Hotel Star Rating System

The hotel star rating system is a widely used official method to evaluate hotels based on their services and amenities. Ratings generally go from one to five. One is the lowest.

This guide explains how the system works and why understanding it can be of great help. It will help you choose the right hotel confidently on your next trip.

Why Understand the Hotel Star Rating System

Travellers need to understand the hotel star rating system for these reasons:

• Different countries and rating organisations apply different standards. These standards result from local priorities, like room size and service quality.

For example, in France, a 5-star hotel room must at least be 24 square metres. In the US, a 5-star hotel’s rating depends more on guest services, amenities, and overall experience.

Without this knowledge, you could pay more than necessary or be disappointed.

• It is easy to tell the difference between one and five stars. But the differences between one, two, three, and between four and five stars can be subtle and confusing.

Hotel Star Classification

This table offers a clear snapshot of what you can expect at each hotel star level. 

Aspect	1-Star	2-Star	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star
Private Bathroom	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Air Conditioning	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Heating	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
TV	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Minibar	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Daily Housekeeping	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
On-site Restaurant	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Gym	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Swimming Pool	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Room Service	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
24/7 Reception	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Security Cameras	❌	Some	✅	✅	✅
Concierge Service	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Spa	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Laundry Service	❌	Limited	✅	✅	✅
Elevator	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Accessibility Features	❌	Limited	✅	✅	✅
Business Facilities	❌	❌	Limited	✅	✅
Meeting Rooms	❌	❌	Limited	✅	✅
Décor and Design	❌	❌	Basic	Upscale	Lavish

Notes:

• ‘Some’ means only certain hotels offer it or it is optional.
• ‘Limited’ shows minimal availability, sometimes only by request or in select rooms.
• Business facilities and meeting rooms usually start at 3 stars. But they may be limited to lower categories.
• Luxury décor becomes more elaborate as star ratings increase.
• The main differences between 4-star and 5-star hotels are personalised service, exclusive amenities, more staff per guest, premium room features, and greater privacy.

Who Decides Hotel Star Ratings?

Hotel star ratings come from independent organisations. These groups inspect hotels to ensure they meet set standards. Hotels cannot rate themselves or claim stars without official approval. This keeps ratings fair and trustworthy.

Different countries have their rating systems. Each system uses unique rules based on local priorities. Knowing which organisation rates hotels helps you understand what the ratings mean.

Here are some key organisations you might encounter:

• American Automobile Association (AAA)

AAA uses a diamond system from One to Five Diamonds. Their ratings focus on comfort, cleanliness, service, and safety. When booking in the US or Canada, AAA ratings give a reliable idea of quality.

• Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes is known for strict, independent inspections. They mainly rate luxury hotels worldwide. Their stars reflect high standards in facilities and guest service. Look for Forbes ratings if you want top-tier luxury.

• Automobile Association (AA)

AA gives hotels one to five stars. They consider hospitality, cleanliness, service, and room quality. This trusted UK system helps travellers find well-reviewed hotels.

• DEHOGA

DEHOGA (German Hotel and Restaurant Association) focuses on room quality, service, and guest comfort. This rating reflects German hospitality standards. It is widely recognised across Germany.

• Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)

TGCSA rates hotels one to five stars. Their focus is on customer service, cleanliness, and facilities. This helps tourists trust their hotel choices in South Africa.

• Hotelstars Union

This group unites many European countries under one rating system. Their harmonised criteria reduce confusion when booking hotels across Europe.

• MICHELIN Guide

Famous for restaurants, MICHELIN also rates luxury and boutique hotels. They focus on Europe and Asia. They evaluate hotels using MICHELIN Keys. This system recognises and rates hotels based on their quality, style, and service. It awards the keys for architecture, interior design, service quality, overall character, value, and other criteria.

• Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) 

JTB rates modern hotels and traditional inns called ryokans. Their system helps travellers seeking authentic Japanese experiences.

What Hotel Star Ratings Measure

• Room Quality: The size, décor, cleanliness, comfort, and any smart or tech features.

• Service Excellence: Staff training, professionalism, responsiveness, personalisation, and service availability like 24/7 reception and housekeeping.

