Your dream vacation is well thought out — the destination’s determined, the itinerary is set, and your flight’s already booked. Choosing a hotel, however, poses a new set of travel challenges. Should you opt for a one- or five-star hotel? And what do these ratings even mean? With over 40 years of experience, Rochester, NY’s DiMaria Travel Agency is the area’s go-to source for vacation planning. The team shares the difference between hotel ratings so you can choose what’s best for you.

What Star Ratings Mean

Star ratings are used internationally to monitor hotel quality so travelers can easily compare resorts worldwide. Ratings provide an idea of what to expect; facilities, location, rooms, amenities, and cost are all considered.

1 Star

Here, you can expect the basics: simple rooms that are clean and functional. Hostels are frequently considered 1-star lodging; they’ll meet your basic needs, but generally don’t offer many amenities. 

2 Stars

One step above a hostel, you’ll have a basic room with a reservation at a 2-star hotel with some upgrades in the room decor and furnishings.

3 Stars

A three-star hotel is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. They provide more sophistication and comfort than standard lodgings, and they frequently offer add-in restaurants.

4 Stars

You can usually expect room service, a bar, and possibly an on-site gym when you stay at a 4-star hotel. These properties focus on hospitality, and their rooms are generally more upscale and comfortable.

5 Stars

Five-star hotels will have you basking in luxury. They offer many amenities and lavish rooms that are spacious, well-decorated, and inviting. If you want to spend your vacation at a five-star resort, prepare to be pampered. The staff will be attentive, flawlessly professional, and eager to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. These resorts set the standard for quality hospitality services.

Are Star Ratings Consistent?

Hotel ratings are helpful guiding points when you want to book your traveling accommodations. However, you can’t rely on hotel ratings exclusively. Before you trust a rating, look at the organization that provided the assessment. Visit their website to determine what factors affect the score. Location often plays a key role; if a hotel is positioned in the middle of London, they might receive a higher rating than a room in nearby Reading, even though the size and amenities are comparable. 

Although hotel ratings are used worldwide, you should also keep in mind that there isn’t an international standard that’s applied by one organizing body. A hotel that scores a 4 in one country could receive a 2-star rating in another. Likewise, you can’t always expect to find the same amenities, because other factors, like a central location, could boost the score.

How Should You Evaluate the Quality of a Hotel?

It’s a good start to look at the hotel’s star rating. From there, you might want to research how the score was determined. Next, compare those ratings to online reviews. If the score is high and the reviews are positive, this is a good sign you’ve found quality lodging. If there are any inconsistencies, you might want to explore other options. Always check the hotel’s website to determine what amenities they offer.

Let the team at DiMaria Travel Agency know what you’re looking for in a hotel, and they’ll find one that suits your preferences. Whether you’re heading off on your honeymoon or an annual family getaway, they’ll make your vacation one to remember. No matter your travel plans, they’ll design an itinerary that suits your needs, with no detail left untouched. Visit their website to learn more, or call (585) 271-0100 to start planning today!