watch now
What does it take to be a five-star hotel? Here's what star ratings really mean
CNBC Travel examines the meaning behind hotel star ratings, whether travelers can rely on them in the age of the internet, and the biggest differences between four- and five-star hotels.
09:31
Sat, Dec 10 202212:06 AM EST
Ever notice that a single hotel can be rated three-, four- and even five-stars? That's the case with Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands.
The reason is because companies — from guidebooks to websites — use different standards to evaluate hotels, with some relying solely on online reviews to set their star rating.
CNBC Travel sat down with Capella Singapore's Yngvar Stray and HotelPlanner's Tim Hentschel to talk about which star ratings matter, and what travelers can expect from a 1-star to a 5-star stay.
Clarification: Some star ratings are awarded by industry councils that work alongside government entities.