Hotel Star Ratings in Europe
 

Is there a guide to how these ratings are established? When I'm looking at properties it would be nice to know the 'trade-offs' between the places. Is it done by country or uniformly across borders? Thx

<b>http://goeurope.about.com/cs/hotels/a/hotel_stars.htm</b>

I haven't clicked on the link, but it is done differently in each country.
And, for example, Italy bestows up to 5 stars, France calls its best
4-star Luxury.

You will note that the criteria for stars are measurable criteria: number of private bathrooms, elevator or not, even lobby requirements. The stars don't address intangibles like convenience or safety of location, charm, etc.

I don't know if it's still true (or perhaps always an old wives tale) but taxes and government fees are higher based on the number of stars a small restaurant may have -- so you could find a two star hotel that has as many ammenities and is as lovely as a four star next door. At least it's a charming fantasy :-) if it's not true. I have stayed at some lovely two star hotels in France.

whoops -- meant that to say a small HOTEL not restaurant! Michelin stars are awarded in Paris and suicides have been committed when a restaurant &quot;loses&quot; a star!

Hi cm,

As you will have noted, the star system is based on amenities provided.

They have nothing to do with the quality of the hotel.

Many hotels are better than those with an additional star.

Soooo, based on the experiences here, what would be a good, comfortable 2 or 3 star hotel in Seville? We'll be there for 3 nights beginning just before Easter. I've been looking on the web and sending out requests but if someone has stayed at a lesser known place, that would be great.

This is no hard and fast rule, but I've found that 3 star in London equates to 2 star in Paris, Rome, Madrid or Barcelona.

I had stayed in 3-star hotels in Adalucia and I agree that there is no hard and fast rule. In Marbella, I checked out of a 3-star as soon as I checked in and moved to another hotel. It was too run down although it is a big and known hotel and right in the center.

I think many people in this forum stayed in Amadeus in Seville and they were comfortable. I stayed there as well and it was fine.

If you decide to stay there, you want to be careful with where your room is located. The ones in the first floor where the lobby is can be noisy.