IrelandA travel agency misled me about the hotel star rating.
If a travel agency in Ireland misled you about a hotel’s star rating, it may have breached the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995, which requires accurate descriptions of accommodation.
What the Law Says
The Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 protects consumers who book package holidays in Ireland. Section 20 specifically prohibits false or misleading statements about key features — including hotel star ratings.
Under Irish law, travel agencies must give accurate, clear, and truthful information about all elements of a package holiday — especially accommodation standards like star ratings. A star rating is a widely understood indicator of quality, facilities, and service level. Misrepresenting it can mislead a reasonable consumer’s decision.
If a travel agency advertises a ‘4-star hotel’ but delivers a property with no official rating or one rated lower (e.g., 2-star), this may constitute a false or misleading statement under the law — even if the error was unintentional.
Statutory TextA person shall not, in relation to a package holiday, make a false or misleading statement as to the nature, standard or grade of any accommodation included in the holiday.
— Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995, s. 20 — Prohibition of false or misleading statements
What to Do
Contact the travel agency in writing to explain the discrepancy and request a resolution (e.g., refund, upgrade, or compensation).
Keep copies of all booking confirmations, advertisements, emails, and photos showing the actual accommodation.
If unresolved within 28 days, complain to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at ccpc.ie.
Consider seeking redress through the Small Claims Procedure (for claims up to €2,000) without needing a solicitor.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.