What Makes A Hotel 5 Star?

What makes a hotel 5 star comes down to more than a grand entrance, a marble bathroom or a swimming pool with a sea view. It is the whole experience, from the welcome you receive at check in to the little things that make you wish you had booked a few extra nights. Of course, luxury looks different to everyone but the best 5 star hotels make staying there feel like part of the holiday, rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Why Is Good Service So Important? 

You can usually tell quite quickly whether a hotel understands what good service really means. Perhaps the staff remember your name, the concierge knows which restaurant is worth visiting or someone has already arranged a taxi before you have even thought to ask.

It is not necessarily about being waited on every second of the day. Sometimes it is knowing that help is there when you need it, without having to chase anyone for it. At a 5 star hotel, staff should be professional, welcoming and attentive, making guests feel looked after rather than just another room number.

For couples celebrating an anniversary, families travelling with young children or anyone arriving after a long flight, these details can make a considerable difference.

What Should You Expect From A 5 Star Hotel Room?

A good night's sleep might not sound particularly glamorous, but it is one of the things that can make or break a hotel stay. In a 5 star property, you would generally expect a comfortable bed, quality bedding, a well presented room and a bathroom that feels like a treat in its own right.

Depending on the hotel, you might find a rainfall shower, luxury toiletries, a deep soaking bath, a private balcony or floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Some suites go further, with separate living areas, dressing rooms and private plunge pools.

But expensive furnishings alone do not make a room exceptional. Everything needs to work as it should, from the air conditioning to the lighting, and the room should be clean, comfortable and ready when you arrive. After all, there is little luxury in a beautiful suite if you cannot get a decent night's sleep.

What You Can Expect From Dining At A 5 Star Hotel?

Food is another important part of the experience. Many 5 star hotels have several restaurants, offering everything from relaxed poolside lunches to elegant evening meals prepared by talented chefs.

You might start the morning with freshly prepared eggs, tropical fruit and coffee overlooking the beach, then spend the evening enjoying a beautifully presented meal with a glass of wine. Some hotels even have Michelin starred restaurants, although an exceptional dining experience does not have to come with a famous chef or a lengthy tasting menu.

The quality of the ingredients, the choice available and the service all matter. If you are booking an all inclusive holiday, it is also worth checking exactly what is included. A generous choice of restaurants and drinks can make a real difference to how much value you get from your stay.

Why Should the Facilities Go Beyond The Basics?

A 5 star hotel will generally offer facilities that make it easier to relax, keep active or enjoy yourself without having to venture far from the property. Depending on where you are staying, these might include:

• Swimming Pools: From peaceful adults only pools to spectacular infinity pools overlooking the sea.

• Spa And Wellness Facilities: Think massage treatments, thermal suites, saunas and spaces designed for a slower pace.

• Fitness Centres: Well equipped gyms for guests who like to keep up with their usual routine.

• Restaurants And Bars: A choice of places to eat, enjoy a cocktail or spend a relaxed evening.

• Concierge Services: Help with excursions, restaurant bookings, transport and special requests.

Naturally, a boutique hotel in the heart of a European city will offer something different from a beachfront resort in the Caribbean. What matters is that the facilities suit the property and are maintained to a high standard.

How Are Hotels Given A 5 Star Rating?

There is no single worldwide system for rating hotels. In the UK, organisations such as the AA and VisitEngland assess accommodation against established criteria covering areas such as cleanliness, comfort, hospitality, service and facilities.

Other countries have their own rating systems, which means a 5 star hotel in one destination may not offer precisely the same experience as a 5 star property elsewhere. Ratings are a useful guide, but they do not tell you everything about a hotel.

Before booking, it is worth reading recent guest reviews, looking at photographs of the actual rooms and checking the location. A hotel might have an impressive rating, but if it is miles from the beach you wanted to visit, it may not be the right choice for your holiday.

Is A 5 Star Hotel Worth The Extra Cost?

That depends on what you want from your trip. If you are planning a special celebration, a romantic escape or a long awaited beach holiday, the extra comfort and service may be exactly what you are looking for.

However, you do not necessarily have to pay the highest price to enjoy a fantastic hotel. Booking at the right time, comparing packages and looking for offers can help you secure a luxurious stay for less. It is also worth comparing what is included in the price, particularly when flights, transfers, meals and luggage can all affect the overall cost.

Find Your Next Luxury Holiday With Holiday Exclusives!

Ultimately, a 5 star hotel should make you feel that the extra thought, care and comfort are worth it. Whether that means waking up to uninterrupted sea views, enjoying dinner without leaving the resort or simply spending a week somewhere that feels a world away from everyday life, the right hotel can make your entire holiday.

At Holiday Exclusives, we bring together holiday deals from leading travel operators, helping you discover fantastic destinations and quality hotels without spending hours searching different websites. From all inclusive beach escapes to stylish city breaks and long haul adventures, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a little luxury without paying more than you need to. Explore our latest holiday deals and start planning a getaway you will be talking about long after you return home!