Although reviews are generally considered a subjective matter, FT editors and users
should do their best to use objective criteria to form an opinion about an establishment
at the time of visit. Most importantly, they should also keep in mind that things
do sometimes change (both ways) without warning.
Establishments and ‘things to do’ venues, attractions and sightseeing are rated
by FT editors on a scale of 1 to 10. Those that received a rating above 5.4 are
awarded Cherries. Specifically:
- 9.4-10 equals 5 Cherries which is the top ranking,
- 8.4-9.3 equals 4 Cherries,
- 7.4-8.3 equals 3 Cherries,
- 6.4-7.3 equals 2 Cherries and finally
- 5.4-6.3 equals 1 Cherry.
Therefore, restaurants, hotels and ‘things to do’ venues, attractions and sightseeing
may receive up to 5 cherries with 5 being the highest mark.
An analysis of how a restaurant or a hotel was rated on each individual category
is provided upon clicking on the left hand side icon, right next to the establishment’s
rating.
A. Restaurants
Restaurants are judged for their quality standard and the level of experience they
offer.
Restaurants with a rating over 5.4 are considered by FineTraveling.com editors or
users to be above average. A rating of 10 belongs to the ‘Perfect’ and the ‘Unimpeachable’.
Almost impossible!
Therefore, restaurants are marked, at the time of visit, based on the following
criteria:
1) Taste: Restaurants over 5.4 are considered by Fine Traveling Editors worthy of
a visit. A 10 belongs to the impeccable. The flawless. Almost impossible!
2) Adventure: Eating at a fine establishment should be an adventure; a balanced
story with a beginning, a middle and an end. In other words, at the end of the day
was that experience memorable for you? Did the food ‘sweep you off your feet’ so
to speak?
3) Appearance: Here a restaurant is rated not only on just how presentable a dish
was but how much detail or thought has been given to it. Above 8 should be works
of art. A rating of 10 should be considered a masterpiece. A Mona Lisa if you can
find it!
4) Ambience: A hotel area, elevated to classic fine restaurant standards could be
boring and cold. Contrary, an authentic traditional building, oozing history from
the deep cracks in the walls, can be so rewarding. Beyond the furnishings and the
fixtures, the atmosphere relies deeply on the people. How did you feel in there?
5) Service: Serving is an art form. It doesn’t have to be a royal treatment and
it can’t be faked, as fake can be spotted from a mile away!
6) Pricing: Was the pricing reasonable for what was received? There is nobody in
the world that likes to be taken advantage of, when it comes to paying the bill.
It is plain offensive to visit a tourist trap even a highly decorated one.
B. Hotels
Cherry Awards are focused on rewarding hotels which stand out for their professionalism,
for their premises and for their service.
Therefore, hotels are marked at the time of visit based on the following criteria:
1) Room: The room has to provide a good night's sleep, be soundproofed, and have
all the necessary amenities plus that extra edge you are paying for.
2) Ambience: Most 5-star hotels host all sorts of luxurious environments and settings.
Nevertheless, it has to feel right and be appealing from an aesthetic standpoint.
3) Amenities: Most importantly, a hotel should not only provide a worry free stay
to heighten and enhance a traveler’s experience but also offer any kind of relevant
service important to or needed by guests.
4) Location: Location is key to staying in a hotel. For instance, if a hotel sits
in the middle of everything that is important to a guest, or has a million dollar
view, it deserves a higher rating.
5) Service: Serving is an art form. The few that master it will stay in your heart
for ever. It doesn’t have to be a royal treatment and it can’t be faked either.
Fake can be spotted from a mile away!
6) Pricing: There is nobody in the world that likes to be taken advantage of, when
it comes to paying the bill. It is plain offensive to visit a tourist trap, even
a highly decorated one and pay an arm and a leg.
C. ‘Things to do’ venues, attractions and sightseeing
A Thing to do rating is based on whether FT editors or users consider it to be an
enjoyable and a memorable experience for other travelers and would therefore recommend
it to them. If FT editors or guests consider that it is ‘a must see’ venue, one
of those things which travelers absolutely have to do, then they may even give it
a 10!