Discussion over the merits of the AAA Tourism rating system for accommodation is flaring again with readers from Noosa joining the conversation on The Newsport's article 'Falling stars' (Friday 2 December, 2011) over recent days.

One reader, Woody Dass, sympathised with Port Douglas accommodation providers who had been downgraded as part of the new assessment model.

"Port Douglas is not alone in the harsh assessments. Noosa is currently under the hammer. In the past seven years we have been rated 4.5 Star; now this year because our bathroom vanities and wall tiles are not the same as the Hyatt's we face demotion.

"The new system does not have any flexibility to consider the character differences between different kinds of accommodations. At the rate they are going no will be a member of AAA Tourism in 18 months."

Another Noosa reader, Glen, said his units were cut half a star by the AAA "executioner" after 15 years at 4.5 stars.

"The ratings system takes no account of a property’s location, views, environment, size of units, customer service, guest experience etc.

"The AAA rating has totally lost its significance as far as I’m concerned and it’s just not worth the cost of membership when many others are self-rating," he said.

"I’m not convinced that these days guests worry all that much about the star rating (they’ve certainly never raised it with us), despite what AAA Tourism says."

He hinted that there are a number of other accommodation providers reviewing their involvement in the AAA scheme.

"There is a move afoot amongst a lot of resorts in Noosa to discontinue their membership en masse."

READ MORE RECENT COMMENTS ON THE 'FALLING STARS' ARTICLE

The AAA Tourism website says its STAR Rating Scheme is assessed by covering three major areas including facilities and services, cleanliness, and quality and condition.

"These Standards cover a number of areas which directly impact customer service experience, such as room service and reception opening hours but do not cover such matters as staff attitude. "

The Newsport spoke with ARAMA (Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association) president, Sheryn Blundstone, after hearing local members of the group were disgruntled about the recent evaluation process.

Ms Blundstone said a meeting was held to discuss the issue and a formal letter to AAA Tourism is currently being formulated.  

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