Hotel Classifications: Do They Matter and How Do They Really Work?

As you go around online searching for the best hotels to stay in on your next family vacation, you may encounter different classifications and star ratings. What do these star ratings and letter grades actually mean and what do they tell you, as a customer, about the hotel? Most people think that 4-star and 5-star hotels are the only ones worth looking at when searching for a topnotch hotel. This is a common misconception, however.

The fact of the matter is there are many Laguindingan airporthotels and downtown hotels that have low star ratings, but they actually provide excellent quality service and amenities. Before you start assessing a hotel through its star rating, you need to understand what the rating system actually entails.  

Hotel Classification Based on Type

Contrary to what you might believe, hotels are not created equal. Meaning, not all of them target the same market. And yes, there are different markets when it comes to the hospitality business. This is why you often find certain amenities and facilities present in one hotel but not available in another. Some hotels target the business travelers; others cater to backpackers and budget travelers, while some are more suited for tourists and other segments of the population.

The different types of hotels include business hotels, extended stay or residential hotels, resort hotels, convention center hotels, and of course, budget hotels. Each of these types has market specific services and amenities that suit the needs of customers. As you can see, hotels are not one-size fits all. With this information, you can do a better job at searching for the right hotel capable of addressing your needs.

Hotel Classification Based on the Level of Service

This form of hotel classification is most probably one of the most common and is often encountered by travelers searching for a hotel online. Star ratings and letter grades are typically associated with the hotel’s level of service. But this doesn’t mean that a low star-rated hotel is terrible at providing service. So, don’t cross out 2- and 3-star hotels from your list just yet and search only for 4- and 5-star accommodations.

Star ratings are merely a guide of the level of service the hotel is intending to provide its guests. Contrary to popular belief, not all hotels are aiming for a 5-star status. Some are contented at offering a level of service for a specific market and nothing more. A one-star hotel, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a poor choice when it comes to services. This just means that the hotel is targeting budget travelers who are looking for an economical and budget-friendly place to stay in.

On the other hand, a 5-star hotel rating doesn’t always mean that the execution of the services they offer are perfect or infallible. What the high rating actually stands for is the specific target market the hotel is aiming for. This means the hotel is capable of providing luxury or deluxe accommodations and amenities to their guests.