This overview outlines what guests can generally expect from motels, hotels, and resorts displaying a Star Rating assigned by us. However, these features and amenities may not be available at condominiums, apartment-style facilities, bed-and-breakfasts, and other specialty properties. Items listed may not all be offered at every property in a specific rating classification. Some criteria may vary from country to country. Our hotel star rating classifications are not a representation or promise of any particular feature or amenity.
National Ratings awarded by the regional rating authorities appear for hotels in Europe and parts of Asia. When the national rating does not correspond to our display of 1.0 to 5.0-stars, additional information regarding the rating is listed in an advisory box, located in the Hotel Details section.
These basic motels, hostels, and dormitories offer no-frills accommodations with minimal on-site facilities. Public access and guest reception may not operate 24 hours. Daily housekeeping service may not be offered. Guestrooms are small and functional, but may not have private bathrooms, TVs, or in-room telephones.
Hostels and dormitories in this classification customarily offer additional amenities such as billiard games, Internet stations, and conversational seating areas. Basic motels may offer 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service and private bathrooms.
These budget properties offer clean accommodations. Most offer 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service, TVs, telephones, clothes racks or small closets, and private bathrooms—possibly with showers only. On-site dining is usually limited to a Continental breakfast.
This classification contains limited-service properties (often all-suite economy properties in North America) offering upgraded quality and expanded comfort, without the amenities of full-service hotels such as a restaurant or bell staff. An expanded Continental breakfast, including hot items, is often served in a breakfast room. In Asia, multiple on-site dining options may be offered, and at times in the Americas and Europe basic full-service properties will appear.
Properties in this classification place a greater emphasis on comfort and service, with many offering an on-site restaurant and bar. Baggage assistance is often available. Guestrooms typically feature more space, comfortable seating, and better quality bedding. Bathrooms are often larger, with shower/tub combinations and expanded counter space.
Many of these hotels feature multiple restaurants, uniformed bell staff, and enhanced lobbies with upscale decor and live plants. Most properties feature upgraded guestroom decor, large desks paired with comfortable workstation chairs, and TVs housed in armoires. Amenities may include larger bathrooms, incandescent lighting, and stone counters. Resorts, and some hotels in Asia, often feature attractive pool areas and small spa facilities or massage treatment rooms.
Lobbies typically offer upscale decor and multiple conversational areas. Services often include a dedicated concierge, valet parking, turndown service by request, and 24-hour room service. Guestrooms usually feature superior amenities such as large beds, additional seating, minibars, laptop-compatible safes, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes, and upscale bath products. Decorative features such as crown molding, bathroom artwork, and granite or marble accents may appear. Resorts, and some hotels in Asia, customarily feature full-service spas, tennis courts, golf access, child-care services, and upgraded pools with poolside food servers.
Fresh flowers, original art, and luxurious furnishings often adorn the lobbies. Amenities customarily include fine-dining restaurants (occasionally award-winning), 24-hour room service with hot food items, and automatic turndown service. Personalized service aims to anticipate guest needs. Guestrooms typically feature premium hardwood furniture, luxurious bedding with triple sheeting, and large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, and materials such as granite or marble.
Amenities typically include gourmet dining, luxury spas, and full-service health clubs with lavish locker rooms. Staff members are generally polished, anticipate guest needs, and consistently address guests by name. Features may include upgraded check-in, a welcome amenity, and butler service on all or select floors. Guestroom decor is often elegant and may include coordinated fabrics on drapes, chairs, headboards, and duvets. Electronic features sometimes include bedside controls for drapes, lighting, and surround-sound. Oversized bathrooms are often clad in marble, with premium, custom-built features, dual-sink vanities, enclosed toilets, premium spa-brand toiletries, and fresh flowers or live plants. Five-star resorts typically offer signature golf courses, tennis centers with choice of playing surfaces, health clubs with personal trainers, luxurious spas, cultural activities, and children's day camps. In Asia, both hotels and resorts often feature some of these amenities.
These guidelines are subject to change.