Did you know? In New Zealand, the tourism bureau assesses hotels based on an official mark of quality, referred to as "Qualmark." Prominently placed at various hotels, motels and online reviews,  accommodations are graded according to six categories:

• Professionalism
• Trustworthiness
• Standard in quality 
• Activity
• Transport
• Service

The number of stars indicates the accommodation's grade level. For example, one star represents an "acceptable," place to stay; while, five stars translates into one of New Zealand's best places to stay. However, not all five stars Qualmarks are created equally. For instance, the Consumer Journal found the Chateau Marlborough of Blenheim's five star rating unequivocal to the same five star rating seen at The Jasmine Court (in Picton, NZ). Hotels, motels and resorts with a check mark are direct Qualmark endorsements. 

Holly Bentz (c) 2008 fruitionmedia.net