The stars have fallen

A new survey has found that most people no longer trust the star rating system to adequately describe the quality of hotel rooms and services.

The poll found that more than half of the population prefers to research hotels on the internet and base their hotel judgments on online reviews. While 60% of people still use traditional guides to judge quality, a large number of older travelers have switched to the internet for their information.

The survey questioned 5,000 travelers and was commissioned by architect firm Woods Bagot. It found that young travelers aged between 18 and 35 years were far more likely than older travelers (aged 35-54) to use traditional star ratings.

Head designer for the firm who commissioned the study explained, “What this seems to suggest is that travellers with more experience have realised the massive inconsistencies in the star rating system across Europe and the world.

“Once you’ve stayed at a hotel that is both inferior and more expensive than a previous hotel at the same rating, you lose faith in the rating’s ability to assure quality.”

Elle Georgious, a spokewoman for AA, which continues to support the star rating scheme defended the ratings which are based on hotel inspections across the country.

“Consumer reports tend to be very personal, comparing and contrasting accommodation against a limited and subjective experience,” she said.

“There is no guarantee that the information is accurate or the connection to the establishment being reviewed is impartial.”