The TravelGround Blog

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa‘s Star Gradings are independently assessed and are the only Star Gradings accepted and displayed on TravelGround.com. The TGCSA may award between 1 and 5 stars to an accommodation depending on the overall standard that a guest can expect, as well as the facilities on offer.

We are proud to say that over 80% of the accommodation establishments listed on TravelGround.com have Official Star Gradings, and over 95% of our graded establishments have been awarded 3-stars or more. In fact, almost 60% of our graded establishments have been awarded 4-stars or more. Below is a run down of what each Star Grading means to you

• Ungraded: Many ungraded establishments operate at Star Graded standards, however an Official Star Grading awarded by the TGCSA is the best quality assurance available. Basically, an ungraded establishment is more of a gamble.
  

• 1 Star: 1 star marks a plain and simple establishment with few frills. The accommodations are clean and the furnishings are of an acceptable quality, with a towel and soap in the bathroom.
  

  Tsalanang Township: 1-Star B&B

• 2 Star: A 2 star establishment will have furnishings of a good quality and a few more frills than at 1 star level, like an additional hand-towel and an included soap.
  

  41 on Cedar: 2-star bedroom

• 3 Star: 3 star rooms will be slightly bigger and may include extra furniture such as a desk. Along with a bath towel and hand towel, you will receive a wrapped soap or body-wash as well as a shampoo and conditioner. General levels of service in a 3 star establishment are very good.
  

  Sunbird Lodge: 3-star accommodation

• 4 Star: In a 4 star accommodation, general finishes and levels of service are of a superior standard. All rooms must include a work area with a desk. As well as the 3-star amenities, bathrooms here include a face-cloth and body lotion. In a 4 star hotel, there will also be room service available for at least 18 hours of the day.
  

  Hermanus Beach Villa: 4-star accommodation

• 5 Star: These accommodations meet the highest and most stringent of local and international requirements. A 5 star hotel will have 24-hour room service, and most will have health and beauty facilities on the property. In truth, every aspect of the accommodation is simply luxurious.
  

  Michelangelo Towers: 5-star luxury

The examples given above are only guidelines, as the requirements for star-gradings varies according to the type of establishment being assessed (e.g. Hotels have different grading requirements than Self-Catering establishments).

It may also be worth noting that the quality of the breakfast available scales up (from simple to luxurious) along with all the other aspects of the accommodation available.

If you would like to read more about star grading definitions, then visit the TGCSA definitions page.