| I've spoken to a number of people who tell me that | | | | sometimes increase or decrease quite quickly, |
| they book hotels on the basis of the official ratings | | | | possibly due to a change of management, building |
| awarded by tourist boards. This always strikes me as | | | | work or staffing issues. |
| being rather worrying, as such ratings certainly don't | | | | In effect, the official rating may simply suggest the |
| tell the whole story. The problem is that ratings are | | | | standard that the hotel reached 12 months |
| usually assigned on a regional or national level. That | | | | previously. Is this an accurate guide? |
| means that each country, or maybe even each | | | | A better approach to booking a hotel is often to |
| region within a country, has its own standards that it | | | | listen to what previous guests have said about their |
| uses to grade hotels. | | | | stays. Independent online reviews can help you to do |
| As you might imagine, this can cause inconsistencies. | | | | this. By making good use of them, you can identify |
| Is it safe to presume, for example, that a 4-star | | | | whether a hotel is really performing at the level |
| hotel in Spain is equivalent to a similarly rated hotel in | | | | indicated by its official rating. |
| Scotland? Not necessarily. That's one of the reasons | | | | In some instances you'll find that seemingly highly |
| why such ratings should only be used as a simple | | | | rated hotels should be avoided. On the other hand, |
| guide, rather than taken as gospel. But it's not the | | | | you may discover some real bargains. |
| only reason. | | | | The key here is not simply to rely on the official |
| Another concern is that hotel inspectors may not | | | | ratings. Take account of what previous guests have |
| have the chance to see every hotel on a regular | | | | said and use your own discretion before making a |
| basis. This is unfortunate because hotel standards can | | | | booking. |