A Historical Odyssey of Hotel Ratings

Early Days:

The concept of hotel ratings traces its roots back to the 19th century when travelers heavily relied on word of mouth and guidebooks to choose their accommodations. Grand hotels in major cities set the standard, but the lack of a formalized rating system left much to subjective interpretation.

The Birth of Stars:

The 20th century witnessed the birth of formal hotel ratings, with organizations like the Automobile Association (AA) introducing star systems to evaluate and categorize hotels based on amenities and services. A one-star rating represented basic accommodations, while five stars signified luxury and opulence.

Global Standardization:

In the latter part of the 20th century, the hospitality industry saw a push for global standardization. Organizations such as the Michelin Guide and AAA refined their rating criteria, and the iconic five-star system gained widespread acceptance, providing a universal language for travelers seeking quality and comfort.

Technology and Online Ratings:

The advent of the internet in the late 20th century and the rise of online travel platforms marked a paradigm shift. User-generated reviews on websites added a democratic layer to hotel ratings, with travelers sharing their experiences and influencing the choices of others.

21st Century and Beyond:

Today, hotel ratings continue to evolve, with sustainability and unique experiences gaining prominence. Global brands, boutique establishments, and eco-friendly options coexist, offering travelers a diverse array of choices. Social media influencers and travel bloggers contribute to the narrative, reshaping the landscape of hotel reputations.

There are various types of hotels and they cater to different types of travelers with different needs and budgets. Here are some common types of hotels and their features:

Luxury Hotels: These are high-end hotels that offer exceptional service, top-notch amenities, and luxurious accommodations. They often have restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and other high-end facilities. Examples include Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Waldorf Astoria.

Boutique Hotels: These are small, stylish hotels with a unique designs and personalized service. They often offer upscale amenities and have a more intimate and cozy feel. Examples include Ace Hotels, Kimpton Hotels, and The Hoxton.

Budget Hotels: These are affordable hotels that offer basic amenities and accommodations. They are often located in convenient locations such as near airports or train stations. Examples include Motel 6, Ibis Budget, and Super 8.

Resort Hotels: These are hotels that are designed for vacationers and offer a variety of recreational activities such as golf, skiing, or water sports. They often have multiple restaurants, pools, and other amenities. Examples include Atlantis, Disney Resorts, and Club Med.

Extended-Stay Hotels: These are hotels that offer longer-term accommodations for business travelers or people who need to stay in one place for an extended period. They often have kitchenettes and other amenities to make guests feel at home. Examples include Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, and Residence Inn.

Hotel ratings are used to give travelers an idea of the level of service and amenities a hotel provides. There are several rating systems used around the world, but one of the most commonly used is the star rating system, which ranges from one to five stars. Here is a general explanation of the star rating system:

✭ star: Basic accommodations with limited services and amenities.

✭✭ stars: Budget accommodations with some additional services and amenities.

✭✭✭ stars: Mid-range accommodations with a good level of service and amenities.

✭✭✭✭ stars: High-end accommodations with exceptional service and amenities.

✭✭✭✭✭ stars: The most luxurious accommodations with top-notch service and amenities.

Keep in mind that the star rating system can vary depending on the country or region, and it is always a good idea to read reviews and do additional research before booking a hotel.

There are many worldwide well-known hotel services and facilities that cater to different types of travelers with different needs and preferences. Here are some examples:

Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Marriott is a popular hotel brand with locations all around the world. They offer a variety of services and facilities such as fitness centers, spas, restaurants, and meeting spaces.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Hilton is another well-known hotel brand with a presence in many countries. They offer services and facilities such as fitness centers, pools, spas, and restaurants, as well as meeting and event spaces.

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts: Four Seasons is a luxury hotel brand with locations in many popular destinations. They offer high-end amenities and services such as spas, fine dining restaurants, private beaches, and golf courses.

Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts: Ritz-Carlton is a luxury hotel brand with locations around the world. They offer upscale amenities such as fine dining restaurants, spas, and fitness centers, as well as meeting and event spaces.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: InterContinental is a luxury hotel brand with a global presence. They offer amenities and services such as fine dining restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and meeting spaces, as well as personalized concierge services.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Fairmont is a luxury hotel brand with locations in many popular destinations. They offer high-end amenities such as spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses, and ski resorts.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts: Hyatt is a global hotel brand that offers a variety of services and amenities such as fitness centers, pools, restaurants, and meeting spaces, as well as luxury properties such as Park Hyatt and Andaz.

(!) Keep in mind that each hotel brand may have different offerings depending on the location and type of property. It's always a good idea to do your research and read reviews before booking a hotel to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.

There are some hotel services around the world that are quite unique or unusual. Here are a few examples:

Rent-a-Goldfish: At the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Denver, guests can request a goldfish to keep in their room during their stay. The hotel will provide a bowl, food, and instructions for caring for the fish.

Bedtime Storytelling: At the Library Hotel in New York City, guests can request a bedtime story from the hotel's collection of over 6,000 books.

