Is your hotel 4- or 5-stars? Here’s how to tell them apart

Summary

This video explores the complex world of hotel star ratings, using Marina Bay Sands in Singapore as a prime example. It delves into the origins of the rating system, which dates back to 1958, and explains how various countries, companies, and travel guides each use different standards. The script highlights how travelers increasingly rely on online reviews over traditional star ratings, while also discussing the evolving role of sustainability in determining hotel quality. Ultimately, the video questions whether star ratings still hold the same value in the modern age of travel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marina Bay Sands is a highly-rated hotel with varying star ratings across different platforms, ranging from three to five stars.
• 😀 Hotel star ratings originated from the Mobil Oil Company in 1958 and evolved into the Forbes Travel Guide.
• 😀 Various countries, like Australia, India, and Dubai, have their own hotel star rating systems, which causes inconsistency globally.
• 😀 Frommer's only rates hotels from one to three stars, leading to Marina Bay Sands' lower rating from them despite its luxurious offerings.
• 😀 The American Automobile Association (AAA) uses diamonds instead of stars to rate hotels.
• 😀 The “World Hotel Rating” project was proposed to unify hotel standards, but it has yet to materialize after more than a decade.
• 😀 Despite confusion, travelers still find hotel star ratings valuable, often using them as a primary filter when searching for hotels.
• 😀 In the UK, the AA and Visit England use a shared criteria to award hotel stars, and the Hotelstars Union unifies star ratings across Europe.
• 😀 Hotel star ratings tend to have common characteristics, such as basic amenities at one-star hotels and more luxurious offerings at five-star hotels.
• 😀 Online reviews are becoming more influential in travelers' decisions, with 86% of Tripadvisor users trusting reviews over star ratings.
• 😀 There is an increasing demand for eco-friendly hotels, with many seeking third-party certifications to prove sustainability in order to maintain or earn a five-star rating.

Q & A

Why does Marina Bay Sands have different star ratings across various platforms?

Marina Bay Sands has different star ratings because various organizations and platforms use different rating systems. For instance, Booking.com rates it five stars, Tripadvisor guests give it even higher ratings, but Frommer’s only gives it three stars due to their own specific rating scale.

What is the origin of the five-star hotel rating system?

The five-star rating system originated in 1958 in the United States, developed by Mobil, now part of ExxonMobil, to help its employees rate hotels during their travels. This system evolved into what is now the Forbes Travel Guide.

How does the star rating system differ globally?

Different countries and regions have their own rating systems. For example, Australia, India, and Dubai award stars through government or tourism boards, while companies like Frommer's and the American Automobile Association use their own criteria. Some countries like the UK have unified standards, and Europe has the Hotelstars Union, but countries like France, Spain, and Italy still use national systems.

What is the difference between a four-star and five-star hotel?

The main difference lies in the level of luxury and service. A five-star hotel offers top-tier luxury with plush bedding, fine dining, and opulent spas. A four-star hotel is more spacious with bigger rooms, pools, and services like concierge and valet, but it doesn’t have the same level of exclusivity or emotional connection that a five-star hotel provides.

Why do some hotels claim to be 'seven-star' hotels?

The term 'seven-star' hotels is often used to describe luxury hotels that aim to differentiate themselves from typical five-star properties. However, there is no official certification or system that recognizes 'seven-star' status, and the term is mainly self-proclaimed, reflecting the hotel's desire to emphasize its extreme luxury.

How do online reviews impact hotel bookings compared to star ratings?

Online reviews have become a key factor in hotel bookings, with 86% of travelers in a survey stating they trust reviews more than star ratings. Reviews provide recent, personal experiences that help travelers make confident decisions, whereas star ratings can sometimes feel generic or outdated.

What role do third-party certifications play in hotel star ratings?

Third-party certifications, especially those related to sustainability and eco-friendliness, are becoming increasingly important. For example, in Dubai, to earn a five-star rating, hotels must have a written sustainability policy that addresses energy efficiency and water conservation, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.

What does the term 'luxury' mean for a five-star hotel?

For a hotel to be truly considered luxury at the five-star level, it needs to offer more than just physical amenities like luxurious rooms and spas. The experience must feel unique, with exceptional service and attention to detail, creating an emotional connection that guests will remember long after their stay.

Why is Marina Bay Sands rated four stars despite being an iconic hotel?

Marina Bay Sands is rated four stars because different rating agencies and systems have their own criteria. For example, Frommer’s uses a one to three-star scale, which limits its rating, while other platforms and travel agencies, like Booking.com and Tripadvisor, give it five stars due to its luxury amenities and reputation.

What is the role of the Hotelstars Union in hotel star ratings?

The Hotelstars Union is a non-profit organization that works to standardize hotel ratings across Europe. It uses common criteria to classify hotels and currently has 20 countries participating, with over 22,000 hotels certified. This helps provide some consistency, although not all European countries are part of the system.