What Is a 6 Star Hotel?
A 6 star hotel offers an ultra-luxury experience beyond the five-star standards. It features lavish designs, personalised service, and exclusive experiences.
‘Six-star’ is not an official hotel rating. Some hotels use this term in marketing to highlight their distinctiveness. There is no universal standard.
Guest experience at a six-star hotel can vary widely between properties and regions.
This guide provides an overview of the six star hotel stay experience, so you understand what to expect from this level of luxury.
Characteristics of a 6 Star Hotel
Design Excellence
The design of 6 star hotels stands out for the following aspects:
- Hotels use rare materials like hand-carved marble, handwoven silks, traditional motifs, and local artworks.
- The craftsmanship is masterful.
- Designs and materials are eco-friendly.
- Rooms or villas are few. Each is uniquely styled.
- Suites may have separate entrances and soundproof walls for architectural privacy.
- Hotels may feature indoor gardens, private pools and terraces, private beaches, water features, and thoughtful lighting.
- Some have carefully curated or commissioned artworks that make the hotel feel like a private art gallery.
The Guest Experience:
You feel you are surrounded by one-of-a-kind art and design that makes your stay secluded, sophisticated, and tranquil.
If a hotel is truly eco-friendly throughout, then it means you enjoy luxury while caring for the environment. This is a modern and meaningful kind of luxury.
Ultra-Luxury Amenities
6 star hotels raise the bar with features like:
- Smart rooms with automated lighting, climate control, entertainment, and privacy systems.
- Luxury toiletries, custom linens, and globally sourced amenities.
- Personalised entertainment, including virtual reality experiences and live performances.
- Customised in-room services and menus.
- 24/7 butlers, chauffeurs, and dedicated concierge teams.
- Private entrances, exclusive floors, or entire estates provide operational privacy and exclusive access.
- Cutting-edge security systems.
- Exclusive yacht charters and access to hidden locations.
- Dedicated movie screening rooms.
- Private cultural events, exclusive tours, and meals by Michelin-star chefs.
- Arrival and departure through helicopters, yachts, or chauffeured vehicles.
The Guest Experience:
You enjoy unparalleled comfort and privacy.
Personalised Experiences
Hospitality in six-star hotels goes beyond expectations and imagination.
- The staff communicates discreetly and builds a personal connection.
- They remember your preferences and anticipate your needs.
- They are respectful and attentive but never intrusive.
- The staff adapts plans instantly for spontaneous desires.
- They celebrate your birthdays and anniversaries with unique surprises.
- The hotel customises yoga sessions and spa treatments to suit your lifestyle.
- The chef designs menus as per your tastes, dietary needs, and special occasions.
The Guest Experience:
You feel like royalty.
Comparing 5 Star and 6 Star Hotels
The following tabulation presents all core and nuanced differentiators.
| Feature | 5 Star Hotels | 6 Star Hotels |
| Lavish design | ✔ | ✔ |
| Use of rare, local materials | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eco-friendly materials | ✘ (limited) | ✔ |
| Rooms or villas uniquely styled | ✘ (more common) | ✔ |
| Suites with private entrances and soundproofing | ✘ (sometimes) | ✔ |
| Private pools, terraces, and private beaches | ✘ (sometimes) | ✔ |
| Smart rooms with advanced automation | ✔ | ✔ |
| 24/7 butlers and private staff | ✔ (varies) | ✔ (standard) |
| Bespoke experiences | ✘ (limited) | ✔ |
| Personalised wellness and nutrition | ✘ (basic) | ✔ |
| Exclusive yacht charters | ✘ | ✔ |
| Private cinemas and screening rooms | ✘ | ✔ |
| Curated art collections | ✘ (some) | ✔ |
| Private cultural events and exclusive tours | ✘ (limited) | ✔ |
| Access to entire estates/private floors | ✘ (rare) | ✔ |
| Private jets, helicopters, luxury vehicles | ✘ (rare) | ✔ |
| Higher staff-to-guest ratio | ✘ (varies) | ✔ |
| Operational privacy (private check-ins, discreet service) | ✘ (limited) | ✔ |
| Technology-enabled seamless service | ✘ (basic) | ✔ |
| Holistic sustainability practices | ✘ (basic) | ✔ |
| Deep integration of local culture | ✘ (some) | ✔ |
| Staff flexibility and spontaneity | ✘ (limited) | ✔ |
| Price premium | ✔ | ✔ (significantly higher) |
Note:
The features listed above reflect common trends observed in five-star and six-star hotels but may vary by property and region.
Are Six Star Hotels Worth It?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Whether six-star hotels are worth it depends on what you value most in luxury travel.
Both five star and six star hotels offer exceptional experiences. However, six-star hotels take exclusivity, personalisation, and service several notches higher. This comes with a significantly higher price tag.
6 star hotels are ideal for special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations. They also suit travellers seeking utmost discretion and personalised luxury.
That said, 6 star hotels may not be worth it for everyone.
If you value consistency in luxury, a five-star hotel may suffice.
How to Identify a Genuine Six-Star Hotel?
- Look for specific recognition or ultra-luxury aspects from trusted sources like Forbes Travel Guide or top luxury travel magazines.
- Read verified guest reviews from TripAdvisor or Booking.com to see what guests say about service, privacy, and unique experiences. Such properties have a high staff-to-guest ratio.
- Beware of marketing hype. If a hotel claims six-star status but lacks clear evidence or guest praise for ultra-luxury, approach with caution.
Booking Tips for 6 Star Hotels
- Book directly with the hotel. This way, you can unlock exclusive offers, personalised services, and flexible cancellation options.
- Plan your stay months earlier. 6 star hotels have limited rooms and high demand during peak seasons.
- Review cancellation policies carefully. Luxury bookings may have stricter rules. Understand your options before finalising.
- Look into loyalty programmes or partnerships. Some hotels offer extra benefits through exclusive memberships or credit cards.
- Confirm the amenities, meals, or transfers that come with your booking to avoid surprises at the last minute.
Experience a 6 Star Hotel in Bali
Often referred to as Bali’s only 6 Star hotel, Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort nestled in Ubud’s jungle. It offers an ultra-luxurious getaway for families and couples.
This opulent resort has 40 spacious private pool villas. Guests enjoy complete seclusion, fine-dining meals, highly personalised service, and indulgent in-villa spa treatments. Book now.
FAQs
- Why is a 6 star rating not an official rating?
The idea of a 6 star hotel came up as luxury properties and travel writers looked to define experiences that went beyond traditional five-star standards. Formal rating systems like Forbes Travel Guide and AAA do not measure highly nuanced and unique experiences. So until rating systems evolve, ‘six-star’ is not an official label.
- Can any hotel call itself six-star?
No. Reputable hotels do not simply call themselves six-star without offering ultra-luxury experiences beyond five stars. The term is generally reserved for truly exceptional properties.
- Are there controversies around the six-star rating?
Yes, there are controversies because ‘six-star’ is not a recognised or regulated hotel rating. Some critics say it confuses guests and is used mainly for marketing hype. The rating lacks formal criteria. So, it can be applied inconsistently. This can lead to debates about what truly deserves this label.
- Who decides hotel star ratings and how?
Official tourism boards, independent rating organisations, or travel associations in each country usually decide hotel star ratings. They assess hotels based on specific criteria like room size, facilities, service quality, safety, and cleanliness. The criteria and process vary by region.