• Amenities Offered: The pools, spas, childcare, concierge, business centres, safety features, and accessibility.

• Dining: The range and quality of food available in the hotel.

• Recreational Facilities: Tennis, golf, horseback riding, and wellness activities.

• Eco-friendly Efforts: Energy reduction, digital key cards, and green certifications.

• Location: How close the hotel is to popular spots, transport, and shops.

• Accessibility: Features that help guests with disabilities or limited mobility.

• Business Services: Meeting rooms and conference spaces.

• Guest Feedback Handling: How hotels listen to and act on guest comments.

How Hotels Are Rated

• Initial offsite review: Inspectors examine the hotel’s facilities, services, amenities, safety measures, and operational standards.

• Official inspection: Tourism boards, hospitality associations, or independent groups visit the hotel unannounced and anonymously to ensure an honest assessment.

• Rating assignment: The hotel receives a score based on how well it meets the star rating standards set by the reviewing organisation. These standards cover room size, cleanliness, facilities, services, and safety.

• Ongoing evaluations: Hotels undergo random audits periodically to make sure they continue to meet the required standards. A hotel’s rating can slip, if it falls short.

The exact process may vary since regulatory organisations and rating criteria differ by country. However, the key idea of fair reviews and regular checks is the same worldwide.

Benefits of Knowing Hotel Star Ratings

1. Hotel star ratings reflect the quality and services. You can compare hotels and understand what to expect from a hotel in terms of room size and comfort, amenities, dining options, and service quality. 

For example, within a country, a 3-star hotel might offer you a complimentary breakfast and gym. But, in a 5-star hotel, you can avail the spa, dine at several in-house restaurants, and ask for a personal butler.

2. Ratings help you decide if the room or services in a high-star hotel justify the price. 

3. Hotel star ratings are a mix of official inspections and guest feedback. So, you can confidently book a hotel room.

4. Ratings influence hotel prices and room availability. A higher-star hotel will charge more during busy seasons.

5 Star Hotel Example 

Viceroy Bali is a 5-star boutique resort. It is known for luxury and privacy in Ubud’s stunning jungle. Its expansive villas and suites feature a heated private pool, top-level comfort, and advanced amenities. 

Guests enjoy Michelin-level dining, a relaxing spa, and attentive, personalised service. This resort is perfect for a memorable stay or romantic getaway. With lavish décor and top notch amenities, this resort perfectly embodies the 5 star hotel experience.

FAQs

1. Should I look at reviews other than ratings?

Yes. Star ratings show official standards. Reviews share real guest experiences.

2. How to decide which hotel star level best suits my budget?

First, consider your preferences; room size, dining, budget or extra services. Then, find the star rating that offers all or a maximum of these.

3. Are higher stars always better?

More stars usually mean more services and comfort, but also higher prices. But sometimes, a lower-star hotel can still meet your needs. For example, the difference between a four-star and a five-star hotel might just be the level of luxury.

4. Can star ratings change over time?

Yes, they can. Hotels get checked regularly. Ratings can go up or down depending on quality.

5. Should I check multiple rating systems for the same hotel?

Not at all. Different systems focus on different aspects, like local traditions, luxury, and guest service. Checking more than one is always helpful, but it is alright to check just a single trusted source.

6. What if a hotel has different ratings across systems? Which one should I trust?

Ratings vary because organisations use different criteria. If ratings differ, think about what is important to you; local charm, luxury, or service. Guest reviews can also guide you.

7. Where can I find official hotel star ratings?

The best place is the website of the rating organisation. Hotels might share their ratings on their own sites, but those can be selective. Google mostly shows guest reviews, not official ratings.

8. Should I check AAA and Forbes for luxury hotels in North America?

Both are helpful. AAA covers many hotels. Forbes focuses on top luxury properties. Checking both gives you a wider view.

9. If I am travelling to Japan, should I look at JTB, MICHELIN, and Forbes ratings?

Yes, it is good to check all three. JTB covers local hotels and traditional inns. MICHELIN and Forbes focus on luxury and boutique hotels.

10. Which hotel ratings should I trust in Europe?

Hotelstars Union sets the standard in Europe. Forbes and MICHELIN highlight luxury hotels. Using these helps you find the right hotel.