How do hotels get their star ratings?

I stayed in a hotel in the UK last month, it was supposedly a 5 star hotel but it wasn't any better than a Travel Lodge. How do these hotels get the ratings? How often are they assessed?How do hotels get their star ratings?I'm not sure of the official way it gets done, but it tends to be if a hotel has, bar, restaurant, pool, gym, room service, sauna, and good location they tend to get a 5* rating, even though the furnishings may be very dated and a bit scruffy, where as a hotel that has no pool, gym etc may only be rated as a 3 star and be very nice inside. Best bet, check out trip advisor and the hotels website before you book!How do hotels get their star ratings?The front and back of the house are rated by quality of service, quality of hospitality service, courtesies and attention given to the guests, rooms food %26amp; beverages, cleanliness and many more.How do hotels get their star ratings?As in mainland Europe and other territories around the world, UK hotels are now assessed by star ratings, replacing the previously muddled system of separate classification schemes run by the AA, RAC and English Tourist Council.



While each of the above bodies continue to carry out invaluable independent assessments of UK hotels, harmonisation of the ratings system means that consumers can now accurately gauge the likely standard of an establishment in advance, or, where standards are believed to fall short of the rating awarded, give credible reason for complaint or make representations to holiday companies, the assessing body (or indeed enforcement bodies such as trading standards).



Ratings given are based on unannounced 'mystery guest' visits where an initial assessment of the premises is made (usually a stay overnight) before the inspector declares his/her identity and then completes a formal tour of the premises. Annual checks are also made to ensure that standards are maintained.



Below you'll find a brief description of the standards normally expected for hotels under each star rating, along with separate 'diamond ratings' for other forms of guest accommodation such as bed %26amp; breakfast lodgings.



One Star Hotels

Usually small, independently owned establishments, with a family atmosphere. Service is more informal, while hotel facilities may be limited. For example, not all guestrooms will have en-suite bath/shower rooms, and lunch or evening meals may not be served. Accommodation should however, always be clean, comfortable and maintained to an acceptable standard.



Two Star Hotels

Typically small to medium sized hotels, two star properties offer a greater number of facilities than one star (entry level) lodging. Guestrooms should be clean, comfortable and well-equipped, usually with en-suite bath/shower room. Staff may take a more professional approach to customer care, also offering a wider range of basic services, including food and drink.



Three Star Hotels

Larger, or more well-equipped hotels with higher quality guestrooms and a wider range of on/off site facilities. Reception and lobby areas are likely to be more spacious, while eating/drink areas will often also cater for non-guests. All bedrooms will have fully en-suite bath or shower rooms, also offering other items such as a hair dryer, trouser press, direct dial telephone and colour TV. Three star hotels will also usually offer at least limited room service to guests.



Four Star Hotels

Guests can expect a higher degree of luxury than at three star lodgings, with greater emphasis placed on the quality of guest accommodation throughout the hotel. Furnishings, d茅cor and equipment will be of a higher standard than at lower star levels, with coordinated d茅cor and well-maintained furniture. En-suite bathrooms will feature both bath and fixed shower, while other amenities such business services, 24-hour room service and dry-cleaning may also be offered. Cuisine will generally be of a high quality, with good service and attention to detail.



Five Star Hotels

Guests can expect the most spacious and luxurious accommodation, with quality fixtures, fittings and equipment in bedrooms. The hotel should also have elegant and comfortable public areas, with quality furnishings throughout. The restaurant will exhibit a high level of professionalism, with cuisine and service matching the best international standards. Customer service, should cover all aspects of care, with staff being friendly, efficient and courteous.



Diamond Ratings



One Diamond - Clean, comfortable accommodation with a continental or full English breakfast included. Clean bed linen and tidy room furnishings, with towels, fresh soap and adequate heating and hot water. Acceptable levels of service.



Two Diamonds - All of the above, plus a higher degree of comfort, quality and customer care.



Three Diamonds - All of the above, with a good quality of service overall plus well maintained room furnishings, d茅cor and guest amenities. A greater number of breakfast choices, with other meals also served during the day. Cuisine is freshly prepared using quality ingredients.



Four Diamonds - All of the above, with higher levels of quality, comfort and customer care. Special attention is paid to cleanliness and welcoming guests upon arrival.



Five Diamonds - All of the above plus an excellent standard of quality, comfort and service. Quality bedroom furnishings and well-sized accommodation, with a higher proportion of bedrooms having en-suite/private facilities. Other meals are made with fresh (often local) ingredients to exacting standards. Superb levels of guest care.How do hotels get their star ratings?
It depends on what's in the hotel, a resturant, spa, sauna, a swimming pool etc. Those kind've things give the hotels stars.

I think they're assessed by inspectors or something.