How are stars bestowed on Australian hotels and what do they really mean?

Other rating systems on accommodation booking sites, such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia.com.au, are created based on different formulae, such as user reviews, regional star ratings authorities, and how well the hotel provides information about its services. All have their place. In an Accor poll of 5000 people across Europe, almost all respondents said they read guest reviews at least some of the time, and one-third said they do so every time they book a hotel.

ATIC CEO Erin McLeod said to gain an official Star Rating, accommodation providers must first complete the Star Ratings program. They are then rated based on more than 200 criteria, covering three key areas: quality, cleanliness, and facilities and services. "Each rating is independently verified, giving customers confidence in the property's assigned rating. Properties are also regularly re-assessed to ensure they maintain their standards," McLeod said.

Star Ratings are awarded across six categories: hotels, motels, serviced apartments, hosted accommodation, caravan-holiday parks and self-catering properties.

Each star means the provider meets specific criteria. For example, one star means the property offers budget facilities without compromising on cleanliness or guest security. At the other end of the spectrum, five stars mean the property demonstrates luxury across all areas of operation.

A basic motor inn, for example, could gain a relatively high rating, such as 3.5, even if it's not that plush. This is because the expectation of what a 3.5 Star Hotel will be like, versus a 3.5 Star Motel, is different, and the program looks at the facilities that are in place, as well as the condition and cleanliness of the property.

So a clean room with a comfortable bed; amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee-making facilities; as well as facilities, such as pool and on-site parking, can all contribute to that motel receiving its 3.5 stars, even if it features brown 70s tiles and doesn't look very hip.

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said with the rise of social media, the star-rating system is no longer the only rating people pay attention to - they also appreciate knowing what others have said about their experiences.

"There has been a rise in consumer-driven rating systems, which allow people to understand what others liked or to make suggestions. This also allows operators to respond quicker to any issues people might have identified rather than waiting for a formal assessment," he said.

Beyond the rating systems and consumer websites, don't be afraid to contact the property directly if you need to find out if it is right for you, Goodwin advised.

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