How to Assess Hotel Ratings

Hotels often have various ratings that can be deceptive. Here are some aspects to consider when considering a place to stay on trips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Don't be overly influenced by high ratings in various classifications used in ads and brochures. Hotels are rated on their amenities and recreational facilities, not just rooms. Criteria used in making assessments include size of rooms, decor/furnishings, public areas, hospitality services, staff attitudes, maintenance/housekeeping, sanitary standards, etc.

2. Classifying systems have technical/operational points that might, for example, be size and placement of elevators as well as public areas. Hotels with luxurious rooms could conceivably receive a lesser rating because its restaurant didn't serve three meals a day, or it didn't have a restaurant open all year. Some of the better properties that don't serve meals at all may receive less than a top rated status. Hotel meals are quite often more expensive than outside restaurants, and many guests eat out. But the hotel's dining options can still play a sizeable role in the hotel's classification and, of course, be factored into its basic room rates. Recognize that not all rooms or wings of a hotel are necessarily the same. Nor are suites the same.
   In the same vein, why pay for a rococo ceiling in a ballroom you may never see or want to see; or for a night-lighted tennis court you'll never use?

3. The fact that a domestic hotel, motel, inn, guest ranch et al is classified at all probably signifies that it's relatively decent as most classifying systems start from "good" and go up from there. But there's no guarantee on this score. Similarly, just because a property isn't classified under any system doesn't mean it isn't good or better than some classified hotels.

4. Internationally, classifications tend to be similar around the world, but different meanings may apply to the same words. For example, the top category of "deluxe" generally means the best. But what characteristics does the best include, and is it the same in Calcutta as in Copenhagen? Note, also, that "deluxe" can be used as an adjective and as a proper noun to indicate a certain section of rooms in a hotel. First class usually suggests top grade. The third major category is tourist/standard/economy/budget, with sub-categories in each area.

5. Classifications are very much the opinion of the classifier which may be the tourist office of a nation, a hotel association, an auto club, guidebook publisher, travel industry publication, etc. In some countries, the honor system is used with hotels evaluating themselves. Some nations have no rating systems at all.

6. It's quite possible not to detect too much difference in these classifications unless you're aware of the criteria used -- except when it's time to check out and pay your bill.

Tips & Warnings

• Zero in on what you want from a hotel, which is usually price and location.
• Find out if the rates are year-round or seasonal. You can sometimes save money by changing your travel dates to get a room at a lower rate.
• What in-room amenities are there such as individually controlled temperature controls, dressing mirror, in-room safe, etc?
• Cite any preferences for floors or nearness to elevators. Women often prefer rooms closer to elevators for security reasons.
• Check fire protection equipment/procedures -- sprinklers, evacuations, etc.
• Does the hotel use electronic cards for room entry or old fashioned keys?
• Ask if it's possible to see the room before you formally check in.
• Find out if there's a concierge; a concierge can often be quite helpful and at no cost to you, depending on the service. One example: finding out places to eat nearby and what sightseeing attractions are within walking distance.
• Avoid questionable neighborhoods, especially cities where there have been citings of street muggings and robberies.
• Dress down when going out, unless it's for an occasion calling for dressing up.
• Don't advertise your room number on phone (outside or on-property calls) as thieves may be nearby listening.
• Avoid revealing a stack of cash or credit cards with any transaction at the front desk, cocktail lounges, on-property stores, etc. Don't render yourself a likely target for thieves.