Why you need to pay attention to the types of star grading criteria

Are the extra stars worth the extra cost?

Often when choosing a venue for a Group Incentive stay, Meeting or Conference, there is an extra level of pressure to select both a great quality venue, and to ensure you get value for money.

When comparing properties, you may note that there is a significant price difference between the grading categories, and it may be difficult to know which one to choose.
This blog will use the Tourism Grading Council of SA's grading criteria as a guide to help clear up what you really get for your money.

Firstly, the Star ratings will depend on what kind of property you are looking at, as hotels will have different grading criteria to conference venues and centres. Take note that a hotel grading certificate doesn’t necessarily reflect the standard of their conference venue, this should be graded separately.

Hotels with a higher Star rating would include more spacious rooms, better quality furnishings and décor, mini bar and individual toiletries. But there are some factors which might have a bigger impact on your decision:

• Meals and restaurants – 3 Star hotels are only required to provide a breakfast and dinner , whereas 4 Star hotels provide breakfast, lunch and dinner with a substantial choice, whilst taking into account various dietary requirements. 5 Star hotels must have a broad range of outstanding meals that are of high quality and well presented, they are also required to serve for a minimum of 3 hours.
• Extra Services – only in 4 and 5 Star hotels would you find porterage and concierge facilities, with 5 Star hotels having a dedicated service for 18 hours a day. In addition to this, 4 and 5 Star hotels have superior laundry services, with only 5 Star hotels offering express valet services – perfect for any Suit and Gown cleaning prior to a formal evening.

If you're booking a meeting or conference, you will, of course, have different needs. Below are the extras you would expect to find in a 4 or 5 Star facility:

• Food service – dedicated areas for buffets or bars are provided by 4 Star centres, with 5 Stars providing dedicated restaurants and outstanding food.
• Coach/bus drop off areas – whilst 3 Star facilities will provide a space for drop off’s, 4 and 5 Stars have dedicated drop off and pick up locations, and often provide valet services.
• IT – perhaps the biggest consideration for a conference or meeting facility, these IT services also vary by star rating. In a 3 Star venue, only limited IT is available, whereas 4 and 5 Star properties provide all commonly used IT services , as dedicated business centres, as well as IT staff or technician’s.

Depending on the type of delegates you are accommodating, and on the objectives of your function, the star rating system has a large impact on helping you decide the most suitable category of graded property to select.

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