Is a unified grading system for hotels in the UK a good idea?
A uniform grading system is not at all necessary. Today's sophisticated travellers are capable of using a wide-ranging variety of different ratings and accolades to determine their best way forward.
John Stauss, regional vice-president, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Yes - grading makes choosing a hotel easier for guests and gives hotels an easily definable standard. This allows guests to compare hotels of all grades from luxury to standard with confidence. However, it is very important that the grading system is based on key areas like restaurants, health clubs, room service and amenities such as laptop connections, safes and minibars. The service in all areas should be an important factor when grading a hotel and should even include the unseen factors, including laundry and porterage.
Oliver Staas, general manager, Radisson SAS London Stansted (due to open in August)
I think it's better, but I still don't think it's right. If we had a points system, I think that would be better.
Bev King, chief operating officer, Thistle Hotels