Madam, - In contrast to Anne Thornton's positive experience (October 6th), I have just returned from a weekend in Kilkenny, where I stayed in a three- star "guest house". By a clear margin the standard of accommodation and the unfriendly and often hostile nature of the staff was the worst I have ever experienced in many years of holidaying in Ireland.
I am certain that if I had come from abroad it would have put me off returning to Ireland of the Welcomes. How easy is it to earn three stars and how well are the standards are policed - surely a critical task if we value tourism industry as we are told?
I recently returned from a holiday in Andorra where all hotels and guest houses must display their official government rating prominently and where the standard of accommodation is consistently in line with tourist expectations. I believe there is a valuable lesson to be learned. - Yours, etc.,
ANDREW BOYLE,
Charnwood Dale,
Clonsilla,
Dublin 15.