Five-star hotels are properties that offer their guests the highest levels of luxury through personalized services, a vast range of amenities, and sophisticated accommodations. Though there is no standard rating system for hotels, properties earn 5-star distinction by providing guests experiences that meet or exceed even the highest of expectations for comfort, décor, and luxury.
5 Star Hotel Criteria
Though a luxury hotel may feature many five-star hotel characteristics, a true five-star hotel should satisfy all these criteria:
5-Star Service
Five-star hotel employees should be polite, attentive, discreet, and can anticipate guests’ needs. All-in-all, consistently flawless excellence is the expectation. Exceptional service is the cornerstone of any 5-star hotel.
- Standalone concierge staff available at least 16 hours a day
- A high staff-to-room ratio—ideally above 2.5
- Multilingual staff
- 24-hour reception, room service, valet parking, butler, doorman
- Nightly turndown
- Easy communication with hotel staff - even via app or by text
- Daily housekeeping that is also available upon request at any time
- Laundry, ironing, dry cleaning, and shoe polishing
- Guest elevators separate from staff elevators
- Medical Team and resources on call
- Exclusive tours, cultural workshops, or collaborations with local artisans to connect guests with the destination
- Luggage storage in which bags are out of guest view
- Fine dining restaurant(s) and a standalone lounge and/or bar
- Transfers and executive or house car for seamless travel
- Childcare options including vetted babysitting service
- Pre-check-in registration and preferences
- Local products and services, especially for dining
- Dedicated spa services and comprehensive wellness offerings
- Pet amenities including dedicated pet care with beds, grooming, walking services, and dining options for furry companions
5-Star In-Room Amenities
- Luxurious robes and slippers
- High-End Toiletries
- Electric safe
- Laundry bags
- Full-length mirror with lighting
- Flat-screen TV with international programming
- Outlets for personal electronics, especially multiple plug and socket types (USB)
- Smart TV features with access to streaming services
- Stocked mini bar (with cocktail and wine accessories)
- Digital room key entry
- Selection of daily newspapers
- Wifi (highest speeds, multi-device)
- Specialty night lighting
- At least four types of spa treatments
- Electronic travel convertors and adapters
5-Star Comfort
- Guest rooms must be plush and inviting—especially the bed (ideally, there is a memory foam bed with high thread count sheets)
- Pillow menu
- Blackout shades
- Bathrobes, slippers, luxury toiletries, and large fluffy towels
- Night lighting in walking areas and bathrooms
- Yoga or fitness equipment available for use in-room
- Poolside daybeds, umbrellas, lotions, ice water, attendants, and food and beverage service
Some luxury hotels are even trying to out-do others to prove that they have 5-star amenities and are above and beyond the competition. These go far past the typical luxury upgrades.
One example from Bloomberg Businessweek describes foraging in the woods for parts of your meal (Five-Star Mushroom Hunting Programs Are Newest Amenity at Top Hotels). Other's include in-room drink stations for cocktails or guest-use of boat or yacht (Gili Lankanfushi guests can access a 14-metre Riviera yacht). A hotel in Northern California Will Fill Your Room With Fresh Flowers and Houseplants — That You Can Take Home". Travel+Leisure also found this hotel in the Belize that will puts cocooning butterflies in rooms for guests to release.
During COVID-19 lock-downs, some 5-Star resorts even transformed themselves into full-service family getaways offering "work-from-home" office spaces, full time childcare (including camps and even schooling), and pet concierges. One examples is from back in 2020 when Island Destinations properties did private family camp getaways.
And as more hotels aspire to five-star quality, we expect to see the very best hotels advance the standards of luxury. Here is what does exist in many five-star hotels, and will become standard for luxury hotels soon:
- Included private butler service or personal shopping concierge
- Remote access to room lighting, climate, and "do not disturb"
- Circadian lighting that adjust to natural body rhythms
- Electric car charging stations
- Further upgraded coffee machines
- Bluetooth-enabled door locks
- Personalized in-room fragrance options
- Customizable smart beds allowing guests to adjust firmness and settings
- Sustainable and environmentally-friendly focus including eco-conscious initiatives like zero-waste policies, sustainable sourcing, and green technology
Who awards hotels 5 stars?
There is no universal standard for hotel ratings. Terms such as Deluxe/Luxury, First Class/Superior, Tourist Class/Standard, and Budget Class/Economy are more widely accepted as hotel types, not hotel standards.
In North America, AAA hotel ratings are from 1 to 5 diamonds. The Forbes (Mobil) Travel Guide only ranks 4- and 5-star hotels.
In Europe, the Hotelstars Union is employed in over 15 European countries and standardizes hotel classifications. However, some countries also have local rating systems that supplement or work alongside the HSU. For example, hotels in France often refer to the "Palace" designation, which is a step beyond the 5-star rating, given to certain hotels that exhibit extraordinary levels of service and luxury. Switzerland uses hotelleriesuisse which confirms a certain level of quality service, infrastructure, and equipment. The UK uses the Automobile Association's (AA) 1-to-5 star ratings.
The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) has a national hotel rating system that includes categories ranging from 1-star to 5-star. This system considers factors like hotel services, facilities, and the overall level of hospitality. For example, 5-star hotels in Japan often have top-tier services like traditional Japanese hospitality (omotenashi), highly personalized services, and meticulous attention to detail in room design.
Many other nations have laws to define hotel rating criteria.
In New Zealand, Qualmark, part of Tourism New Zealand, grades hotels from 1 to 5 stars based on not only the facilities and services but also sustainability and environmental practices. A Qualmark 5-star rating guarantees that the hotel adheres to very high standards of guest experience.
In Australia, the Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT) have awarded hotels star ratings that incorporate guest feedback. The ratings are now managed by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC).
In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism maintains hotel rating standards with a system that grades properties between 1 and 5 stars.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) grades hotels based on strict criteria and conditions in six categories.
India's classifications are handled by the Ministry of Tourism's Hotel and Restaurant Association Classification Committee (HRACC). The categories are 1 to 5 Stars and 5 Star Deluxe as well as categories for heritage: Heritage Grand, Heritage Classic, and Heritage Basic.
While it might be great for marketing, there are no 7-star or 6-star hotels.
In addition to meeting the criteria above, all of the Five Star Alliance hotels must maintain a high degree of satisfaction from guests across review sites and via feedback provided directly to us.
The Five-Star Promise
A true five-star hotel isn't just about opulence—it's about delivering an experience where every detail aligns to create flawless excellence. Whether it's the attentive staff, plush accommodations, or cutting-edge amenities, these properties cater to travelers who demand the best. While rating systems differ worldwide, the core of a five-star hotel remains consistent: exceeding expectations at every turn. As luxury evolves, five-star hotels will continue to redefine what's possible, ensuring that guests leave with memories of perfection.
Ready to explore? Check out Five Star Alliance’s collection of five-star hotels and discover your next extraordinary stay see all of our five-star hotels >>
written by Courtney W. May, Five Star Alliance
* This page is fully maintained and updated when appropriate
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