Booking hotel in Spain may seem simple: the more stars the better. However, this logic is not always confirmed, especially in a country where classification criteria are not centered and vary from region to region. The result? A three -star hotel can, in many cases, exceed one of five.
According to The Sun, the attribution of stars to Spanish hotels does not follow a unique model. Instead, Spain applies a “compulsory regional classification system”, in which each of its 17 autonomous communities defines the criteria based on the regulations of the local tourist authorities.
Stars that do not mean the same
Star classification in Spain is based on objective elements, such as the size of the rooms, number of sockets or reception area. However, aspects such as the quality of service, employee sympathy or cleaning do not always enter the official classification accounts.
As the British newspaper writes, this, even with four or five stars, a hotel can have a lower experience with another with only three, if the latter bets on a closer and more personalized service.
An unequal region from region to region
The publication adds that this regionalized system further complicates the task of reserving accommodation in Spain. A three -star hotel in Valencia can offer one -and -four amenities in four in Murcia, for example. The classification thus is no longer a reliable indicator of comfort, location or hospitality.
When three stars surprise
According to the same source, three -star hotels in Spain are often smaller units, with family management, privileged location and a service closer to customers. On the other hand, five -star hotels tend to be larger, more impersonal and, in certain cases, less aware of the specific needs of guests.
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It states that, to reach five stars, simply meet technical requirements such as minibar, safe, or large areas, which does not necessarily mean better experience.
Comparisons with other countries
While in Spain the diversity of criteria reigns, there are countries that joined the European HotelStars system, such as Germany, Austria or Sweden. In these cases, the evaluation is more uniform. For three stars, for example, hotels need to offer iron and laundry services. For five stars, it is mandatory to have bed opening service, fresh flower offer and personalized service.
The case of the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the classification is managed by entities such as AA Hotel and Hospitality Services or Visit England. Since 2006 they have applied common quality standards, and the evaluation is based on a complete inspection of the accommodations.
Additionally, the publication mentions cases of hotels that are announced as six or seven stars. Burj Al Arab in Dubai or Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi are examples of establishments that use these designations only as a marketing play. Officially, such classifications do not exist, which reinforces the idea that the number of stars can fool.
Users reviews are more reliable
Faced with this reality, the British newspaper advises travelers to consult platforms such as TripAdvisor or Google Maps, where it is possible to verify real assessments of other guests’ experience. These platforms allow you to filter out results based on practical aspects, such as “suitable for families”, “cleaning” or “available installations”.
More than a symbol with the name of the hotel, which should guide the choice of accommodation are criteria, such as the location, the environment, the service and the amenities we really value. A three -star hotel in Spain can gather it all without the inflated price of a five star.
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