Credibility and the hotel star rating system

Just about everyone is in agreement, and above all affluent travelers, that the hotel star system worldwide has lost credibility. The proof of the pudding? Hotels have had to call themselves six or seven star to affirm their luxury credentials.

Finally, starting off the New Year and a new decade, the French are doing something about it. France just announced new criteria for stars; according to an article in Agence France Presse this will apply to 18,000 hotels across the country, many of which have stars awarded dating back to 1986.

The biggest change is expected to be in the five star category affecting about 60 hotels. Another big change – stars will be awarded by accredited auditors instead of a government agency while the prefect or state official for a department will have the final word on grading. Besides having as an end result more consumer credibility, the other major benefit is to give a push to owners to renovate in order for the destination product to be more competitive. With the new regulations, any hotel can apply for the star rating but there is a fee.

Is this new system perfect?  No, but “chapeau”, hats off, for coming up with a much needed solution to an important industry issue.

By: Karen Weiner Escalera