The star system is flawed and does not cover health and safety issues, according to a company that helps hotels assess their propertys’ risks.
CheckSafetyFirst.com says holidaymakers should not rely on the star system to ensure safety as it allocates points for simply having facilities rather than the quality of them.
CheckSafetyFirst.com’s chief executive officer Mark Harrington said: “Simply choosing a five star hotel is not enough to ensure your family’s health and safety when on holiday. A recent survey from Halifax Holiday Insurance revealed that British holidaymakers only spend seven hours away from the hotel. Therefore, it is vital that travellers stay in accommodation that has been recognised for its health and safety standards not just their facilities.â€
He added that of the site’s 2007 awards for hotels with the highest standards of health and safety, three quarters of the regional winners were four star establishments or less.
For a list of hotels that have achieved exceptional standards of hygiene, go to www.checksafetyfirst.com
By Dinah Hatch
