Why Standard Classification Of Hotels Is Lacking And How To Get Around It

By Adriana Noton

Whether you're a permanent traveler on business or a holiday maker, trying to understand the star categorization system for hotels can be a nightmare. There are as many types of rating as there are countries. If one is to come to terms with the various systems, much research and time would be required.

Usually stars are granted for very specific facilities available. Minibar presence, slippers given on request and 24 hour reception are all examples of factors earning stars. In today's era, though, travelers seek other things.

When asked what they're looking for in a facility, holiday makers and business men are prioritizing superior service. They want professionals who are willing to go the extra mile should an emergency arise and staff who are always willing to help. In this era, this doesn't translate into having maids interrupting business meetings several times a day. Service excellence is considered the ability to offer help in as non-intrusive a manner as possible.

A person on a business trip, for example, is deeply appreciative when a maid is attentive enough to know his schedule and perform duties in his absence from his room. There is a very specific talent to having the capacity to do all that is required while disruption is kept to a minimum. No star ranking is available to measure such an art.

Stars also don't take into consideration the individual's reasons for wanting a hotel. For example those who spend their lives in hotels and work from them require a silent environment with business amenities such as private telephone lines and free internet. The presence of large room space, a receptionist who wears a three piece suit and the availability of bathrobes are unimportant.

On the other hand, those holiday making as a family unit are hoping for an entertaining holiday that prevents the children from becoming bored. Planned badminton games and large swimming pools will be appreciated. As long as the children's bedtime has not occurred, this kind of facility would be a hub of noise that the working traveler couldn't cope with. Concentration levels wouldn't be optimal and meetings would be disturbed.

The larger hotel is becoming decreasingly popular, too. Boutique hotels, being small, often don't earn even one star because they don't have the space needed to achieve it. Nevertheless, they often offer superior service and atmosphere and thus are often preferred. In this specific case, ratings are extremely inaccurate.

Those in the know await the day when star categorization is awarded for different categories of hotel, whether they be business, family or romantic. The dated requirements for ratings would be modernized according to current priorities and there would be a single system used worldwide. Thus far, every attempt to achieve this has been rejected.

The best option left to holiday makers today is to use a combination of resources. Travel writers provide their own personal ratings, along with reasons for providing them. There are websites which collect ratings by the clients themselves. Using a combination of these, along with a due consideration of the current rating system, one can garner a fairly accurate idea of what to expect from the hotels you visit.

About the Author:

A leading provider offers the best Kimberley accommodations. With luxurious and serene rooms, which are designed with the comfort of home. At the Kimberley Hotels, your stay will be both comforting and exciting. Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa - Kimberley Real Estate 400 Stemwinder Drive, Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y9, Canada 250-427-7330