Does the number of stars a hotel has in its rating matter?
The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is far more complicated and nuanced.
Perhaps the most important factor in determining what weight you should give the number of stars a hotel has is to look at who is assigning that rating, and understand that different bodies assign the ratings in different regions of the globe. In North American, for example, Mobil is the most important/official rating, so a 5 star Mobil rated hotel carries more weight than a website’s own 5 star rating. In the UK it is AA, and in Germany it is the hotel industry association who assigns rating. Sometimes a hotel gives itself its own rating, which is why some claim to be 6 or 7 star hotels; that means nothing whatsoever.
Now, assuming you’re looking at credible ratings, do these ratings matter? You’re going to have to answer that question yourself. We’d probably say yes, because you’re going to pay extra for those stars. Hotels that have been rated 5 stars might have things like a luxury spa or a Michelin Star winning restaurant on site. Do these things matter to you? You may also get a personal concierge, which can be a huge benefit if you’re visiting an area you’re very unfamiliar with, especially if it’s a country where you don’t speak the native language. Chances are these hotels also have more comfortable beds and linens, often boasting name-brand mattresses. Many of these amenities also cost you extra money, which you may or may not want to pay for.
If those things matter to you then definitely weigh those rating and reviews, but if you’re the type that uses a hotel as a place to shower and sleep, preferring to get out and explore the local area, then a higher rated hotel may not be worth it. If that’s the type of traveler you are, we’d recommend looking at user ratings for the best value. Value-minded travels probably care more about cleanliness and basic comfort than luxury amenities.
If you spend any time on a hotel booking website you’re very likely to find hotels that are rated higher by previous guests than an official governing body. This tells you how the hotel meets the demands and expectations of travelers at the specific price point. It also considers things you may not have thought about, including proximity to local attractions, shopping or transportation. Those may not be luxury amenities, but they’re definitely features that improve the overall value of your accommodations.
So, yes, the ratings matter — if for no other reason than to give you a basic idea of whether or not a hotel is luxurious and fancy. Yet we don’t suggest making your decision on whether or to stay at that hotel based solely on those rating. For your individual travel tastes and preference, a less expensive, lower rated hotel might actually be a better value, and it might make you happier than that 5 star hotel that offers in-room spa treatments for ungodly amounts of money.
Happy travels!
