experts like tour operators, agencies, transportation service providers and a few other related categories.
Only one system for rating travel organizations - tourist-supplied reviews, can habitually be biased or subjected to internal influence. In lighter side, travel rating structure that is unbiased, uses well-constructed processes, contains no marketing attachments, paired with customer reviews can certainly make travel business more efficient, responsible, caring and efficient.
In Trip Cook’s Travel Specialist Ratings, they use three main categories to assess a travel company, here are: third party (customer) reviews and online and offline indicators. Offline indicators include valid contact details, corporate information, and membership in national or international insurance coverage, years of experience, travel associations.
Establishments in South Africa may choose to have themselves graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa on a basis of 5 stars. Many institutions make use of this amenity and you will see the star grading displayed on most advertisements.
1 star - Clean, comfortable and functional.
2 star - Good: Service, quality furnishings, and guest care.
3 star - Very good: Service better furnishings, and guest care.
4 star - Superior: Service and guest care, excellent comfort and very high standard furnishings.
5 star - Exceptional: Top of the line quality and luxurious accommodation to match the best international standards. Has flawless guest care and service.
The national accommodation rating service in Canada is Canada Select. These industry-based organizations bases ratings on periodic inspection of facilities at the higher star levels. Properties are assessed for content of facilities, physical quality, services and amenities delivered. All assets, regardless of their star level, must also meet strict cleanliness at the highest level. A one star rating reflects that a property is clean and comfortable.
Additional stars (e.g. two to five stars) are awarded depending on the extent of facilities, amenities, services and quality of accommodations.
In United Kingdom, the three biggest organizations for rating are Automobile Association (AA), Visit Britain, and Royal Automobile Club (RAC). They cooperate when it comes to rating which makes it easier for the travelers.
Hotel Accommodation Ratings and its conditions
One star - Practical accommodation with limited choice of services and facilities. Possess high cleanliness standard. Majority of bedrooms have bathrooms. Friendly and accommodating staff to help you with your basic needs.
Two stars– Caters personal service and facilities. A two star hotel offers an extra facilities and personal service. The bedrooms are mostly more comfortable with color television and en-suite lavatories. The hotel has a bistro open for breakfast seven days a week and for dinner. The food is of a slightly higher average.
Three stars - Offers very good accommodation with large open areas. The bedrooms are relaxed and propose a higher range of facilities or services. Wide selections of food and drinks are served in a high-quality bar or lounge. There is also a laundry service.
Four stars - Excellent comfort and quality accommodation. The public areas are very spacious and the establishment has a strong focus on drink and food. The staff is well-experienced with the best service.
Five stars - Luxury place to stay, expansive and brilliant worth. Extensive facilities and services and cuisine is of the highest international standard / quality. The staffs are highly professional and focused. The well-being is superb and the hotel has a sophisticated atmosphere.
Guest Accommodation Rating - The diamond symbol is only used by the Royal Automobile Club RAC. They use a rating of one diamond to five diamonds. The rate per diamond is depends upon on an acceptable overall level of quality into the level of truly exceptional.