Abu Dhabi Hotels Claim Too Many Stars

Abu Dhabi spent about two years developing the strict new star rating system in support of its goal to increase visitor numbers and attract more high spending tourists. Hotels are required to clearly display their ADTA rating on plaques at their entrances. However, the Howard Johnson Diplomat Hotel on Khalifa Street displays its two star plaque given by the ADTA tourism authority, but its promotional leaflets describe it as “four-star” deluxe”. A member of the hotel reservations team, when asked about the discrepancy, explained the hotel is being refurbished to upgrade it to a four star rating.