Expedia hotel rating confusion/scandal

izsushant

Hi,

I booked a hotel through Expedia secret escapes which said it is a 4.5* hotel. After going through, I found it it was actually a 4* Motel. I queried why the difference and I have been told it is because the rating given on Expedia site isn't the industry rating but the rating given based on it's users. The secret hotel didn't state the rating was based on user feedback.

I think this is nothing more than misguiding individuals and frankly I am in two minds about reporting this to trading standards. Anyone else had a similar experience? Any thoughts on whether it's fair or not?

Feedback appreciated. Thanks!

richardw

What facilities doesn't it have that you expected it to have?

agrinnall

Could you provide us with the definition of an 'industry rating' of 4.5*? I'd be surprised if any such thing exists.

And did you make any effort to find out what the secret hotel actually was before booking?

fashionistas

I had a similar experience. We booked a 4* hotel, and when we arrived a hotel staff told us that there're no available rooms in this building and we must go to the next building, which was 3*! But, we are experienced travelers and we said that we are not going anywhere. And after 1.5 hours they found a room for us in 4*. Such case))) it was in Hong Kong

Pollycat

Come on - it's hardly a scandal. Maybe get a little perspective on this....?

Lots of tour operators have their own ratings for hotels/accommodation.

Did you see this on the Expedia website?
Where does it say that the ratings are 'industry ratings'?
Seems clear enough to me that the star ratings are Expedia's classification:

What is the difference between a hotel review and Expedia Ratings?

Expedia Star Ratings are Expedia's official indicators of the general quality of a particular hotel. Hotel reviews are written by customers who have recently stayed at the hotel, just like you. These reviews are based solely on customer opinions and do not reflect the official position of Expedia, Inc.; nor do we endorse the information contained within these reviews.

Is this hotel advertised on other websites?
What is the star rating on any of those websites?

If you feel so strongly about this 'scandal' why not complain to Trading Standards.
Come back and let us know what they say.