How Do Hotels Get Their Star Ratings?

Most travelers can probably agree: The idea of staying at a five-star hotel sounds far more appealing than spending a few nights in two-star accommodations. But some would say that stars aren’t necessarily indicative of quality. Stars also may differ depending on who’s conducting the review. This can be especially true if you’re comparing U.S.-based hotels to those abroad, where certain countries have implemented laws to standardize their star rating systems. So, how exactly do hotels get their star ratings? Here’s a breakdown of what hotel stars actually mean.

What Do Star Ratings Actually Mean?

Typically, hotels are rated between one and five stars, with the potential for half stars as well. These are different from the ratings that are based entirely on traveler reviews, on websites such as Google Reviews or TripAdvisor. There are also some hotels that have no official star rating — often smaller boutique hotels, hotels that offer unique experiences, or hotels that fall below the threshold for a one-star rating. 

According to travel website Kayak, there’s “no universal rating system” in the United States. Instead, independent travel companies, independent websites, or local tourism bureaus issue star ratings. Some of the most-trusted rating companies include Michelin, AAA, and Forbes — the latter of which helped pioneer a new star rating system in 1958, when it was known as the Mobil Travel Guide. 

Let’s break down each tier:

• One-star — A one-star rating doesn’t imply a lack of cleanliness or safety. Rather, it has to do with the amenities available. Many one-star hotels provide the absolute basics like a bed and bathroom, but rooms may lack features such as a TV and coffee maker (which you probably shouldn’t use anyway). Motel 6 and Super 8 are two popular chains you’ll find with one-star properties.

• Two-star — Budget chains like Comfort Inn and Quality Inn usually fall into the two-star tier. Rooms at these hotels generally come at an affordable price, while offering a modest array of guest amenities. This may include a TV in each room, continental breakfast, or daily housekeeping.

• Three-star — These hotels are a step up from two-star accommodations in terms of the quality of their amenities, though not necessarily their service. At three-star hotels, you can expect, for example, more comfortable bedding options, higher-definition televisions, or a business center.

• Four-star — The four-star tier is where hotels start to reach a level that could be generally described as “luxurious.” Some of the features at four-star properties may include more spacious rooms, plush bathrooms, concierge service, and outdoor pools, to name a few. Popular chains with four-star hotels include Omni and Hilton resorts.

• Five-star — Five-star hotels are the cream of the crop, providing unparalleled amenities that range from luxury spas to personal butlers and gourmet on-site dining. Rooms are likely to be decorated with designer furniture and custom art. The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are two of the best-known five-star hotel chains in the United States.

If the hotel has, say, a 3.5-star or 4.5-star rating, that indicates that certain amenities are available beyond what you’d find at the lower tier, but not quite enough to elevate the hotel to the next tier. For example, a 2.5-star hotel may have higher-quality bedding than most two-star hotels, but a lack of any business center may stop it from achieving that three-star rank.

Star Ratings in the U.S.

While most review companies follow the general guidelines above, the lack of any standardized rating system means there’s room for those ratings to differ. Certain criteria like the quality of the bedding or the TV is subjective, and companies may debate whether a two- or three-star rating is more deserved.

Forbes Travel Guide is among the most esteemed hotel reviewers in the U.S., but its ratings are based on an internal review system. Luxury travel expert Paul Tumpowsky told Afar that hotels actually need to pay in order to receive a review from companies like Forbes. Some hotels can’t afford to pay Forbes for a rating, which gives hotels that have the funds to pay an unfair advantage.

Then, there are companies like AAA, which is known for its diamond rating system. According to Afar, AAA recently replaced their one- and two-diamond tiers with a more general “approved” stamp. This was done in an effort to destigmatize hotels that people would normally look down upon for having a one- or two-star rating. Ultimately, each reviewing agency has its own internal metrics, which may affect the consistency of hotel star ratings in the U.S.

Star Ratings Abroad

In some foreign countries, however, the rules behind star ratings are different. Chekitan Dev of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration told CNN that “in most parts of the world, the [star-rating] system is controlled by the government.” He went on to note that “they don’t update their criteria,” which makes many ratings out of date. Countries such as India impose a tax on five-star hotel properties, which sometimes leads to hotels presenting themselves as a more modest four-star option in order to receive tax breaks.

In Europe, 21 countries adhere to a star rating system called HOTREC, which analyzes 247 criteria spread out over five categories. The detailed breakdown includes everything from bath towel quality to total hours that the front desk is staffed. Euro News notes that in order to receive an official HOTREC rating, hotel owners must accurately complete a questionnaire to submit for evaluation, after which they’ll receive an official rating — or no rating at all if HOTREC deems them to be deceptive or unworthy. 

Some of the countries that abide by this system include Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Other nations such as France and Italy partially follow the HOTREC system, without full adoption. 

Rarely, hotels can be awarded a five-star “Superior” rating, which acknowledges them going above and beyond with the amenities they offer. Outside of the 21 participating nations, however, hotel star ratings in Europe and elsewhere around the world can be difficult to parse. This lack of oversight sometimes leads to hotels claiming to have a six- or seven-star rating, which is mostly a PR choice rather than based on any established criteria.