How do hotels get their stars?
Have you ever wondered how hotels get their number of stars? When looking for accommodation for our vacations or business trips, one of the first things we usually consider is the hotel’s category. The stars a hotel has aren’t merely decorative: they represent a classification system that indicates the level of quality, comfort, and services it offers. This classification allows travelers to get a preliminary idea of the experience they can expect during their stay, thus making it easier to choose from the wide range of options available.
Origin of the star system
The star classification system began in France in the mid-1940s as a way to standardize hotel quality. In Spain, this system was adopted in the 1960s, although with one peculiarity: there are no single regulations at the national level. Each autonomous community has the power to establish its own criteria and requirements, which means that a three-star hotel in Andalusia may not offer exactly the same as a three-star hotel in Galicia or Castilla y León.
Furthermore, there is no universal standard at the international level. For example, while in Spain the classification goes up to 5 stars, in countries like the United Arab Emirates there are hotels that call themselves 7 stars, although this category is not officially recognized and is often used for advertising purposes.
What determines the number of stars?
Hotels are classified into categories ranging from one to five stars, depending on a number of factors, including both the facilities and services offered. Hostels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are often excluded from this system, as they are governed by different regulations.
Some of the most common criteria evaluated for awarding stars are:
- Reception: Opening hours, multilingual staff, availability of tourist information.
- Services offered: Restaurant, bar, room service, laundry, spa, gym, among others.
- Number and size of rooms: A minimum number of rooms and specific dimensions are required depending on the category.
- Accessibility: Presence of elevators, ramps, rooms adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- Common areas: Lounges, gardens, terraces, meeting rooms.
- Frequency and quality of cleaning: Both in rooms and common areas.
As the number of stars increases, so do the requirements. For example, a one-star hotel may offer basic services, while a five-star hotel must guarantee personalized attention, luxurious facilities, and a high-quality overall experience.
Obtaining and Maintaining a Hotel
Before opening its doors to the public, hotel developers must apply for official classification from the General Directorate of Tourism of the corresponding autonomous community. This application entails meeting all the requirements established for the desired category. In Spain and Italy, this classification is mandatory for all hotels, while in other countries it may be voluntary.
Once the classification is obtained, the hotel must maintain the required standards. Authorities may conduct periodic inspections to verify that the requirements continue to be met. If the hotel does not maintain the level corresponding to its category, it may lose its stars and be forced to undergo a new evaluation to regain its classification.
Is there a higher category?
Although hotels with more than five stars are not officially recognized in Spain, there is a “Gran Lujo” category, which applies to those establishments that exceed the standards of the highest classification. These hotels typically offer exclusive experiences, ultra-personalized attention, and unique services, such as a private butler, transportation in high-end vehicles, and signature cuisine.
STAR RATING
Below, we present a tour of the different hotel categories, from the most basic to the most luxurious, explaining the requirements they must meet to obtain each star.
1-Star Hotels
One-star hotels represent the most basic category within the classification system. Although they offer limited services, they must meet certain minimum standards to ensure a functional and safe stay.
Main Requirements:
- Double rooms must have a minimum area of 12 m², while single rooms must be at least 7 m². The bathroom, which may include a bathtub or shower, must be at least 3.5 m².
- The hotel must have at least one elevator, especially if it has more than one floor.
All rooms must have heating, ensuring comfort in cold weather. - A 24-hour reception service is required, ensuring continuous customer service.
2-Star Hotels
Two-star hotels offer a slightly higher level of space and services, while maintaining a good value for money.
Additional Requirements:
- Double rooms must be at least 14 m². The minimum dimensions for single rooms and bathrooms remain the same as in one-star hotels.
- In addition to an elevator and heating, each room must have a safe and telephone, which adds extra comfort and security.
- Reception service must remain open 24 hours a day.
3-Star Hotels
The three-star category marks a significant leap in terms of quality, space, and services offered. Here, we are already beginning to notice more attentive customer service and a wider range of amenities.
Key Requirements:
- Double rooms must be at least 15 m², single rooms 8 m², and bathrooms 4 m² (with bathtub or shower).
- The requirement for an elevator, heating, safe, and telephone in each room remains.
- New amenities are being added, such as a guest bar, a communal lounge, air conditioning, restrooms in common areas, and internet access.
- The hotel must have a main entrance, reception, and lobby. It must also have a main staircase exclusively for guests and another for services.
- Laundry and ironing services must be offered.
4-Star Hotels
Four-star hotels are already considered high-end and must offer a significantly superior experience in terms of facilities, service, and amenities.
Highlights:
- Double rooms must be at least 16 m², single rooms 9 m², and bathrooms 4.5 m², including a bathtub and shower.
- Each room must be equipped with air conditioning, heating, a telephone, a safe, and a minibar with a refrigerator.
- Common areas require luggage storage, a linen storage room, a covered garage, and 24-hour reception service.
- They must have a spacious lobby and reception area with separate staircases for guests and services.
- Although not mandatory, many hotels in this category offer additional facilities such as a pool, gym, spa, or meeting rooms, further enhancing their appeal.
5-Star Hotels
The five-star category represents the highest official recognition in Spain. These hotels must offer a level of excellence in all aspects, from design to personalized service.
Essential Requirements:
- Double rooms must be at least 17 m², single rooms 10 m², and bathrooms 5 m², including a bathtub, shower, and, in some cases, a double sink.
- Rooms must have air conditioning, heating, a telephone, a safe, and a minibar with a refrigerator.
- In addition to all the amenities described above, 5-star hotels will offer luxury facilities, with high-end furnishings and accessories, a covered garage, and valet and butler service.
- Although not mandatory, these hotels typically offer a swimming pool, gym, spa, childcare services, exclusive experiences such as private tours, signature cuisine, personalized attention, and all kinds of amenities.