Return to main articleTop Travel Myths | 2008
Myth: Four stars are better than three diamonds.
Reality: Hotel ratings offer little more than a rough estimate of quality. Each ratings system is based on a different set of criteria, and amenities factored into the score—things like turndown service and valet parking—may not necessarily matter to you. The two main rating systems in the U.S.—AAA and Mobil—often don't match up diamonds to stars. Guidebooks, booking engines, and newspaper and magazine articles may also offer hotel ratings, and none of these systems necessarily correlate. (Hampton Inns, for example, generally receive one-star ratings from Mobil, but two or three stars at Hotels.com.) Some hotel booking sites even allow hotels to rate themselves. Current Advice: Before making a reservation, look beyond simple ratings and read all the details of trustworthy, objective reviews. Check out multiple sources, and look for a consensus.
