well i cant answer that.. i have looked at several tour operator sites [UK & Europe] and it has mixed ratings from 4, 4+ &5.. i have a feeling its may be a class A apart hotel, however it looks extreamly nice on all the sites

there is one recent review here

hope this helps

yasus
wizard

Hotel ratings do change.

My question is on the price. If they have down rated this hotel have they reduced the price to reflect this? Why has it been changed?

TOs typically explain away the price they charge for some properties because they are rated (usually by them) so high.

If I booked a 4/5 star and it was reduced to a 3 then I would be concerned. Often the difference between 4 and 5 are achieved because of the location/view. A 5 with an uninterrupted view could drop to a 4 simple because someone built something that spoilt it although the amenities could still be the same.

I would first try to ascertain the reason why it has changed. As it is an important occasion then before you do anything I think you need to check it out.

I doubt it was booked just because it said "premier" in the brochure.

fwh

The price remains unchanged and they do will offer an explanation for the change, it just does not seem right that i paid almost £900 pp on the basis that it was a 5* hotel. I am just about to send a letter to the MD of the company because i doubt that i can do anything about this but you don't get if you don't ask !!!

The fact that the hotel was listed as a premiere property proberbly was not the deciding factor, but it was 'pitched' to my step-daughter in such a way that it won her over - she has obviously envisaged her occasion in such away...

Terry59

Terry, I'd be interested to know, what was the explanation given for the change in the hotels rating?

At the end of the day you'll still be going to the same hotel that you wanted! What difference will another star make when it'll be exactly the same? The day will still be special and it's the family and friends and the occation that will make the day and not an extra star! Maybe now your towels will be folded on your bed instead of being made into swans!
Just my opinion of course!

I've found the same as wizard- it is graded as 4 star in some sites. I think this is the TO own rating. The best indication for whether a hotel has changed or not is def hotel reviews. Weddings are really stressful in their lead up and it might be best not to fret too much about this change. Really though, First Choice should at least give you their reasons for the downgrade. Speak with Customer Services again and be sure to ask the name of the person you are speaking with, before any further dialogue takes place.
I'll bet that with a good CS person, this could have been sorted without any grief. A good customer services rep is worth their weight in gold.

The hotel's own website displays their prices - it is £60.18 per person per night in a sea view twin. So that is £900 for 15 nights without the flight.

First Choice have decided to change their rating but it remains an expensive hotel to go to regardless of that. It is awkward to be given a change given you are such a large party but there isn't much they can do but offer alternative accommodation. They might find that next season people are not prepared to pay the same rates for this hotel, they will have to wait and see. But they didn't want to run the risk of complaints and resultant compensation claims from those who are seasoned 5* travellers who will pick up some little tiny thing and state that it isn't acceptable in a five star.

I agree with the above. Go enjoy your wedding and honeymoon. The hotel looks lovely. Some other operators are still calling it 5* anyway and it's certainly priced that way. You will have a fantastic time, don't let something small like this overshadow things.

Here's their website http://www.panorama-hotel.gr/aboutus.aspx

Star ratings are not given for cleanliness or food they are given for facilities. So you could, in effect have a beautifully clean 2* hotel with excellent food and a dirty hotel with poor food that is 5*

Tour operators give their own ratings which are can be suns, TTTT's or AAAA's for example. When booking a hotel ask for the official rating. An official 3 star hotel could be graded by a Tour Operator as 5T.

I'm sure you'll all have a lovely wedding please try not to worry.

Have you spoken to the Hotel? I would and explain your concerns. Ask them the reason eg new building work going on in the hotel etc etc. As everyone says the TO often give a hotel a rating based on their assessment and this can have nothing to do with the true rating of the hotel. As everyone knows the ratings are based on the facilities not on the food or cleanliness etc. I know that I stayed in Majorca some years ago what was a 4* and a very good 4* but outside the hotel it stated 3*.
The reason for this was that the hotels are taxed or whatever happens in Spain based on their * rating.

They may have just put a new sign up or maybe they always had a 4* showing outside the hotel. Who knows. When I have to make calls due to time restraits I find out the name of CEO and ask to speak to their secretary. I always find in this case and I will not go off the phone until they get someone senior to speak to me.

With some Companies Laura Ashley Hoover during the free flights etc and in other instances. You need at least to speak to the Customer Services Manager and are entitled to an explanation and clarification of the situation so that you can have peace of mind.

Good luck and I wish the bride and groom much happiness and a wonderful wedding day.

Sue