Travel Articles by Emperor Travels

What has happened to the 5 star hotel rating system? In the old days, you used to have a fair indication of a hotel’s quality by looking at the number of stars allocated ? between 1 and 5. Then a series of 6-star hotels appeared, breaking the system, and in 2007, the Burj Al Arab took this one step further proclaiming itself the world’s first 7-star hotel. The truth is though that you should not trust these star ratings for various reasons, which I’ll explore here?

In certain countries ? Dubai, the home of the Burj Al Arab included ? there is no recognised body that awards ratings, and it is left solely to the jurisdiction of the hotel. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Burj (despite having rooms that cost over $1,000 and providing means for their guests to arrive via helicopter or Rolls Royce) is not doing anything unique that would push it beyond the top rating allocated by organisations such as the AAA. Yet because there is no internationally accredited luxury hotel rating system, they are allowed to continue referring to themselves as the world’s only 7 star lodgings ? though they won’t be able to for long, as various other 7-star luxury hotels are being built in countries with equally lax rating systems. Given the Burj started off as a 6 star and upgraded itself to a 7 star, it may only be a matter of time before it decides it’s worth another arbitrary upgrade.

But there’s also the argument that the AAA system is only slightly better ? because it includes criteria which are subjective in terms of their appeal. For example, smaller boutique hotels cannot qualify for the full five star status because they don’t have a lift. Personally, I feel that if a charming small boutique hotel offers a luxurious experience, then a lift isn’t going to improve it for me ? it might in fact make it considerably worse by ruining the feel and style of the place. With such rigid rules in place, it’s entirely possible that many will find the experience offered by 4 or even 3 star lodgings preferable to a stay in an accredited 5 star hotel. While these rating systems are better than allowing hotels to self govern (the scale thankfully ends at 5), it’s not without its problems for the traveller in search of deluxe accommodation.

Even countries that have a universal system are confusing. France is one example and while there is an official 5 star hotel system in place, these tend not to match those awarded by tourist organisations, because the government ratings are widely disregarded and have an effect on taxation.

So, if you can’t rely on the honesty of the hotel, or the strict criteria of associations like the AAA, how are you supposed to find best boutique hotels? Word of mouth and recommendations from those who have been! If someone has had a truly superlative experience, they will be all to happy to recommend it ? ignore the six and seven stars, and do a little online research ? the cr?me de la cr?me will always surface.

Author Bio: Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest boutique hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

Administrator | 01.07.09 | Travel Articles, 5 star hotels, boutique hotels, Burj Al Arab, Burj Al Arab Dubai, Burj Dubai, Luxury hotels |