A Review on Comparison of Hotels Star Rating Systems

Abstract

The study of hotels star rating systems is one of the favorite area of researchers. It gives an insight about cultural and contextual requirements echoed in star rating systems, which motivate researchers for exploring these avenues. This study is intended to make comparison of different hotels star rating systems in the world. Three hotels star rating systems which are American Automobile Association (AAA), Automobile Association (AA) United Kingdom and Hotels Star Rating System in Pakistan were compared. The methodology of this study is document analysis wherein these systems were assessed based on their available criteria. The official hotel rating systems are mostly tilted towards producers rather than consumers. Their focus is on technical quality. On the other hand, un-official rating systems are customer oriented. They are more focused towards subjective aspects and functional quality. Projection of intangible attributes and service facilities are the essence of this system. This study recommends that these systems should consider online reviews of the guests so that the needs and expectations of the guests can be met on priority basis. Limitation of the study and future research calls are part of this study.  

           Keywords: hotels star rating, comparison, American Automobile Association (AAA), Automobile Association, England (AA) and star rating in Pakistan