Stars! five, four, three, what do they all mean.

I am not sure if this should be a guide on star system as it operates in Nigeria or around the world. Initial research however, showed that the star system is puzzling with no conformity as to what makes a five, four, three, two, one or no star hotel. Maybe you get no stars for no beds.

Coincidentally, during a quiet drink with some guys from the Racing Rugby Club in Lagos , the word 'Dubai' came up; they play in a yearly rugby tournament (Good Luck for 2005 especially to the veterans). The veterans talked more about the hotel rooms and bars than they did about rugby, so I wanted to find out what was so good about the hotels, especially when I heard about a 7 star hotel!!!

Interestingly, if you do a Google search for '7 star hotel', only one hotel keeps coming up; The Burj al Arab, in Dubai . Standing 321 meters high, Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest hotel. It has 28 storey comprising 202 suites and charges are from 1,000 US dollars per night for a one-bedroom Deluxe Suite to 10,000 US dollars for a Royal Suite! It also cost 55 US Dollars just to go in and have a look around.

Curiosity they say kills the cat, so I searched for pictures, read the reviews but nobody told me why it is a 7 star. I then asked a very reliable source, a sober veteran at Racing Rugby Club Lagos, who said, and 'well it is certainly 2 stars above every other hotel in the world, therefore you either downgrade the other hotels or you add 2 stars'. Surprisingly the visitors to the hotel have been responsible for the upgrade without any external prompting. The hotel used to market itself as a 5 star hotel with its theme line as 'the most luxurious hotel in the world'. Nobody seems to disagree. I urge that the downgrade begin immediately for all the other hotels in the world - 5 stars to 3 stars, 3 stars to 1 star and so on. The benchmark for luxury has changed.

Before I conclude, I would like to list some of the facilities The Burj al Arab has

• Suites not rooms - 202 suites in total!
• Each suite is arranged over two floors and all with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows and a view of the sea
• Butler Service in every suite
• Guests can check in after they have entered their rooms
• Butlers who stand on call on each floor around the clock
• Hotel helicopters which can transport VIP guests from the airport to the hotel's helipad
• Exclusive beach, marble floor and gold-plated columns!
• Underwater seafood restaurant

Well even The Burj al Arab in Dubai might be downgraded once we hear more about the Emirate Towers in Abu Dhabi.

So next time you walk into a hotel claiming stars, just smile and say 'I will be the judge of that'.

Below is the Yahoo! Travel Star Ratings. This should give you an idea what to expect, but remember in Nigeria a generator is a must.

Star Rating	Description
	These luxury properties are members of an elite group of hotels that exhibit an exceptionally high degree of service and hospitality. These properties display an original design, elegant room decor, exceptional dining, and meticulous grounds. The flawless execution of guest services is the staff's prevailing concern.
	These superior properties distinguish themselves with a high level of service and hospitality, as well as a wide variety of amenities and upscale facilities. A well-integrated design, stylized room decor, excellent restaurant facilities, and landscaped grounds are all present. The comfort and convenience of the guest is the staff's prevailing concern.
	These properties offer a higher level of service with additional amenities, features, and facilities. The property grounds, decor, and quality of furnishings are a noticeable upgrade in terms of style and class. Most properties in this category feature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service availability may vary. Valet parking, pools, and fitness centers are often provided.
	These properties meet a traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience while offering moderate aesthetic enhancements in the property grounds, room decor, and quality of furnishings. Some may offer limited restaurant service, however room service is usually not provided.
	These properties meet a budget-traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience. They tend to be located near major attractions or thoroughfares and provide clean guest rooms. Many properties do not have a restaurant on site but are usually located within walking distance of dining establishments.