Star Ratings Australia to shut down

Star Ratings Australia, which is owned by the Australian Motoring Clubs including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT, has operated since 1950s but has struggled recently with the advent of self-rating programs and online user reviews.

Australian Motoring Services chief executive Michael Reed said he was proud of the scheme which, at its height, had more than 15,000 star-rated properties across Australia.

“ Being star rated meant that consumers would always know what to expect from the accommodation they booked. We were always true to our message - the accommodation you expect should be the accommodation you get," he said.

"In a digital world, where consumers can provide online reviews, and with more accommodation providers choosing to self-rate, the Star Ratings scheme has found its independent review model increasingly unsustainable.”