When booking a property in the Vail Valley, especially through Vail / Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley Partnership Central Reservations, you may have heard or read that a property is rated after a precious metal: platinum, gold, silver, bronze. Some properties are quick to advertise an overall rating whereas some others will only share individual room ratings. You may be wondering, based on price differences, if an upgrade from one to the other is worth the difference in rate or not. The rating system itself, established by the Vail Valley Partnership, is an initiative to standardize at-a-glance property information and has had the effect of encouraging upgrades by qualifying substandard properties and removing those from the rental pool.

The following descriptions of property ratings are taken directly from Lodging Quality Assurance documentation authored by the Vail Valley Parnership:

Platinum (P): Units with a Platinum rating represent one of the finest accommodations in the area. Unit furnishings and appointments are of the highest quality, unique, and coordinated as are all other aspects of the interior. First impressions are “WOW.” Interior style and design are unsurpassed. Custom details and accents enhance overall unit décor. Units contained within these properties are not lacking in any area.

Gold (G): Units with a Gold rating reflect recent interior design motifs and coordinated decorating efforts. Inventory contained within each room of the unit is excellent in quality and condition. A Gold unit is comfortable and stylish with the feeling of home.

Silver (S): Units with a Silver rating offer basic accommodations with furniture of standard quality and design. A consistent style is apparent throughout, although the unit is typically older and may be lacking in thoroughness and finishing touches.

Bronze (B): Units with a Bronze rating offer a more sterile environment. Personality and decorating motifs are present, albeit not fully coordinated; there may be a “pieced together” feel. First impressions are “OK.” Inventory contained in each room of the unit is mostly utilitarian and meets minimum expectations. A Bronze unit offers a no frills, but an acceptable lodging experience.

Sub-standard (O): A unit with this rating does not meet minimal rating standards. First impressions are generally, “I won’t stay here!” Inventory contained in each room of the unit is sparse, mismatched, and/or severely worn or broken. A Sub-standard unit does not reflect first class resort lodging to destination vacationers. The Vail Valley Partnership will not rent substandard properties in the Vail Valley, and an agency that does rent sub-standard properties is likely not to advertise such information.

The above overall ratings are associated with a numerical score from a detailed point system rating everything from floor to ceiling, including artwork, mattresses, appliances, fixtures, and floor treatments. Each item is rated as many as twelve points for Platinum or perhaps as few as four for platinum, determined by the importance of the category in the overall look and feel of the home. For instance, floor coverings are rated on a ten point scale but doors are rated with only four points. Any fewer than the top score may result in a lower rating in that category. Art and accessories are rated on a ten point scale in the living area though only on an eight point scale in the study/ den/ loft area.

LQA standards are reviewed annually and changed to suit the evolving standards of décor and guest expectations. For example, tube-style televisions with arched screens, or anything less than a flat-screen, is rated bronze or below regardless of size, and all bedrooms are required to have a TV. Additionally, laminate countertops are now being rated silver, not gold, headboards are being required on all beds, and stairs and hallways will be rated for the first time, all beginning in 2008.

So should you upgrade? After reading the unofficial rules of ski-condo-ing, here’s what you might need to know to decide:

A platinum unit is going to be spectacular. Its going to be perfectly decorated and coordinated, with flawless and beautiful finishes. Décor in platinum units is also often one-of-a-kind, even custom made for the home. You will more than likely find granite countertops, large flat screen TV’s, professional lighting, premium rugs and flooring, and well-coordinated décor and a large custom fireplace. Many finishes will be natural: fine wool, stone, and slate for example. This unit will suit the most discerning guest.

Gold units are very home-like, not completely up-to-date, but completely comfortable and well put together. Its essentially a platinum that may have missed a couple of beats, or at least is working its way there. For the price drop though, it may be the best value out there. With gold, you won’t be lacking any TV’s or have carpet in your bathroom or kitchen. Décor and accents may not be one-of-a-kind but will be in excellent condition and of superior quality. Enjoy a gold unit with your family and friends or among any other group where something nice is in order.

A silver rating is used for homes that feel a little more sterile and less plush than a gold-rated home. The home probably comes with furnishings that are standard and in good shape, though out of date, or uncoordinated. Laminate countertops and popcorn-texture ceilings fall under this category. Flooring may include linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms but not in the living room. Nothing in the unit should be broken or in disrepair, and any evidence of this should be reported to maintenance or the front desk.

Bronze-rated units are best for budget travelers like college students. These properties have not been updated to keep up with most LQA standards and may also appear worn down in several areas. They may also have newer, “cheap” fixtures. Carpet in the bathroom and kitchen, worn fixtures and finishes, poor lighting, and older TV’s are common. A great property for the “ski-bum,” though travelers who expect more out of a property should upgrade.

Half-Star – properties that rate half-star or any level below bronze are considered sub-standard and are not rented through central reservations. Because of their limitations on reservations, they are difficult to come by and usually disappointing.

For more information, visit the Vail Valley Partnership website.