A Simple Guide To 5 Star Hotels
In this short guide, we take a look at 5 star hotels. We discuss many aspects of 5 star hotels around the world and hopefully answer many questions you may have.
In This Guide We Cover:
Never Assume:
Unfortunately, the majority of people cannot afford to stay in 5 star hotels every time they travel. However, you can often actually find 5 star hotels for the same price as 3 or 4 star hotels. In fact, just because a hotel has a 5 star rating, do not assume it is the best choice. A higher hotel rating, does not necessarily mean it is any better than a hotel with a lower rating! it simply means that it has more facilities available to its guests!
So, hopefully as you read through this guide, you will begin to understand more about 5 star hotels. As a result, you’ll know how they work and how to choose the best hotel for your own personal requirements.
If you are lucky enough to be able to stay in 5 star luxury hotels when you travel, this page will be beneficial to you. Hopefully, it will help you decide which are the best 5 star hotels to suit you, in your chosen destination.
Throughout the world, there are some fantastic five star hotels. Each one has it’s own character charm and unique selling point. As a result, offering all the luxuries you would expect to receive from hotels of this high star rating. No matter where you are travelling to in the world, there will normally be a top quality 5 star hotel close by. Whether you are travelling to a major city, popular holiday resort, golf resort or ski resort, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.
This guide is designed to show you some of the best 5 star hotels in the world. Hopefully it provides you with a little more information and inspiration for choosing your perfect five star hotel.
What 5 Star Hotel Means
The majority of hotels throughout the world are rated on a star system, which is from 1-5. (However, there are now several 6 & 7 star rated hotels but the majority are still rated 1-5).
What Are The 5 Stars For?
Basically, the ‘stars’ signify the standard and status of the hotel. Hotels are rated on the facilities, amenities and services the hotels provides.
Although the star rating system is the most commonly used system to rate hotels, there are other systems used instead, such as ‘Diamonds’.
There is actually no official universal system, which means that the ‘star’ rating may vary from country to country. This is due to local organisations, local governments and travel companies being biased, when awarding their star rating! In some countries, the star rating of the hotel, can actually be awarded by the hoteliers themselves!
The good news though, is that this does not happen often and when it comes to the majority of 5 star hotels throughout the world, most have been awarded their 5 star rating on merit and because they offer all the facilities and amenities expected of hotels of this high star rating. In today’s world of Social Media and Online hotel reviews, if a hotel is not up to the standard it has been advertised, it is soon found out and the Online reviews reflect this.
In short, the star system, is designed to be a benchmark for the standards of service and quality of the experience guest at the hotel can expect.
How 5 Star Hotels Are Rated
As we have previously mentioned, there is no actual official universal system for rating hotels. However, when a hotel is rated, there are many factors that are taken into consideration, in order to award a hotel its star rating. The star rating system is from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. As previously mentioned, there are many factors that determine the star rating of a hotel. Some of these factors are:
- Facilities at the hotel
- Quality of service
- Décor
- Restaurants
- Personal facilities
- Bars
- Space
- Spa, health & fitness
- Room facilities
To name but a few. The more of these factors that a hotel has, will obviously contribute to the star rating it is awarded.
Choosing 5 Star Hotels
The first thing to remember, is that everyone’s tastes, requirements and budgets are different. As a result, what may be the best hotel for one person, may not be the best choice for another. Therefore, choosing the right hotel for you, will obviously all come down to the following:
- Your own personal preferences,
- Requirements
- Budget
All the 5 star hotels around the world offer a wide range of facilities. However they may not all be your idea of the perfect hotel! Once again, choosing the right hotel for you, will also depends on your own circumstances. Not only that but also what facilities you actually want during your stay.
Location:
Location is another major factor and is something you should definitely consider when choosing a hotel. Even more so if you are visiting a destination for a specific reason. For example, an event where you need to be close to the venue. Location can also increase the price, especially if the hotel is located in a prime position. As a result, you can generally guarantee this will reflect in the price!
Price:
Budget can play a big part in your final decision as to which hotel you eventually choose. Although most 5 star hotels are not cheap, some are a lot more expensive than others. As we have mentioned previously in other articles, hotel prices do fluctuate on a regular basis. This is simply governed by ‘Supply and Demand’.
