"Star rated hotel"
What exactly does that mean?
A star-rated hotel is an officially certified accommodation establishment that has been assessed according to a uniform, objective and verifiable classification system.
The classification ranges from 1 to 5 stars and reflects the standard of facilities, quality of service, comfort, professionalism and range of amenities. The stars serve as a reliable guide for guests and are regularly inspected on site by independent auditors.
Do you have a question?
Hotelstars Union AISBL
Square de Meeûs 23
1000 Brussels
How does the star rating system work?
The hotel classification is based on a publicly available list of criteria
(e.g. 2025–2030) comprising around 239 criteria in areas such as:
- Service & Reception
- Rooms & Bathrooms
- Catering
- Wellness & Leisure
- Quality Management & Online Transparency
Each category has:
- Minimum criteria
- Minimum scores
- Additional bonus points for special services
Hotels that achieve significantly more points can be awarded the additional designation “Superior”.
Distinction from unofficial star ratings
Many booking platforms use their own star or point symbols, which do not meet official criteria. These ratings can be misleading.
Only officially awarded stars meet the following requirements:
- Verified standards
- Clear criteria
- Legally compliant documentation
- Regular on-site audits at the hotel
