Golfers in Europe may be a hearty breed because, unlike in the U.S., golf carts are not the norm. At the end of 18 holes in France or Spain, you'll want to return to a comfortable hotel, so it helps to understand the European star-rating system. Hotels in Europe are usually ranked on a scale from one to four stars, with four being the highest rating possible.
Hotel Rating Agencies
European hotels are rated by specialized agencies responsible for assessing and monitoring hotel quality.
Criteria
Paris Métro
Official hotel-quality rating agencies do not rate hotels by the same subjective qualities that tour operators use. Factors such as charm, décor and warmth of reception do not figure into the official star ratings.
Objective Measurements of Quality
European hotels are assigned a star level based on a list of objective criteria. Primary among these are the minimum square footage of rooms, the existence or lack of elevators and the number of languages spoken by the staff.
Inconsistencies
Because the quality of any two hotels that meet the objective criteria for earning three stars can be quite different, it is important when booking a European hotel to browse more subjective reviews instead of relying completely on the official star ratings.
Differences Between Countries
European hotel-rating criteria are not uniform. Even within individual countries like Spain, different regions may be overseen by agencies with differing objective criteria.
Inconsistencies Within a Single Hotel
Some criteria need only be satisfied by a certain percentage of rooms within a single hotel. For example, in some places to earn three stars, 80% of rooms must have en suite bathrooms. Be sure to specify the amenities that are important to you when booking your room.
About The Author
Lois Lawrence is an attorney and freelance writer living and working in Stonington, Conn. She has written on many subjects including travel, food, consumerism, relationships, insurance and law. Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979.
Photo Credits
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrea
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Pedro Simões
