Everything You Need to Know About Hotel Star Ratings

When searching for the ideal accommodation, understanding the hotel star rating system is essential. These ratings reflect a hotel's cleanliness, quality, level of service, and available amenities.

Whether your travel is for business or leisure, sifting through numerous options to find the right hotel can be a hassle—this is where hotel stars come into play. Here’s a complete guide to this rating system.

What Do Hotel Stars Represent?

Hotel stars signify the quality of a hotel. Generally, hotels can earn from one to five stars, with one star indicating the most basic quality and five stars representing the highest standard. These ratings help set expectations and instill confidence in your hotel choice. If you’re looking to identify what distinguishes an exceptional hotel from a mediocre one, this rating system is invaluable.

It’s crucial to understand that there isn’t a standardized rating system; instead, there are multiple evaluating organizations. Hotel stars are granted by independent agencies, travel websites, and tourism boards. Some of these organizations may have their own unique star ratings (for instance, a specific travel site may only give hotels a maximum of three stars). Consequently, you might find the same hotel listed as a 3-, 4-, or 5-star establishment, depending on the platform you consult.

The Most Common Hotel Star Rating Systems

Several prevalent hotel star rating systems are essential for travelers to recognize. These include AAA Diamond Ratings, Forbes Travel Guide, and the Michelin Guide (among others). While they may have slight variations, these systems generally assess hotels on a one- to five-star scale. Key criteria for awarding stars include the quality of the hotel’s facilities, the level of service, and the types of features and amenities provided to guests.

No Stars vs 1-Star vs 2-Stars

'No star' hotels are those that haven't received an official star rating. They may be slightly below one-star establishments, or they might be boutique hotels that choose not to pursue a star rating, focusing instead on providing a highly personalized experience.

At a 1-star hotel, you can expect the most basic accommodations. This doesn’t imply that the hotel is dirty or unsafe; rather, it means the property offers minimal amenities and services. One-star hotels typically feature just a bed and a bathroom, and may lack extras like a TV or additional amenities. These establishments also do not guarantee daily cleaning or round-the-clock reception. Hostels and budget motels fall into this category.

2-star hotels provide a step up from one-star accommodations, often including some amenities such as daily housekeeping, 24-hour reception, and a phone or TV in the room. Many 2-star hotels also offer a continental breakfast. Common examples of 2-star hotels include budget chains like Comfort Inn and La Quinta. Both 1- and 2-star hotels represent the most economical lodging choices.

2-Star vs 3-Star Hotels

3-star hotels strike a balance between affordability and enhanced comfort. Guest rooms typically feature quality bedding, spacious layouts, and are equipped with a desk, closet, flat-screen TV, and a coffeemaker.

The key distinction between 2-star and 3-star hotels lies in the amenities offered. While 2-star hotels provide minimal facilities, 3-star hotels usually include a fitness center, business amenities (like conference rooms), and often have a pool and on-site dining options.

3-star hotels are generally more conveniently situated compared to lower-rated hotels. You’ll often find them in urban settings, close to major tourist attractions and dining options. Expect round-the-clock reception and quality customer service. Notable examples of 3-star hotels include Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hampton Inn.

3-Star vs 4-Star Hotels

A 4-star hotel is synonymous with luxury accommodations. Guest rooms are significantly more spacious, featuring high-quality linens, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes, slippers, minibars, and premium toiletries, often including equipped kitchens. These hotels typically offer enhanced services like concierge assistance, 24-hour room service, and valet parking. On-site amenities commonly include signature spas, both indoor and outdoor pools, expansive fitness centers, and upscale dining options.

Designed to cater to all your needs—be it food or activities—4-star hotels are usually situated near beaches, major cities, or popular tourist attractions. You'll notice that every aspect, from the decor to the grounds, is meticulously maintained. Lobbies are spacious, and the Wi-Fi is exceptionally fast.

The primary distinction between 3-star and 4-star hotels is that 3-star establishments focus on comfort, while 4-star hotels strive to deliver a luxurious experience. You typically won’t find signature spas, tailored fitness classes, or multiple pools in 3-star hotels, but these features are standard in 4-star properties.

Another key difference is the level of personalized service; staff at 4-star hotels generally provide a more tailored experience. Examples of such hotels include Westin by Marriott and Omni Hotels and Resorts.

5-Star vs 4-Star Hotels

5-star hotels represent the pinnacle of luxury accommodations. Here, meticulous attention to detail sets the standard, and customer service is exceptionally personalized. Guests enjoy an extensive array of amenities, including a spa with personal trainers, gourmet dining options, dedicated concierges, saunas, steam rooms, live entertainment, and much more.

These properties are not only beautifully decorated and well-maintained, but they are often housed in architecturally significant buildings. As expected, rooms are outfitted with designer linens and furnishings. The bedding is incredibly comfortable, and in-room amenities frequently include spacious hot tubs, luxurious robes and slippers, electronic safes, and kitchenettes. Popular examples of 5-star hotels include The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.

When comparing 5-star and 4-star hotels, the primary distinction is that 5-star establishments cater primarily to the wealthiest clientele. Expect opulence in every aspect, from the amenities to the lobby. Staff members are trained to be readily available, providing exceptionally personalized service to all guests.

Limitations of star ratings

The star rating system offers a valuable glimpse into the level of services, amenities, and quality you can expect from a hotel, but it does have its drawbacks. Due to the numerous companies and travel websites that assign ratings, it can be challenging to find a universal (or close to universal) agreement on a hotel's rating. Additionally, these ratings often fail to reflect elements like ambiance and personal taste. Therefore, it's wise to use additional resources alongside the star rating system.

For example, Dinogo’s hotel pages provide a wealth of information for travelers seeking the ideal accommodation. By navigating to the property you’re interested in, you can explore detailed reviews, check the hotel’s location, and view a comprehensive list of available amenities.

Selecting the ideal hotel can be daunting given the multitude of options available. Hotel stars assist in setting expectations and offering insights into a property's standards and services. However, they should be regarded as just a starting point. To make a well-informed choice, utilize tools like the Dinogo hotel class filter. Located at the top left of the search results page, this tool allows you to select your desired hotel class, making it easier to see only the relevant options. Finding the best hotel has never been simpler.

What is the highest star rating a hotel can achieve?

Typically, the highest hotel rating is 5 stars, although some rating systems only extend to 3 stars. A higher star count indicates a greater level of luxury. It’s important to note that both official and unofficial star ratings exist, and any hotel can claim to be a 3-, 4-, or 5-star establishment. Officially, ratings cap at 5 stars, but some hotels may label themselves as “7-star” to signify an exceptional level of luxury.

What does it mean to be a 7-star hotel?

Although “7-star” hotels are not officially recognized within the star rating system, this term is often used to refer to certain 5-star hotels that offer extraordinary luxury. Such hotels may feature extravagant services and amenities, including personal butlers, private cinemas, exclusive rooftop terraces, and gourmet dining options. Notable examples include The AYANA Villas Bali, where guests can enjoy a three-course Floataway Champagne Brunch in the pool, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, which offers a selection of 17 pillow types (yes, really).

What exactly are amenities?

Hotel amenities encompass both in-room perks and various services and communal areas found on the property. Generally, as the star rating increases, so do the amenities offered. While these can differ from one hotel to another, certain features are common. For instance, 1- and 2-star hotels typically provide basic in-room amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, and Wi-Fi. Conversely, 4- and 5-star establishments boast lavish in-room amenities like gourmet coffee, premium toiletries, and sleek televisions with complimentary streaming options. Higher-rated hotels also offer an array of on-site amenities, including valet parking, cutting-edge fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, dining options, and spa services.