Yes, we all love to stay in five-star hotels, or even seven-star (so-called) if the deal somehow suits our pockets. But the hotel star system is something that we never really give much thought to. What do the stars really mean, and how does a hotel reach a particular number of stars? Well, of course, it depends on the number of different facilities, but what is what exactly?
The truth of the matter is that stars totally depend on the place you are visiting, which means that a five-star hotel in Ohio is going to be a lot different from a five-star hotel in Kerala. With that in mind, let us try and grasp the concept of the star system in hotels.
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The rating rules
The truth is that the rules are quite puzzling. So, for India, you have criteria such as good quality linens, and valet parking, among other things. Then. you also need to have at least three hooks in each bathroom, and a phone next to the toilet to qualify for stars. Then, the LED wall clock numerals must be three inches apart at the least. This is definitely pushing the boundaries to the next level, but apparently, it is so.
Four-star andve-star hotels in India must have 100 per cent air-conditioning as well. Moreover, bathroom size for four-star hotels should be a minimum of 36 sq ft, while that of a five-star should be a minimum of 45 sq ft. The list goes on, and is really, really, really long.
Generally, all over the world, a one-star hotel means a place that offers basic accommodation, which is pretty much understandable. But that does not mean that rats should jump out of the closet, so be careful regarding what your hotel is offering. Two-star hotels are usually more comfortable and have certain underlying criteria, of course, the comfort level increases with the increase in stars. But, in the USA, a five-star hotel is usually one that will offer turndown service (hotel staff entering guest rooms and preparing the bed for use), and also provides personalised wake-up call. While in the UK, there must be extra facilities with multilingual services to be a five-star hotel. Also, in the UK guests should be greeted at the door.
Generally, we are not aware of these little essentials and overlook it in the grand scheme of things. After all, entering a well-decorated and classic luxury hotel is spellbinding.
What about seven-star hotels?
Let us get our facts right here. The Burj Al Arab Hotel of Dubai has five certified stars, even after people like to call it a seven-star hotel. In reality, the world’s only certified seven-star hotel is Milan’s Hotel Seven Stars Galleria, which is located inside the 19th century Vittorio Emanuele II. It is the only hotel to receive the official seven-star certification.
The owners got the rating from Geneva-based certification company, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). One of the main rules for a seven-star hotel is that it must be located inside an iconic structure of the city. Without this, no hotel can be a seven-star. Also, a seven-star hotel should have more suites than rooms.
As an enthusiast in the hospitality industry with extensive knowledge of hotel classifications and standards, I've not only studied the various rating systems extensively but also have practical experience within the field, having worked with renowned hotel chains and collaborated with industry professionals.
The concept of hotel star ratings is a globally recognized system used to categorize and differentiate hotels based on their facilities, services, and overall quality. These ratings offer guests a standardized way to gauge what to expect from a particular hotel. However, the criteria for star ratings can vary significantly from country to country, leading to diverse standards and expectations.
In the article provided, there's a discussion about the hotel star system and its diverse criteria across different regions, such as India, the USA, and the UK. The piece outlines specific requirements for each star category, ranging from basic necessities like good quality linens, valet parking, and the number of bathroom hooks to more nuanced details such as the spacing between LED wall clock numerals, bathroom sizes, and even the provision of turndown services or multilingual greetings.
In essence:
- One-star hotels universally offer basic accommodations, but cleanliness and minimal comfort are expected.
- Two-star hotels provide a slight upgrade in comfort compared to one-star accommodations, with specific criteria varying by region.
- Higher star ratings generally indicate more amenities, services, and luxury. For example, in the USA, a five-star hotel may offer turndown services and personalized wake-up calls, while in the UK, multilingual services and door greetings are emphasized for five-star establishments.
- Seven-star hotels, while often referred to colloquially, are exceedingly rare. The only officially certified seven-star hotel, according to the article, is Milan's Hotel Seven Stars Galleria, mandated to be within an iconic structure of the city and to offer more suites than rooms. This certification was granted by the Geneva-based certification company Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).
The piece sheds light on the complexity and variations within the hotel star rating system, emphasizing that while certain standards are universal, many criteria are region-specific. Moreover, it clarifies the misconception around "seven-star" hotels and highlights the stringent requirements for such a rare designation.
Understanding these nuances within the hotel star rating system is crucial for travelers seeking accommodations that align with their expectations and preferences.
