Five (5) Star Hotel vs Seven (7) Star Hotel
The difference between hotel star ratings, such as five-star and seven-star, is often a question for many people who are unfamiliar with the hotel star rating system. Hotel star ratings can be ambiguous due to the lack of an international standard for ratings. Some countries have their own criteria for ratings, while others have standardized the classification at a regional level. Some hotels even assign stars to themselves, primarily for marketing purposes. Factors considered in star ratings may include room size, additional amenities, restaurant, entertainment, swimming pool, spa, gym and fitness center, variety in rooms (such as suites), conference facilities, shopping and sports facilities, bar, and the hotel’s location and environment.
What is a Five Star Hotel?
Five-star hotels are globally recognized as luxury hotels that provide exceptional accommodations beyond just a comfortable stay. Special facilities provided by five-star hotels include 24-hour reception, doorman service or valet parking, concierge, page boy, reception area with seating facilities, information desk, personalized welcome, beverage service, special surprises, mini bar, 24-hour food and beverage offer via room service, personal care products in flacons, in-room internet service, in-room safe, laundry and ironing service (return within 1 hour), shoe polish service, turndown service in the evening, sauna or a workout room, and mystery guest services. These hotels are known for their opulent decorations and often feature gyms, spas, swimming pools, gardens, and shopping complexes. They may also offer additional services such as limousine service, dog-walking services, and healthcare services.
What is a Seven Star Hotel?
There is no formal body that awards the seven-star rating. Typically, star ratings are given from one to five, with one being the lowest and five being the highest. As such, a five-star hotel is considered the best. However, some hotels label themselves as seven-star hotels to distinguish themselves from five-star hotels. While five-star hotels provide every comfort, seven-star hotels provide those comforts in a more luxurious manner. Examples of seven-star hotels include the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and the Pangu 7 Star Hotel in Beijing, China. Unique features of seven-star hotels may include rare and discreet opulent decorations, personal butler service, private swimming pools, private check-ins, private luxury limousines, and various other luxurious amenities.
Seven-star hotels also offer private transfers for all guests, and they strive to make guests’ wishes come true during their stay. The services offered by five-star hotels can be even better at seven-star hotels, with the amenities and extra services drawing a thin line between the two types of hotels. One distinctive feature of a seven-star hotel is that the staff is required to research their guests, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience during their stay.
Key Takeaways
- Star ratings are formally awarded from one to five, with five-star hotels offering the highest level of facilities and luxury.
- Seven-star ratings are not awarded by a formal body; hotels claiming to be seven stars typically provide the facilities of a five-star hotel in a more luxurious and expensive manner.
- Seven-star hotels often have more personalized service than five-star hotels, with staff members required to research their guests in order to provide a more customized experience during their stay.