Hotel star ratings are a ubiquitous guide to determining hotel quality at a glance. However, few people actually think of the system in terms of a certain number of stars meaning that a given hotel will definitely have certain features and probably have others. Fewer still realize that, in some instances, the star rating of a hotel might very well be meaningless. Depending on the location, a star rating may be based on a national standard, by a travel or hotel association, or by the hotel itself. However, generally speaking, travelers can expect certain amenities based on certain ratings.
The star rating system is used to categorize hotels by quality. The system is generally reliable; however, how and by whom the rating standard is applied varies widely as there is no international standard and, in some cases (including the United States), no national rating standard. In the latter case, the rating is by either a private organization (such as AAA does in the United States) or possibly even by the hotel itself. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland have a national system, either because it is mandated by law or conducted by the national hotel association. In other destinations, including the United States, a hotel star rating that is not backed by a recognized organization should be treated as dubious.
One stars are budget tourist hotels. Their main virtue is that they are clean. Rooms may or may not have private bathrooms and will only have minimal furnishings. Expect the amenities to be basic or nonexistent. Two stars are a little better, and many are part of a chain. Rooms will always have a private bathroom, television and telephone. There may or may not be room service, but there will probably be a small restaurant at the hotel if the facility is located far from outside food service.
A three-star hotel is a noticeable step up from a two star, with the furnishings showing some quality and style. Amenities such as room service, a restaurant open for all three meals, pool and basic fitness room are usually available. The rooms always have access to cable or satellite television The four-star hotel takes a further step up in terms of decor and enters the realm of top-quality professional service from the staff. A higher-end restaurant and bar will be a part of the hotel, and valet parking service will be offered. Many will also have at least some or all of the following: fitness center, spa, pool, lounge and concierge. Four-star hotel rooms often come with a safe.
Five-star hotels are the top of the unofficial ratings system as it is usually recognized. The decor and landscaping will always be superb. Eateries will include at least one restaurant, cafe and bar/lounge--and usually more than one of each. The availability of 24-hour room service is standard. A spa may accompany the pool and fitness room. Guest services will include amenities such as treatments and massages at the spa, laundry and tailoring, valet parking service and a concierge. The rooms will be furnished with touches such as stocked bar and refrigerator, DVD player and jacuzzi function in the bath tub.
Hotels billing themselves as six and even seven star hotels can be found, but these designations are almost always made by the hotel itself and are rarely recognized by any outside authority. Examples include the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Oriental Bangkok, and the Town House Galleria in Italy. It should be noted that Italian law does not recognized either a six- or seven-star rating, making the Town House Galleria a perfect example of an unofficial rating bestowed by the hotel itself. These facilities should be thought of as hotels that deserve a five-plus rating, as they do generally exceed the five star standards in some or most departments.
