This overview outlines what guests can generally expectfrom motels, hotels, and resorts displaying a Star Rating assigned by us.However, these features and amenities may not be available at condominiums,apartment-style facilities, bed-and-breakfasts, and other specialty properties.Items listed may not all be offered at every property in a specific ratingclassification. Some criteria may vary from country to country. Our hotel starrating classifications are not a representation or promise of any particularfeature or amenity.

NationalRatings

National Ratings awarded by the regional ratingauthorities appear for hotels in Europe and parts of Asia. When the nationalrating does not correspond to our display of 1.0 to 5.0-stars, additionalinformation regarding the rating is listed in an advisory box, located in theHotel Details section.

These basic motels, hostels, and dormitories offerno-frills accommodations with minimal on-site facilities. Public access andguest reception may not operate 24 hours. Daily housekeeping service may not beoffered. Guestrooms are small and functional, but may not have privatebathrooms, TVs, or in-room telephones.

Hostels and dormitories in this classificationcustomarily offer additional amenities such as billiard games, Internetstations, and conversational seating areas. Basic motels may offer 24-hourreception, daily housekeeping service and private bathrooms.

These budget properties offer clean accommodations. Mostoffer 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service, TVs, telephones, clothesracks or small closets, and private bathrooms—possibly with showers only.On-site dining is usually limited to a Continental breakfast.

This classification contains limited-service properties(often all-suite economy properties in North America) offering upgraded qualityand expanded comfort, without the amenities of full-service hotels such as arestaurant or bell staff. An expanded Continental breakfast, including hotitems, is often served in a breakfast room. In Asia, multiple on-site diningoptions may be offered, and at times in the Americas and Europe basicfull-service properties will appear.

Properties in this classification place a greateremphasis on comfort and service, with many offering an on-site restaurant andbar. Baggage assistance is often available. Guestrooms typically feature morespace, comfortable seating, and better quality bedding. Bathrooms are oftenlarger, with shower/tub combinations and expanded counter space.

Many of these hotels feature multiple restaurants,uniformed bell staff, and enhanced lobbies with upscale decor and live plants.Most properties feature upgraded guestroom decor, large desks paired withcomfortable workstation chairs, and TVs housed in armoires. Amenities mayinclude larger bathrooms, incandescent lighting, and stone counters. Resorts,and some hotels in Asia, often feature attractive pool areas and small spafacilities or massage treatment rooms.

Lobbies typically offer upscale decor and multipleconversational areas. Services often include a dedicated concierge, valetparking, turndown service by request, and 24-hour room service. Guestroomsusually feature superior amenities such as large beds, additional seating,minibars, laptop-compatible safes, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes, and upscalebath products. Decorative features such as crown molding, bathroom artwork, andgranite or marble accents may appear. Resorts, and some hotels in Asia,customarily feature full-service spas, tennis courts, golf access, child-careservices, and upgraded pools with poolside food servers.

Fresh flowers, original art, and luxurious furnishingsoften adorn the lobbies. Amenities customarily include fine-dining restaurants(occasionally award-winning), 24-hour room service with hot food items, andautomatic turndown service. Personalized service aims to anticipate guestneeds. Guestrooms typically feature premium hardwood furniture, luxuriousbedding with triple sheeting, and large bathrooms with separate bathtubs andshowers, and materials such as granite or marble.

Amenities typically include gourmet dining, luxury spas,and full-service health clubs with lavish locker rooms. Staff members aregenerally polished, anticipate guest needs, and consistently address guests byname. Features may include upgraded check-in, a welcome amenity, and butlerservice on all or select floors. Guestroom decor is often elegant and mayinclude coordinated fabrics on drapes, chairs, headboards, and duvets.Electronic features sometimes include bedside controls for drapes, lighting,and surround-sound. Oversized bathrooms are often clad in marble, with premium,custom-built features, dual-sink vanities, enclosed toilets, premium spa-brandtoiletries, and fresh flowers or live plants. Five-star resorts typically offersignature golf courses, tennis centers with choice of playing surfaces, healthclubs with personal trainers, luxurious spas, cultural activities, andchildren's day camps. In Asia, both hotels and resorts often feature some ofthese amenities.