Hotels and resorts have star rating systems to help travellers and holidaymakers know what facilities are available.

There are a number of different systems, but generally, hotels are rated on a five-star scale, and hotels must meet requirements established for each rating to be awarded a star rating. In Australia, AAA Tourism Australia is the standard with which hotels and all forms of accommodation are assessed. It’s recognised internationally and is regularly reviewed to make sure it keeps up with world standards. Venues are assessed in three categories: Facilities and Service, Cleanliness and Quality and Condition.

Five Stars

Five-star hotels are clearly the finest, and characterised by luxury holiday apartments with exceptional facilities and levels of service and comfort. They are stylish, if not opulent, and furnished with quality products and features, such as TVs, CD stereos, Internet access and spa baths. Rooms will often have fresh flowers, and luxury bath products. Resorts with five stars will have their own restaurant with gourmet menus and 24-hour room service, valet parking, porters and concierge, and often a fitness centre and swimming pool. Many will also have spa facilities, offering massage, grooming and beauty treatments such as manicures and facial treatments.

Four Stars

Four-star hotels offer well-appointed accommodation, stylish decor and a high level of services and facilities. Rooms will have a mini-bar, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and most commonly 16-hour room service, as well as concierge, valet parking and porters. Bath robes and slippers can be supplied, and quality linen and bath products will be available as well. There will be a fine dining restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a conference or business centre. Four-star hotels are usually located in areas with similar hotels, restaurants, retail centres and entertainment.

Three Stars

Three-star hotels will be comfortable and well-appointed, and while the decor may be dated, it will be maintained in good condition. They will have a good range of facilities, which may include a fitness centre with or without a pool, business facilities and an on-site restaurant. They are usually located near business and retail centres, and can offer valet and room services. There may be porters as well, but that can vary from hotel to hotel. Generally, three-star hotels focus on comfort and personal service, and catering for business meetings and travellers.

Less than three stars

Two-star hotels have clean but basic rooms and reasonably well maintained facilities. Most rooms will have an en-suite, and rooms are usually small or medium-sized. They will have a television and a phone, but no room service. They may have an on-site restaurant though, and are usually part of a hotel chain. One-star hotels offer simple, no-frills accommodation with limited facilities, small rooms and shared bathrooms. They are usually owner-operated with more personal service, but with no on-site restaurant. They are typically centrally located for convenience and offer budget accommodation for those travelling cheaply.

To find a hotel that meets your requirements, search for a business in your destination city today.