Pet Psychic: The Hotel Monaco in Portland, Oregon, offers a pet psychic service for guests who want to communicate with their furry friends.

Pillow Menus: Many hotels offer a choice of pillows for guests, but some take it to the next level with extensive pillow menus. For example, the Ritz-Carlton in New York City offers a pillow menu with options such as a lavender-scented pillow or a buckwheat pillow.

Rent-a-Friend: The Mitsui Garden Yotsuya hotel in Tokyo offers a service where guests can rent a local friend to show them around the city and offer insider tips and recommendations.

There have been many funny cases and incidents involving hotel guests over the years. Here are a few well-known examples:

The Case of the Disappearing Hotel Room: In 2010, a hotel in Germany was left without room number 408 after guests kept stealing the number from the door. The hotel eventually gave up and removed the room altogether.

The Hotel Guest Who Mistook a Fire Alarm for a Phone: In 2018, a guest at a hotel in Scotland mistook a fire alarm for a phone and tried to answer it. The guest's confusion caused a delay in evacuating the hotel during a real fire emergency.

The Guests Who Requested a Giraffe in Their Room: In 2017, a couple staying at a hotel in South Africa made a joking request for a giraffe to be placed in their room. To their surprise, the hotel staff went above and beyond by bringing a real, life-sized giraffe to their balcony for a photo opportunity.

The Guest Who Found a Live Snake in Their Room: In 2016, a guest staying at a hotel in Australia discovered a live snake in their room. The hotel staff was able to safely remove the snake and relocate it to a nearby nature reserve.

While these incidents may seem amusing, it's important for hotels to take guest safety and security seriously and handle any unexpected situations professionally and efficiently.

There are several hotels around the world that claim to be the oldest, with some dating back hundreds of years. Here are a few examples:

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan: Located in Hayakawa, Japan, this hotel was founded in 705 AD and has been in continuous operation for over 1,300 years.

Hoshi Ryokan: Located in Komatsu, Japan, this hotel was founded in 717 AD and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world still in operation by the same family.

The Olde Bell: Located in Hurley, England, this hotel dates back to 1135 and was once a coaching inn on the main route between London and Oxford.

Zum Roten Bären: Located in Freiburg, Germany, this hotel dates back to 1120 and has been in operation for over 900 years.

Stiftsgården: Located in Trondheim, Norway, this hotel was originally built as a residence for the Archbishop of Trondheim in the 1200s and has been used as a hotel since the 1800s.

It's worth noting that there are other hotels around the world that claim to be the oldest, and the precise definition of what constitutes a "hotel" can vary. Nevertheless, these are some of the most well-known and established contenders for the title of the oldest hotel in the world.

Here are some of the biggest hotels in the world based on the number of rooms:

The First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia - This hotel has 7,351 rooms and is currently recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest hotel in the world.

The Venetian and The Palazzo, Las Vegas, United States - Together, these connected resorts have over 7,000 rooms, making them one of the largest hotels in the world.

MGM Grand Las Vegas, Las Vegas, United States - With over 6,850 rooms, the MGM Grand Las Vegas is one of the largest hotels in the world.

CityCenter, Las Vegas, United States - This massive complex includes four hotels - ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, and The Harmon - with a combined total of over 6,700 rooms.

Abraj Kudai, Mecca, Saudi Arabia - This hotel is currently under construction and is expected to have over 10,000 rooms when it is completed, which would make it the largest hotel in the world.

Here are some of the most expensive hotels in the world based on their room rates and overall luxury:

The Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland - This suite is often considered the most expensive hotel room in the world, with a nightly rate that can reach over $80,000. It spans the entire top floor of the hotel and features 12 luxury rooms, including a private gym, a Steinway grand piano, and a panoramic terrace with views of Lake Geneva.

The Mark Penthouse, The Mark Hotel, New York City, USA - This luxurious penthouse suite in Manhattan is one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, with a nightly rate of up to $75,000. The suite spans two floors and features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dining room, a living room with a fireplace, and a private rooftop terrace with views of Central Park.

The Hilltop Villa at Laucala Island Resort, Fiji - This private villa on a private island in Fiji can cost up to $45,000 per night, making it one of the most expensive hotels in the world. The villa features an infinity pool, a personal chef, a private beach, and stunning ocean views.

The Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel, New York City, USA - This luxurious penthouse suite in Manhattan has a nightly rate of up to $50,000. It spans the entire top floor of the hotel and features four glass balconies with panoramic views of the city, a private spa, a library, and a personal butler.

The Royal Villa at the Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens, Greece - This private villa with its own private beach can cost up to $50,000 per night. The villa features a heated pool, a private gym, a sauna, and a personal chef and butler.

In the ever-evolving story of hotel ratings, from handwritten recommendations in guidebooks to the instantaneous feedback of the digital age, the journey reflects not only changes in the hospitality industry but also the evolving expectations and preferences of travelers across different eras.

Have a good Time!

Y Amy