Star Power

Spain
All 17 regions of Spain employ their own evaluation systems, although the criteria used do not vary much from one region to another.

Criteria
Some 60 individual attributes are considered, including size of guest rooms and bathrooms, telecommunications services, minibars, elevators, stairways, concierge services, restaurants, and air–conditioning.

How Often
There is no specific schedule for inspections, but officials say surprise visits occur roughly once a year and that if a significant number of complaints have been lodged against a particular property, the frequency of inspections increases.

Reliability
Good.

Thailand
In 1999, the Tourism Authority of Thailand partnered with two private organizations, the Thai Hotel Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents, to devise a standardized rating system. Hotels must pay a fee to participate, which may explain why only 17 percent of the country's properties are rated.

Criteria
Overall ratings of one to five stars are based on separate scores for maintenance of the property, quality of service, and guest facilities; the exact criteria are unclear.

How often
Properties are evaluated once every three years.

Reliability
Fair. This rating scheme is new and not widely used.

United Kingdom
At present, the government agency VisitBritain, the Royal Auto Club, and Britain's Automobile Association jointly operate a one– to five–star rating system for hotels, bed–and–breakfasts, and other guest accommodations in England. Beginning in January 2006, it will be coordinated with the Welsh and Scottish systems.

Criteria
Hotels, guesthouses, inns, farmhouses, and bed–and–breakfasts earn points based on in–room TVs, elevators, restaurants, room service, bathroom facilities, public areas, and laundry and concierge services. Self–catering accommodations, campgrounds, hostels, holiday villages, and campus accommodations are also evaluated on the basis of established criteria.

How Often
Properties are inspected once a year.

Reliability
Good.
—Tali Arbel and Alex Textor

For "Food Fight," a related story on the new Michelin Guide to New York, click here