The price you pay for your room, will vary. Ironically, it can cost much more for the same room on a specific night, than it would cost on another. The price of a five star hotel in a major city can fluctuate considerably from one day to the next. This is more so, if there are major events taking place in the city, such as concerts, festivals or sporting events. Obviously, demand for the hotel rooms will be very high during these periods and as a result, the hotels will charge a premium for these dates.
Tip: If you want to find the best deals and cheapest prices for 5 star hotels during these busy periods, it is always advisable to book early in advance.
What Are Common Facilities At 5 Star Hotels:
How Do You Know If A Hotel Is 5 star?
When a hotel has been awarded a 5 star rating, it is safe to assume it will have certain facilities as standard. The criteria a hotel has to meet to be eligible for a 5 star rating, is high. Due to this fact, many different factors have to be displayed and in place. Not all 5 star hotels offer the same facilities, as some provide much more than others. However, the majority are all pretty much guaranteed to provide their guests with certain basic luxuries. These are luxuries that are expected from establishments of this high rating. Due to this fact, you can generally tell when looking at the hotel and the facilities it offers.
Another good way to get a feeling for a hotel and its rating is to read the reviews for the hotel. If a hotel is not up to the standard or star rating it advertises, then the reviews will probably reflect that. Guests will be very quick to write a bad review, if the hotel not not good, especially if it is not the star rating or standard they expected!
For Example: Not all 5 star hotels will have a swimming pool or spa facilities. However, they will all most certainly offer a range of facilities ensuring their guests have a comfy and relaxing stay. Most 5 star hotels will provide in room facilities, which usually include:
- A range of toiletries
- Mini bar
- TV
- Safe
- Tea and Coffee making facilities
- Dressing gowns and slippers
- Luxury bedding
- WiFi
- Ironing facilities
- Work station and more.
5 Star Hotels With Swimming Pools:
What better way is there to relax when you are away on holiday or a business trip, than to take a quick dip in the hotel pool? The majority of 5 star hotels in destinations with hot climates, will certainly have a swimming pool. Having a pool on hand when the weather is hot is a necessity. In fact, some of the swimming pools in the luxury 5 star resort hotels, are mind blowing! Many of the five star luxury resort hotels around the world have several pools to choose from. These include:
- Outdoor pools
- Indoor pools
- Private pools on the room terrace
- Swim Up to the room pools
- Rooftop pools
If you are visiting a city, then having a pool in the hotel is a great facility to have. After a long day sightseeing or a long day at work if you are on a business trip, having a swim in the hotel pool is a great way to relax and wind down.
If you are going on a family holiday with children, then the first thing most children want to know is if the hotel has a swimming! Having a swimming pool available in your hotel when you are travelling with, is a great way to keep them entertained for hours!!
Please Note: Not all luxury 5 star hotels will have a swimming pool but many of them do, especially one located in hot countries. Many of the luxury hotels have rooftop pools, some have themed pools, many have several pools, including indoor and outdoor pool and there are now many luxury 5 star hotels that have their own waterparks onsite. Larger hotels, may also provide separate pools for adults and separate pools for children.
5 Star Hotels With Rooftop Pool:
There is something very special and magical about rooftop pools. During the day, you are able to sunbathe and take a dip in the pool. Enjoying the sun watching the world go by down below, is certainly a unique experience.
If you have ever sat drinking your favourite tipple in a rooftop bar you will know the feeling. Looking out over the city or resort you are staying in, certainly makes you appreciate how wonderful the experience can be. Some of the rooftop bars in the luxury 5 star hotels are breath taking. If you ever get the chance to stay in them and experience the views, you will be in for a very special treat.
Spa Facilities:
There is no doubt that Spa breaks have certainly become more popular over the past few years. As a result, here are now more luxury 5 star hotels offering their guests spa facilities. The spa facilities do vary between hotels and some are much better than others! However, this said, there really are some amazing spa hotels around the world. Many of the same incur and additional charge, if you wish to use the facilities, whilst others are free for guests. Generally, a good spa hotel wil usually have the following their guests the use:
- Swimming pools
- Jacuzzi
- Water Jets
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
- A range of spa treatments.
Transfers Services:
Many of the top 5 star hotels throughout the world offer their guests the choice of a transfer service. This is generally to and from the airport or port and is normally a luxury car or MPV. However, there are several hotels (such as in Dubai), that go that little bit further and offer their guests the choice of helicopters or boat transfers. Many of the top 5 star hotels in Venice offer boat transfers for their guests. Some of the best luxury hotels really do go the extra mile for their guests, however it does come with a high price tag!
