How exactly do hotel ratings work? Here's your expert guide

Eighty-five per cent of Australian travellers choose a hotel based on its star rating.

But do you know what actually determines a 5-star or a 1-star hotel? Well, that can depend on what country you're in. 

There isn't one internationally recognised authority handing out ratings so judging a 4-star European hotel versus one in the US (or even France vs Germany) isn't exactly comparing apples with apples but you'll be happy to know worldwide, most rating organisations adhere to high standards.

None more so than Australia where hotels are judged against 200 criteria ranked as important by Australian travellers.

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Not surprisingly bedrooms and bathrooms top the list of priorities with bed size and bathroom cleanliness of prime concern. But it doesn't stop there.

Everything is judged: bedside lighting, curtain fabric, sheet thread count, carpet quality, hotel signage, mini-bar, electronic entry, "adequate towel rails" and don't think about getting a maximum score without a kettle or "additional toilet rolls."

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To get top marks for a pool it will need to be at least 15m x 5m and to get full marks for a full-size mirror it will have to be 1200mm x 400mm. So pack your tape measure next time you travel! 

As you can see, all of this is taken very seriously by Star Ratings Australia - a division of the Australian Tourism Industry Council - who are the official star makers.

There's an initial inspection to assess your rating and then one every three years to maintain it. So you can be pretty confident next time you book a hotel in Australia that you'll get what you expect. Because they are hard markers.

The hotels are judged across three broad categories: Quality & Condition, Cleanliness, Facilities & Services. But the hotel's final rating is based on the LOWEST score from these categories. So your hotel may have been tracking for 4-stars but if it got 3-stars for cleanliness that's what you end up with. Tough crowd.   

Although different countries have different weights and measures to determine their ratings there are some fairly universal criteria that apply across the board.

So here's a pretty good guide worldwide of what your hotel star rating means:

1-Star 

A place to lay your head for the night. Doesn't mean it's dirty. Just basic. TV in the guest lounge maybe not your room, possibly a communal bathroom, limited reception hours, no in-house dining apart from a vending machine but usually located close to highways and fast food.

2-star

The advantage here, unlike the 1-stars, is that 2-stars are often part of a recognised chain. So better quality but still an affordable price. You'll have in-room TV, cupboard space, usually 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping, billed wi-fi and self-serve continental breakfast.

3-star

Now you start to see a step up. While 1 & 2 stars are most often used for one night stays,  3-stars are often geared to the business traveller so have more facilities like a pool and gym, room service, free wi-fi and in-house dining. Also a good family option because of price and location often near local tourist attractions. 

4-star

You'll know it when you walk in. Big lobbies, lots of staff, valet parking, concierge, outdoor and often indoor pools and tennis court - maybe even pickle ball! Once you hit your room be prepared for soft bedding, bath robes, slippers and a big TV. You'll also have to put up with a great location.

5-star

You might check-out but you'll never want to leave. This is choose-your-own-adventure when it comes to hotels. There's an endless list of possible inclusions here: All the best aspects of the lesser star ratings plus beauty spas, high-end dining options often from a celebrity chef, large opulent rooms, maybe a golf course, child minding, personal trainers and if they don't have it they'll get it for you!   

If you prefer other forms of accommodation Star Ratings Australia also rate motels, serviced accommodation, hosted accommodation, serviced accommodation and self-catering establishments. Criteria vary according to category so a top of the line caravan park is not judged against a 5-star hotel.  

But thread count won't make or break your holiday. Choose what type of accommodation suits you best, check out the stars and enjoy your stay.

John Walsh was Executive Producer of the TV travel series Getaway from 1999-2024.