Can someone tell me the difference between hotels in Spain?
Hotel Rates
Turismo devil asked:
I am working on my term paper and I need to know the difference in hotel categories in Spain. It is difference between 5.4.3.2.1 stars hotels.
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I am working on my term paper and I need to know the difference in hotel categories in Spain. It is difference between 5.4.3.2.1 stars hotels.
Caffeinated Content
February 15th, 2009 at 11:53 am
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1 star hotels don’t have cat meat on the menus, the others do.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:45 am
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European hotel ratings are designed to be objective and quantifiable—based on, for instance, the number of languages the staff speaks, room size, and ventilation. This sometimes leads to surprising results. For example, the Parador de Granada, with its historic allure and stunning location in the Alhambra Gardens, is regularly ranked as one of the best hotels in Spain by T+L readers, but it receives only four stars, not five, under Spain’s rating system, because it lacks conveniences such as an elevator and a swimming pool. Basically, stars in Europe denote minimum standards for facilities and services provided; more stars = more amenities.
But wait. Each country uses its own criteria. Consequently, three stars in England is not quite the same as three stars in Spain. Worse: three stars in Barcelona is not the same as three stars in Madrid or in Seville (each region of Spain adopts its own standards). And that’s not likely to change. International standardization, often considered by government tourism departments, hoteliers, and independent organizations, will not occur until someone can account for differences in culture and geography—not everyone agrees on what makes a good bed, or whether bathrooms should have bidets.
Spain
Hotels covered Spain’s system is also mandatory. Most hotels are rated with one to five stars; some regions add “Q” (for exceptional quality).
Checklist Criteria vary by region but generally focus on room size, elevators (every starred hotel must have one), and AC in common areas.
Site inspection A representative from the regional government goes once to rate a hotel. There are no follow-up inspections unless a property requests one (for example, after property improvements).
Trustworthy? Inconsistent from region to region. TurEspaña, the national tourist board, provides a comprehensive guide that lists facilities and ratings nationwide.
Between the lines Paradors—hotels in castles, convents, and other historic buildings—rarely have five stars, despite being ultra-luxe, because the structures can’t be drastically modified (no elevators, etc.).