If you’re trying to plan a trip, you’re probably going to review the various accommodations in the area you are visiting. As you do so, you’re going to encounter a hotel star rating system that is confusing and, sometimes, even misleading.
How can a system that generally involves assigning a property a rating of one star up to five stars be puzzling? A hotel star rating system can be baffling because there is no universal scoring system used across travel-oriented websites, locations or hotels. This means you may see the same property listed with a different number of stars on different websites. It also means you can’t reliably compare the ratings of properties located in Europe to those received by hotels located in the United States.
While that’s the case, hotel star ratings still have plenty of value as a general guideline of what you can reasonably expect from a given hotel — as long as you’re familiar with the system.
What Do Hotel Ratings Mean?
In the United States, a five-star rating system is often used by independent organizations like AAA to rate a hotel. One star is the lowest rating, and five stars is the highest score. Although knowing the best and worst scores is helpful, knowing the meaning of hotel star ratings is much more beneficial.
Here is a general interpretation of the hotel star ratings system:
- One-Star: A one-star rating often means a property has no frills and only offers basic accommodations. A one-star rating doesn’t necessarily mean a hotel is dirty, unkept or in a bad location. It simply means you’ll have a place to sleep, and that’s pretty much it.
- Two-Star: Like one-star hotels, two-star properties are typically more affordable than hotels that have a higher rating — they are also usually quite comfortable.
- Three-Star: Three-star hotels ordinarily have some unique amenities and provide quality service.
- Four-Star: Four-star hotels are often noted for their upscale quality and extraordinary comfort.
- Five-Star: A five-star property provides flawless guest services in a state-of-the-art facility. As a five-star property, such as premium dining options and personalized services to its guests. With no detail being overlooked, these hotels commonly even provides high-end, luxury toiletries for guests.
Alternative Indicators of What to Expect at a Hotel
While the ratings discussed above can certainly help you get an idea of what to expect from a hotel, you can do a few other things to get a better idea of what you should expect. One of the smartest things you can do is contact the hotel you’re thinking of staying at. How the attendant who answers your call and treats you is a strong indication of the type of service you can expect to receive when you’re on site.
You should also check out several review websites to see what people who have actually stayed at a given hotel have to say about their experiences. Even the most well-known, most popular hotels are bound to have a few unpleasant reviews – no hotel is going to be perfect.
Book a Stay at the Warehouse Hotel
If you’re looking for a fantastic place to stay in Lancaster County, PA, your search will end with the Warehouse Hotel. Located on Spooky Nook Sports’ campus, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the sports complex, including its fitness center and group classes, when you book a stay with us. The Warehouse Hotel is located near some of Pennsylvania’s most popular amenities, such as Hersheypark.
When you look through our online reviews, you’ll know you made the right choice by booking a reservation with our property. Reserve your stay at the Warehouse Hotel now!
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Published
12/2/2020
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FAQs
Hotel star ratings are an internationally accepted indicator of a hotel's quality, cleanliness and standards. The higher the star rating the more you can expect from the hotel, with one star hotels offering a no frills stay and a five star hotel providing a high-end luxury experience.
What is the difference between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-star hotels? ›
The difference between hotel categories 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 stars is the level of luxury and amenities offered. A five-star hotel offers the highest level of luxury with a wide range of services such as concierge service, valet parking and room service.
What do hotel star ratings indicate? ›
Hotel stars indicate a hotel's cleanliness, quality, level of services, and amenities. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, it can be time-consuming to wade through all the options and find the best hotel for your needs — and that's where hotel stars come in.
What makes a hotel 3 star vs 4 star? ›
3 Star vs 4 Star Hotel
The difference between a 3 star hotel and 4 star hotel is the availability of activities and level of care from the staff. While 3 star hotels offer some fitness selections like a pool and gym, a 4 star hotel provides options such as multiple pools, spas, and fitness classes.
What is a 7 star hotel rating system? ›
Unofficial Rating: The 7-star hotel classification isn't officially recognized, but it denotes establishments offering unparalleled luxury and service. Exceptional Amenities: These hotels provide extraordinary amenities like helicopter transfers, fine dining, and personalized services.
Are there any 7 star hotels in the world? ›
List of Best 7-star hotels in the world: Burj Al Arab – Dubai. Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi. Laucala Island – Fiji.
What makes a hotel 5 star vs 4 star? ›
4 star – Four-star accommodation is good quality. Hotels will typically have additional services, such as a gym and swimming pool, business suites, and on-site restaurant services. 5 star – Luxury accommodation. A five-star venue will have everything four-star accommodation offers but to a much higher standard.
Is Marriott hotel a 5 star hotel? ›
Manila Marriott Hotel 4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value.
How many 5 star hotels are there in the USA? ›
1,086 five-star hotels at your fingertips.
Who decides how many stars a hotel gets? ›
So who determines how many stars each hotel receives? In Europe, local government agencies and independent organizations hand out star ratings to hotels. In the U.S., stars are awarded by a variety of different groups, from travel guidebooks and national consumer travel associations to travel agencies and websites.
2-star: Modest accommodations with a slightly higher level of comfort and services. They may include additional amenities such as a restaurant, room service, or Wi-Fi. 3-star: Mid-range hotels that offer a comfortable stay with a decent level of services and amenities.
Is a 4 star hotel considered luxury? ›
There is just a difference in the degree of luxury, comfort, and service between five-star and four-star hotels. Four-star hotels provide quality and convenience, whereas five-star hotels offer the highest level of service.
What is the difference between 2 3 4 star hotel? ›
2 Star: Basic room options, colour tv and an in-house bar/restaurant. 3 Star: Multiple room options, restaurant, gym facilities and conference room/ business facilities available. 4 Star: Multiple rooms/ suite options, restaurants and bars on site, business facilities, concierge services, swimming pool, gym and creche.
What is the highest star rated hotel in the world? ›
Burj Al Arab is the world's top luxury hotel and continues to be so, this 7-star hotel has been exquisitely shaped and modified into a world-class luxury hotel that has extraordinary experiences.
Is Atlantis 7 star? ›
An Indeed a 7-Star Hotel - Review of Atlantis, The Palm - Holidays Selections, Dubai - Tripadvisor. Contact accommodation for availability. There are similar hotels available.
Is there any 10 star hotel in the world? ›
The Burj Al Arab is a massive and luxurious hotel and the only 10-star hotel that exists. It is located in Dubai, UAE and developed and managed by Jumeirah. Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world, however, 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space.
What is a 3 * vs 5 * hotel? ›
A 5 star hotel is a live expression of lavishness and luxury. Whereas a 3 star hotel is meant for travelers who can compromise a bit on facilities offered at the hotel in exchange for more relaxed and reasonable rates.
What is a 3 vs 5 star hotel? ›
A 5-star hotel is known for its exceptional service, with staff members who are attentive, well-trained, and go above and beyond to meet guests' needs. A 3-star hotel may offer decent service but might not have the same level of personalized attention.
What is the difference between a 1 star and 5 star hotel? ›
Hotel star ratings are an internationally accepted indicator of a hotel's quality, cleanliness and standards. The higher the star rating the more you can expect from the hotel, with one star hotels offering a no frills stay and a five star hotel providing a high-end luxury experience.
What is the difference between a 3 * and 4 * hotel? ›
3-star vs 4-star hotel
Guest rooms are noticeably more spacious, with top-quality linens, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes, slippers, minibars and upscale toiletries, plus equipped kitchens. There are more services offered: concierges, 24-hour room service, and car valet services are commonplace.
