Hotel star ratings are a widely recognized system that can give travelers an idea of what they’re getting when they book a hotel. A hotel star rating reflects the accommodations, amenities and level of comfort that a traveler can expect, from the most basic facilities to high-end, luxury accommodations.
Hotel star ratings range from 1 to 5 stars — the more stars a hotel has, the more comfort, attention and amenities a guest can expect. If you’re looking to book accommodations for your next trip and you have an eligible Citi® credit card, Citi Travel® offers access to over 1.4 million hotel and resort options to help you find the hotel that best suits your needs.
Let’s take a closer look at what hotel star ratings mean and how these ratings are determined.
What is the hotel star rating system?
Hotel star ratings typically let you know what to expect from a hotel’s accommodations and amenities. This can include food and dining options, room size, entertainment, pools and spa services, gyms and fitness centers and guest services. Star ratings can also indicate affordability and the level of care and attention shown to each guest.
How are hotel star ratings determined?
Different organizations assign hotel star ratings. The star ranking system is not universal, meaning you might encounter some variation depending on the site or system you use to book your travel, which organization provided the rating and where you’re traveling. With this in mind, hotel star ratings can still serve as a general baseline that can help you gauge a hotel’s offerings.
What do the stars mean? What’s the difference between a 4- and 5-star hotel?
Hotel star ratings indicate different things in different countries, but in the U.S., you can usually expect the following:
1-star hotels
1-star hotels offer basic accommodations. These are often known as “budget” or “economy” hotels. You’ll likely get a bedroom and a bathroom with a shower or tub. The hotel might have more basic amenities like a vending machine or ice machine, but it may not have a lobby or entertainment options like a TV. Rooms should still be clean and well maintained.
2-star hotels
When booking a 2-star hotel, you can expect a relatively basic level of service but with additional amenities, including a private bathroom, an in-room television and sometimes complimentary breakfast. Some may include housekeeping and other limited hotel services.
3-star hotels
3-star hotels typically provide more stylish, comfortable and spacious accommodations. They offer a little more luxury than 1- or 2-star options, such as additional toiletries (like shower caps and sewing kits), a desk, a dresser and additional in-room seating (such as a couch or chair). 3-star hotels often have amenities like a gym or fitness center, business center, hotel restaurant and pool.
4-star hotels
4-star hotels generally offer an upgraded, more luxurious guest experience. These hotels typically boast more lavish accommodations, including bigger rooms, premium linens, bellhops, concierge service, valet parking and on-site dining. You’ll likely see upgraded versions of all the amenities of a 3-star hotel, such as multiple pools, expensive gym equipment and an expanded business center.
5-star hotels
5-star hotels are extravagant, luxury hotels that offer guests top-of-the-line accommodations. These hotels pull out all the stops to provide the most comfortable, personalized, streamlined service available, which can include turn-down service, round-the-clock room service and reception, valet parking, spas and wellness centers, fine dining and live entertainment. Some 5-star hotels even offer complimentary childcare and fitness trainers.
Find your perfect hotel
Hotel star ratings offer a helpful way to find the right balance between luxury and price point for any given trip. A stop on an overnight road trip might not require anything more than a safe place to rest, while a big anniversary trip may call for spa treatments and pampering. While rating systems vary slightly, understanding the typical features at each level can make it easier to choose the right hotel for your needs. You can also keep tabs on guest reviews and trusted recommendations to ensure you know what to expect when booking your stay.
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