In the Kathmandu Valley, a hotel must have at least 100 rooms to qualify as a five-star establishment, while hotels outside the valley require 80 rooms to meet this criterion. However, a study of compliance with these standards reveals that most hotels fall short of the required room numbers.
Despite not meeting the standards, many hotels have been awarded five-star status and continue to sell their rooms at five-star prices. This discrepancy is leading to customer dissatisfaction, as guests pay for five-star services but receive lower-quality amenities compared to those offered in hotels within Kathmandu.
The responsibility for determining the star ratings of hotels and resorts lies with the Department of Tourism. However, hoteliers complain that the department’s officials often focus more on financial negotiations than ensuring compliance with the set standards.
Hotels, particularly four- and five-star establishments outside the Kathmandu Valley, have expressed frustration over these issues. Even those that adhere to the required standards report unnecessary harassment from department officials.
Source: Khabarbook.com
