The number of stars is one of the essential criteria to consider when choosing a hotel. But who awards these stars to hotels? How are they assigned? What’s the difference between hotels with varying star ratings? Here’s everything you need to know about hotel stars!
What Does the Number of Stars Mean for a Hotel?
Stars are a system used to classify hotels. They help assess the quality of services and comfort offered, and also indicate the hotel’s pricing tier. Currently, hotels are rated from 1 to 5 stars:
- 1-star or economy hotel: This type of establishment must offer rooms for two people of at least 9 sqm, excluding sanitary facilities. Additionally, at least half of the rooms must be equipped with a color television.
- 2-star hotel: For this category, double rooms must have a minimum area of 9 sqm. Common areas (such as the lounge) must be at least 30 sqm.
- 3-star hotel: Double rooms in this category must be at least 13.5 sqm, including sanitary facilities. Common areas must be at least 3 sqm. Additionally, the hotel should offer a reception service available for at least 12 hours per day, and all rooms should have a color television and a bathroom with a toilet.
- 4-star hotel: Double rooms in this type of hotel must be at least 16 sqm and common areas, 70 sqm. The establishment must also offer client assistance for at least 12 hours a day if it has fewer than 30 rooms, and 24 hours if more. Our hotel Ile de Ré Les Grenettes is a 4-star hotel.
- 5-star hotel: The area of double rooms (including sanitary facilities) must be at least 24 sqm and 90 sqm for common areas. Reception should be available at least 12 hours a day if there are fewer than 30 rooms, and 24/7 if more.
Hotel Star Rating: How Does It Work?
In addition to the aforementioned criteria, a hotel must meet other standards to earn stars, which vary according to the desired star rating. If a hotel is seeking a star rating for the first time, it must first compile a file containing supporting documents regarding its size, equipment, and services. An accredited body then conducts an inspection to verify the compliance of the declarations. Nevertheless, it is ultimately Atout France, the French tourism development agency, that makes the final decision on the star allocation. The stars are not awarded for life; they are valid for only five years. The hotel or aparthotel must apply for a new inspection before the end of this period, or it will lose all its stars. The new inspection could result in a downgrade, confirmation of the current star rating, or the award of an additional star.