Concierge Service:
Concierge services are a very common service in many top luxury hotels, especially in major cities. Concierge are there to help the guests and ensure that their stay at the hotel run smoothly. The Concierge service at a hotel, will generally provide you with useful information for your stay, help you with any bookings you require, such as show tickets, trips and tours or restaurants.
How Many 5 Star Hotels In The World:
Unfortunately, this is one of those questions that would be very, very hard to answer accurately. It is impossible to give the exact correct number for many different reasons. In fact, trying to count all the 5 star hotels in the world would be a very time consuming task in itself! This is simply because here are so many towns and cities throughout the world that have 5 star hotels. Not only that but there are new five star hotels opening throughout the year, as well as hotels with 5 star ratings, closing. At a guess, you would have to put the figure well over 10,000 5 star hotels but this would only be a guess!
Facilities At 5 Star Hotel:
So, what 5 star hotel facilities and services should you expect when you stay at one of the more luxury hotels in the world.
Facilities of 5 star hotels do vary, depending on which hotel you are staying and which country you are visiting. However, as we have previously mentioned, 5 star hotels are rated on their facilities, so there are many facilities and amenities that come as standard.
Below is a list of common facilities and amenities that most 5 star hotels should have.
5 Star Hotel Facilities List:
Facilities In A 5 Star Hotel Room:
The majority of 5 star hotels will normally have the following facilities in their rooms. Obviously, thie list is just a guide and all five star hotels provide different facilities.
- Air Conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Mini Bar In Rooms
- Scents and Toiletries
- Turndown Service (making your room ready for sleep)
- Luxury Cotton Sheets
- Pillow Menu
- Complimentary Bottle Of Wine
- Chocolates or Sweets
- Robes and Slippers
- TV
- Alarm Clocks
- Iron – Ironing Board
- TV & Coffee Making Facilities
- Biscuits
- Flowers In Room
5 Star Amenities and Services:
Once again, each five star hotel offers a range of different services and amenities and the list below is just a guide of what services many 5 star hotels offer their guests. All hotels are different and some will offer all the facilities listed, whilst others may only offer a few. However, as we mentioned previously, the key to choosing the best hotel is decide what best suits your needs. If you really don’t need certain facilities, then there really is no point paying more, if you don’t use them!
- Spa
- Gym
- Swimming Pool
- Concierge Service
- Valet Service
- 24 Hour Attendant
- Currency Exchange
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Business Centre
- Conference Centre
- Meeting Rooms
- Bespoke Designs
- Security
- Exception Service
- Welcome Drinks Upon
- Welcome sweets such as macaroons, chocolate in your room
- Butler Services which may include:
- Shoeshine Service
- Laundry Service
- Hair Salon
- Car Parking
- Airport Transfers
- Shuttle Service to town, city or beach
5 Star Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room:
One of the ever growing popular facilities in hotels is having a jacuzzi in your room. What better way to relax than having your own private jacuzzi in your hotel room. The beauty of having you own jacuzzi in your hotel room is convenience and privacy. Knowing you don’t have to get ready, go down to the spa, only to find the jacuzzi is full! What better way to relax, than in your own room, music on, sat in the jacuzzi with you favourite tipple!
There are now a large number of 5 star hotels throughout the world that offer rooms with jacuzzis. This can be either a jacuzzi in the room, in the bathroom or on a balcony or terrace.
A simple search for ‘5 star hotels near me with jacuzzi in room’ will be all you need!
FAQ’s:
Why 5 Star Hotels Are Expensive:
What Mattress Do 5 Star Hotels Use:
There is no one specific set mattress that all hotels use. Each and every hotel around the world will have their own preference as to which mattress they use. If you have stayed at a few luxury hotels, you will soon realise that all the beds in each hotel feel different. In fact, many of the larger luxury hotel chains have their beds tailored made. This means, the beds are specially designed for each hotel, to offer guest luxury and comfort. As a result, they can ensure that each and every one of their hotels offers their guests the same bed, each time.
The following hotels, are just a few who have their own beds tailored made for them:
- Four Seasons
- Marriott
- Ritz Carlton
- Sofitel
- Westin
Here are just a few of the companies that make beds for these hotels:
Cottonsafe – Serta – Sealy – Simmons
Other Great Tips and Information As Well As 5 Star Hotels