The Star Guide to South African Hotel Rooms

South Africa's tourism industry has undergone a complete transformation over the past two decades, developing into one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With competition heating up between market players, the standard of hotel rooms has improved drastically and now complies with international benchmarks.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa award stars to establishments based on the standard of their hotel rooms, services, facilities and overall quality. This is an independent assessment of what guests can expect to find at the hotel and complies with an internationally recognised system of quality assurance.

A one-star establishment, for example, will offer acceptable quality in the overall standard of the furnishings, service and guest care. Hotel rooms should be clean, comfortable and functional, with soap and a bath towel available in the bathroom. A continental breakfast or quick, cooked and simple breakfast should be on offer.

Three-star hotels should offer very good quality service and guest care. Hotel rooms should be more spacious with additional furniture, for example a desk, and bathrooms must be better equipped with at least shower gel, wrapped soap, shampoo and both a hand and bath towel.

At the top end of the spectrum, five-star establishments offer exceptional quality and luxurious accommodation on par with the best international standards. Hotel rooms should not only boast a working area or desk, but room service should be available 24 hours per day. Bathrooms should also have a full range of amenities. Business facilities must be available, while hotels should comply with the highest standard of furnishings, flawless service and meticulous guest care.

In order to maintain the credibility of the rating system, any rated hotel must renew its grading annually. The Council also conducts random audits on a monthly basis to ensure the grading system is applied correctly.