Hotel Star Ratings

Purpose

To provide a quick, recognizable measure of a property's service and quality, assisting travelers in making accommodation choices that align with their preferences for comfort, amenities, and service level. These are only shown for hotels when available, they do not apply to short-term vacation rentals or other non-hotel property types.

How Ratings Are Determined

Hotel star ratings are a widely accepted way to evaluate the quality, amenities, and services of accommodations. While systems differ globally, the star classifications generally serve as a guide for travelers, reflecting the property's level of luxury, range of facilities, and service quality. Hotel star ratings serve as a valuable tool for travelers, helping them choose accommodations that fit their needs, preferences, and budgets. At Ripe our ratings are sourced from official platforms like Expedia (primary), Google, and other industry-standard sources.

Star ratings typically assess factors such as service quality, cleanliness, room size, available amenities, and overall guest experience.

Key Organizations

• AAA (U.S.): Uses a diamond rating system for hotels.
• Forbes Travel Guide: Known for its rigorous inspections focusing on luxury properties.
• Hotelstars Union (Europe): Provides standardized ratings across participating countries​
• Ratings are not reviews - reviews indicate the guests perception of how their expectations meet up with the hotel rating.

1-Star: Basic Accommodations

Description: Designed for budget-conscious travelers, 1-star properties provide essential services without frills.

Key Features:

• Small, functional guestrooms
• Minimal on-site facilities
• Shared or private bathrooms; TVs and telephones often absent
• Limited reception hours and possibly no daily housekeeping service

Examples: Motels, dormitories, and hostels.

Possible Brands:

• Motel 6 (some locations)
• Hostelling International (HI Hostels)

1.5-Stars: Basic with Minor Enhancements

Description: Slightly upgraded facilities compared to 1-star properties.

Key Features:

• Additional amenities like billiard games, internet stations, and seating areas
• Private bathrooms and daily housekeeping service in some motels
• Reception available 24/7 in certain properties​

Examples: Motels, dormitories, and hostels.

Possible Brands:

• Americas Best Value Inn
• Budget Host

2-Stars: Budget-Friendly Comfort

Description: Offers clean accommodations with basic comforts for travelers.

Key Features:

• 24-hour reception and daily housekeeping
• Private bathrooms, often with showers only
• In-room amenities like TVs, telephones, and small closets or clothes racks
• On-site dining typically limited to a continental breakfast

Examples: Economy hotel chains and budget-friendly family inns.

Possible Brands:

• Days Inn by Wyndham
• Econo Lodge
• Red Roof Inn

2.5-Stars: Economy Plus

Description: Upgraded quality with a focus on comfort and expanded amenities.

Expanded breakfast options, including hot items

Key Features:

• Larger rooms with better furnishings
• Limited-service hotels, often all-suite economy properties in North America
• Some full-service properties in Asia and Europe may fall into this category​

Examples: Economy hotel chains and budget-friendly family inns.

Possible Brands:

• La Quinta by Wyndham
• Comfort Inn & Suites
• Fairfield by Marriott

3-Stars: Mid-Range Comfort

Description: A balance between quality service and guest comfort, ideal for leisure and business travelers.

• On-site dining options such as restaurants and bars
• Baggage assistance and possibly valet parking
• Spacious guestrooms with better quality bedding and comfortable seating areas
• Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and ample counter space​

Examples: Standard full-service hotels

Possible Brands:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Holiday Inn.

3.5-Stars: Superior Mid-Range

Description: Offers additional services and an enhanced ambiance compared to standard mid-range properties.

• Multiple dining options and upscale lobby decor, often with live plants
• Uniformed bell staff and enhanced room decor with premium furniture
• Attractive pool areas, small spa facilities, or massage treatment rooms at resorts​

Examples: Mid-tier resorts and urban hotels

Possible Brands:

• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Hyatt Place
• Radisson

4-Stars: Upscale and Full-Service

Description: Provides a luxurious experience with a focus on superior service and high-end amenities.

Examples include:

• Dedicated concierge and valet parking
• Guestrooms with pillowtop mattresses, minibars, laptop safes, and upscale bath products
• Full-service spas, tennis courts, golf access, and childcare services
• Decorative touches like crown molding, bathroom artwork, and marble finishes​

Examples: Upscale hotels and resorts

Possible Brands:

• Omni Hotels & Resorts
• InterContinental Hotels
• Westin by Marriott

4.5-Stars: Refined Luxury

Description: Enhanced luxury with personalized services and refined decor.

Key Features:

• Fine-dining restaurants, often award-winning
• 24-hour room service with customized options and automatic turndown service
• Premium furnishings, large bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, and materials like granite or marble
• Fresh flowers, original artwork, and luxurious lobby spaces​

Examples: Luxury hotels nearing 5-star standards

Possible Brands:

• Sofitel
• Waldorf Astoria
• JW Marriott

5-Stars: Ultimate Luxury

Description: The highest level of sophistication, service, and comfort, often reserved for iconic hotels and resorts.

Key Features:

• Gourmet dining, luxury spas, and full-service health clubs with premium locker rooms
• Staff that anticipates guest needs and delivers polished, personalized service
• Oversized bathrooms clad in marble, featuring dual-sink vanities, enclosed toilets, and premium spa-brand toiletries
• Unique features like butler services, advanced in-room controls, pillow menus, and coordinated room decor
• Resort amenities may include signature golf courses, tennis centers, cultural activities, and children’s day camps​

Examples: Iconic luxury hotels and resorts

Possible Brands:

• Four Seasons
• The Ritz-Carlton
• Aman Resorts

Note: These guidelines are subject to change.