Be mindful of hotel star-rating this summer

While summer holiday calls for time to unwind, the choice of where to stay and how long one stays there during summer are very important because summer is also a time when some unscrupulous hoteliers rip-off people who do not know how ‘star rating’ affects room rates.

Of course, before you travel far this summer, you will encounter some type of ratings for hotels. But, since many establishments use different sets of guidelines, it is a challenge to know exactly how to compare hotels in terms of service facility offerings, and especially room rates. This makes the star-rating system imperative for those already confused on the status of their already booked or yet to book hotels.

The star-rating system was originally created in the USA by Mobil Travel Guides (often confused with AAA diamond ratings), which is a very subjective way of measuring hotel quality. To understand it best, just look at it in a very general way with these guidelines:

1 star: Very basic, no-frills accommodation

2 star: Modest, comfortable and affordable

3 star: Nice styling, extra amenities

4 star: Very nice lodging, many extras, very comfortable

5 star: A luxury hotel with everything

Moreover, the only 7-star hotel in the world today is in Dubai. Bet, it offers more luxury than paradise as few privileged guests say. It is simply exclusivity more than money can afford.

Also in many countries around the world, a 5-star hotel is a very luxurious hotel. Amenities could include room service, ballroom(s), pool, sauna, fitness centre, spa, valet service, concierge, tour desk, restaurants, bar, chauffeur service, butler service and lots more.

For Europe, quality varies from country-to-country. Ratings are usually provided by an agency of some sort, and often ignore any ambience or charm the hotel may have.

There is no way to rate a 5-star hotel in New York or San Francisco as being exactly equal to one in London or Paris. European standards are different, with prices generally higher in most, but not in all countries.

In Nigeria, it is not surprising that the only hotel with a somewhat 5-star rating is Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city, InterContinental Hotel Lagos is expected to be ranked five-star, but guests do have complains. For lack of meaningful investment in the sector in the past years, poor standard, lack of maintenance culture, lack of skilled personnel, infrastructure issue like erratic power supply, security, among others, the Nigerian hospitality industry is still lagging behind in 5-star hotel rating.

Even with the opening of hotels every other day across the country, the 5-star rated hotels are still scarce. But with the recent investments in the sector, especially on Lagos Island, among two other ongoing projects in Abuja, more 5-stars will set in with more luxury rooms, skilled personnel and high-profile jobs in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

However, when in doubt of the rating, ask. Remember, it is your right to always ask to see the room first, and decide if it lives up to its star rating. Remember, nobody will penalize you for asking!

Obinna Emelike