How I rate hotels

Hotel stars are a rating system that evaluates the features and amenities available at a hotel to help guests choose the best hotel for their stay and budget. Whether a customer is looking for a bed for the night or a luxurious experience, comparing hotels based on their star ratings can narrow down one’s search according to the features they desire and available price points. They also provide an idea of the level of service to expect upon arrival. Hotels can receive a rating of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the most basic and 5 being the most extravagant. However, a universal hotel star ranking system does not exist, so you can find the same hotel rated differently depending on which website you visit. Be sure to check for a star rating guide on the site you are using for a better understanding of how they are ranking the hotels. It is important to note that the star rating that customers may leave in their review of a location is different from a hotel star rating. Customers can review and rate their experience with a star value while hotel stars are an indication of their features and amenities.

Searchers want a clear path for How I rate hotels.

Score walkability to Metro/bus, parking fees, and transfer time to your main sights. A prettier lobby rarely beats a 45-minute commute tax.

Filter to the last 90 days and scan for construction, smoke, thin walls, and broken AC — those ruin sleep more than a missing bathrobe.

Add resort fees, parking, breakfast, and cancellation flexibility. A $20-cheaper room can cost more after mandatory fees.

Confirm bed configuration, accessible rooms, and whether “city view” is a parking garage. Screenshot the room description before you book.

Points and elite benefits matter when they unlock late checkout or free breakfast — ignore brand loyalty when cash rates elsewhere are clearly better.

The difference between a 1 star hotel and a 2 star hotel is that 2 star hotels are part of a hotel brand chain so they are better known and typically have more customer reviews. They are usually available in multiple locations so customers know what to expect every time they stay at a hotel under that name and can find the same hotel in various convenient parts of the country or around the globe. On the other hand, one-star hotels generally only have one location and are individually owned.

The difference between a 2 star hotel and 3 star hotel is the amenities provided. While a 2 star hotel will focus on the basics for a one-night stay, 3 star hotels focus primarily on business travels and multi-night stays. To accommodate these travelers, they offer a variety of on-site amenities, like business centers, a pool, and a fitness center.