What is the meaning / definition of 4 Star Hotel in the hospitality industry?

A 4 Star Hotel is a hotel that provides above-average, deluxe service and experience for the guest. First Class (****).

A 4 Star hotel has a larger range of facilities available and the design is high quality. All service standards are aimed towards pleasing the guest. These hotels are usually located near city centres and are equipped with dining areas, exclusive facilities such as in-house gyms and swimming pools. The term 4-star can be used for various hotel types including boutique hotels, resorts, and aparthotels.

Firstly the hotel must have a clearly designated reception area. It must have at least 5 bedrooms available for rent – additionally, all of these rooms must come with en suite bathrooms. The hotel must be accessible to the guest 24 hours a day. A restaurant or dining area must serve breakfast and dinner throughout the week. Furthermore the hotel must have a liquor license and an area where beverages can be served. All areas of operation should meet the Four Star level of quality for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services. As from the moment of registration, guests are granted access at all times during the day and evening without the need of a key. The restaurant must be open a minimum of 6 days a week, serving bar snacks or more. If the hotel does not have a restaurant it must be located in the vicinity of one. Room service must be available with 24/7, the menu should include cooked breakfast and full dinner during restaurant opening hours.

The hotel has the option to provide on request only, without having to promote its menu. Though guests should be made aware of this service provision via room information. Phone service available in-room as well as WiFi. Extra services are offered, e.g. afternoon tea, offer of luggage assistance, meals at lunchtime, table service on request at breakfast.

Hotels receive star ratings to help people identify standard and level of services, without having to see the hotel for themselves. They thereby enable trust between people and facilitate trade. Hotel categorisation is based on a scale from 1-5, one being the lowest and five the highest standard. The level of service, facilities and hotel concepts should always be appropriate to the hotels star rating.

The level of stars a hotel has, varies across the world, and may not necessarily be awarded by a particular organisation.

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