Why Five-Star Hotel Facilities Aren't Always the Same

October 15, 2025 | 11:20 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Five-star hotels are considered the highest tier of accommodations. The facilities provided by these hotels are arguably the best, from room service, linens to their food. However, people who book rooms in five-star hotels may find varying levels of quality. This is due to the differences in the institutions that measure and verify that a hotel meets the luxurious five-star status.

As reported by Travel and Leisure, the hotel rating system initially emerged in the 1960s when the Mobil Oil Corporation, now known as ExxonMobil, published a hotel guide. They created ratings based on stars to indicate various levels of facilities. Originally sold at Mobil gas stations for $1.95 (around Rp32,000), the Mobil Travel Guide was created for a region. In 2009, it became the Forbes Travel Guide.

Subsequently, various international organizations emerged that set the rules for five-star classification. However, travelers still rely on star ratings to gain insights before booking a hotel.

Different Criteria in Each Country

Travel expert Melanie Fish from Hotels.com said there is no single global checklist for facilities that determines the level of stars. This means that each organization's criteria will vary by country. "For example, not every five-star hotel has to have a pool, and many four-star hotels might offer spas or luxury touches," she said.

Throughout Europe, hotel star ratings are regulated by the Hotelstars Union. They have a specifi...