Every country has its own grading system for their hotels, which makes international traveling a bit uncertain. In one country two star services, might be in another countries five star. Generally people tend to just go for the complete 5 star services in hopes that although the criteria are different, the result is still the same.

In South Africa, the grading criteria for serviced accommodation include Hotels, Lodges, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts as well as Country houses. It has been developed on the expectations of the guests and what they would expect when it comes to building exterior, bedrooms, bathrooms, public areas, dining facilities, food and beverage, service and housekeeping.

The establishment needs to have the minimum requirements and then they have to contact the Tourism Grading Council in order to get their stars, or up grade them. The star grader will make an assessment for each area, by marking down a score between one to ten for each topic. It is the total amount of points that will determine the difference between one star and five.

In order to receive ten points, the area has to be excellent and, on the other side, in order to receive one or two point, the standard is unacceptable. An establishment would need a total between 95% to 100% to receive 5 stars, 85% to 94% for 4 stars, 71% to 84% for 3 stars, 61% to70% for 2 stars, 51% to 60% for 1star and anything less would receive none.

To receive points on the exterior of a building, the building must not be weathered, maintain a fresh new look. If the building is an older building, then no unsightly staining and good maintenance of paintwork are standard. The signage must be visible and clear and if there are any attractive architectural features that would be the bonus.

Only a few points would be due to the building look neglected with damage, flaking paint, and possible rotting wood and illegible signs.

Gardens must be well tended and either have a formal, or attractive natural environment. The pathways have to be well lit and the tidy. Overall there must be no signs of rubbish or litter. The parking must be organized, secure and close to the accommodation. If the parking is taken up completely by the owner or manager and guests have to park on the pavement, this would not reflect well in the marking process.

The bedroom would probably get marked the most harshly as this is where guests will be spending most of their time. The colour theme must co-ordinate, the bed comfortable, and furniture is neat and tidy with no offensive artwork. The last thing a guest want to come into is a bedroom that hasn't been cleaned in the last 6 months, with springs coming out of the mattress and wall paper peeling off, revealing not only last years design, but last centuries as well.

Within the category for bedrooms fall some sub-categories of lining and bed covers and furniture. Lighting and electrics as well as plumbing come into order as well. On average, a person could be more then comfortable in South Africa in a two or three star hotel as it would seem the criteria for achieving five is quite high.

Then again, it would be recommended that if you were coming to South Africa for the first time, then a five star would be advised, as you would have nothing to worry about other than enjoying yourself on holiday.

About the Author

Celeste writes for Camps Bay Accommodation, who specialise in luxury accommodation in Camps