by Mat Churchill

Annual AAA STAR rating inspections on accommodation in Port Douglas are underway, with star struck providers scrambling to present their rooms at their best.

The strict criteria is a double-edged sword according to Toni Bennett from Coral Sea Villas, a small, nine unit boutique resort in Macrossan Street.

"If you look at it from the customer's perspective it has to be thorough and consistent, but for providers the criteria is skewed towards new properties."

Mrs Bennett said the rating system did not suit older or unusual accommodation. "For older properties it gets increasingly difficult and costly with an expectation to keep renovating and renovating.

"The rating system wouldn't cater for an historic beach house or log cabin in the mountains for instance," she said.

Coral Sea Villas maintained their 4 star rating after a thorough inspection on Wednesday.

Assessors look at over 300 criteria in three major areas including facilities and services, cleanliness, and quality and condition. And they are notoriously strict, ready to strike at any hint of dated furniture and fittings, dust behind the white goods, or loose spring in the mattress.

They're also very busy inspecting around 10,000 STAR rated properties around Australia.

What the ratings mean

5 STAR: Outstanding establishments characterised by luxury appointments offering an exceptional standard of facilities, furnishings and guest services
4 STAR: Very well appointed accommodation reflecting stylish décor throughout and a high standard of facilities, furnishings and guest services
3 STAR: Well appointed and comfortable accommodation with a good range of facilities and furnishings
2 STAR: Basic accommodation with clean and reasonably well maintained range of facilities
1 STAR: Very simple and clean, no-frills style accommodation with limited room facilities and often a shared bathroom
Half STAR: A half STAR is awarded to properties that provide a more extensive range of facilitiesGot any stories about assessments on your property? Let us know below.