Understanding why certain accommodation has 1,2,3,4 or 5 stars, is an important part of knowing what to expect from your hotel before you arrive.

How often do you check a hotel’s star rating before you book it? Is a hotel star rating important to you?

What Does Each Star Mean?

Basically, the more stars a hotel/motel/bed and breakfast have, the more they can charge per night. Stars don´t always demonstrate the level of customer service or cleanliness of a hotel, but rather how many amenities it has available to its guests, such as room options, a pool, and a gym.

The following is a general guideline for hotels in the USA. Here is what you can expect:

1 Star Hotel

A no-frills experience for budget travelers. Room options are basic and, in some cases, have shared bathroom facilities. There is no kitchen or restaurant within the accommodation, but a vending machine is available in the lobby or corridors.

2 Star Hotel

Basic room options are available, with a color tv and usually have an in-house bar/restaurant. Usually, the room has its own bathroom, with basic shampoo and soap. But sometimes a shared bathroom is available.

3 Star Hotel

Multiple room options are noticeably bigger than the previous 2 star rated hotels. An in-house restaurant and bar, with an optional continental breakfast restaurant, is also included. As are gym facilities and conference room/business facilities. A heated pool is often located within the hotel property and in some cases, a hot tub is too. So, pack your swimsuit!

Examples of 3-star hotels include Quality Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn and Best Western.

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4 Star Hotel

Multiple rooms options are available such as double rooms, juniors suites, and parlor suites. The décor and general style in these forms of accommodation are more luxurious and in general, each room is more spacious with higher ceilings. Restaurants and bars are on-site, as is a swimming pool, gym, spa and creche. Business facilities are also available for small meetings up to large conference facilities. A 4* hotel will also offer a convenient location, for example, close to arenas, in the center of downtown or even on the beach.

Examples of 4* hotels are Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Regency and Embassy Suites by Hilton.

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5 Star Hotel

In addition to everything a 4* hotel offers you can expect perfection when it comes to guest services. If you want almond milk or hair straighteners, they´ll get it for you! Furnishings and toiletries, also go up a level, to ultimate luxury. For some of us, it may be better than what we normally buy for ourselves at home. The hotel restaurant will usually be one of the best in the area, with a price tag to match. Additional services are also available, for a fee, such as a personal butler or chef in your suite.

Examples of 5* hotels are Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriot, and some Westin Hotels.

What star hotel do you usually stay in? Have you ever staying in a 1* hotel, how was it? Did you feel like a king or queen when you stayed in a 5* hotel?

Final Thoughts About the Hotel Star Rating System

Remember, the star rating system is a guide of what amenities you can expect. To get a better idea of what your experience will be like, read reviews or stay in hotels that friends and family have already visited. You can find reviews on:

• The hotel’s official website. If it doesn´t then they probably aren’t pleased with the feedback they have received.
• TripAdvisor is also a good place to see what your fellow travelers think about a particular hotel.