There is often a great deal of confusion about star ratings in hotels that can lead to people booking rooms that they find unacceptable. This confusion comes from not knowing what to expect when they book their hotel room, as different hotels have different levels and quality of amenities and service. The good news here is that hotels are rated by external independent sources, so you can usually believe what you see when a hotel rating is published. As long as you know what the stars mean, you can make an educated decision every time you book a hotel room.

A hotel with a one star rating means that it is a bare bones type of hotel with no special amenities and basic service. Do not expect anything like a pool, extra blankets, in room coffee pots, or continental breakfasts because these hotels simply do not cater for this type of service. These hotel rooms are generally very cheap, so if you are not worried about the lack of quality or services, you can usually find a decent one star hotel that will ensure your basic accommodation needs are taken care of.

A two star hotel is a step up because even though it is still very basic in nature, everything meets the basic needs of the person staying there. That means you can expect to receive a few extras like a coffee maker and extra pillows and blankets in your room. While this star rating is definitely not luxury, a two star hotel is a basic and comfortable accommodation level that would have all the essentials needed for a short one or two night stay. These are called value hotels because even though you will be taken care of, you can usually find a low price when staying at a two star hotel.

Three star hotels are where you start to move up into much more comfortable accommodation, as this is where most large chain hotels are categorized as in regards to star ratings. While most large chains have certain hotels that are above the three-star rating category, the vast majority of them have this level of amenities and service. Most travelers will be very comfortable in this type of accommodation because the rooms are clean, the service is generally very good, and there are many added conveniences that lower rated hotels definitely will not have available like a TV or air conditioning.

Four star properties are where you begin getting into upscale hotel rooms, as these are deluxe accommodations that offer a great deal of comfort. Of course, you can expect to pay quite a bit extra for this added quality, but it can be worth it because you can usually find good value in a four star hotel. There will be a wide variety of amenities available in these hotels, as four star hotels will usually include a nice restaurant, an in room mini-bar and room service which provides added convenience for guests who stay there.

Finally, five star hotels are traditionally the highest of the star ratings and, with the exception of the very few 5 plus star rated hotels around the globe, these hotels are considered by many as the absolute best on the market. You will receive the best service available anywhere and will definitely have access to all of the amenities that you can possibly imagine. This type of hotel is usually located in a new or very well maintained building, as most of the property should be state of the art. Five star hotels are the definition of luxury and, therefore, you can expect nothing but the very best every time you stay in one, no matter where in the world you are travelling.

Of course, the type of hotel you ultimately end up in will have a lot more to do with your budget than what you could possibly wish for.  And the higher the star rating of your hotel, the more money it will cost, so those on a tight budget should probably stick with the one-to-three star hotels. For those who like to travel in a little bit more comfort and luxury, four star hotels offer absolutely everything that you will ever need and can be very affordable. Five star hotels are truly something special and can break the bank if you are not careful. For example, if you take advantage of the room’s mini-bar, you might find that one drink or beer is three times the price of a the same drink at the local convenience store. Unless you are the type of person who always wants the best of everything, five star hotels are not necessary, but they do provide the very best in hotel service and amenities offered. No matter which of these star ratings you end up choosing, make sure that you are well aware of the fees and charges in advance.