The Hotel Star Rating Explained

Anyone who has ever planned a trip knows how confusing and misleading the hotel star ratings can get, and here’s why: there is no universal scoring system for determining which hotel goes to which level.

It’s no surprise to see the same hotel ranked differently on different sites on the Internet, causing even more confusion. That’s what this article is hoping to clear out today. This article will give you a guide to the star ratings and what you should expect from each of them.

One Star: While most people might be tricked into thinking one-star hotels are cramped and dirty, the opposite is true. You’ll have to give up some amenities such as spurs and minibars. But you will get a nice, clean bed.

Two Star: Here, you’ll find graduated one-star hotels. They are usually more comfortable and often have a swimming pool and free WiFi.

Three Star: This is the point where quality starts to show. However, that does not mean one-star and two-star hotels don’t care about their level of service. It only means three-star hotels will try to make their structures more decent and have a system in place.

Four Star: Four-star hotels will not only offer quality services, but they will also level up their amenities game. Expect to see spurs, minibars, and more spacious rooms. You can think of them as affordable luxury, as they sometimes offer discounts and promotions to boost business.

Five Star: These properties offer the best services and amenities that money can buy. Think underwater hotels, rooftop swimming pools, 24-hour room service, and more. An example of a five star hotel is the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.