What do the stars of hotels in Europe mean?
More and more domestic tourists go to explore the cultural, resort, culinary and shopping attractions of Europe. There are also many who combine travel with business. Therefore, the question of the place of residence for the period of the trip arises one of the first.
The classification of hotels is not the same for all countries. More than 30 systems are known around the world, interpreted in accordance with national standards. In Europe, the most common French classification of hotels by stars, the number of which depends on the level of service, the facility's capabilities, location and several dozen more parameters.
When a tour operator describes all the delights of their vouchers, he always mentions the stars of the hotels in which potential tourists will stay. A person who is going on a long journey for the first time does not always understand how the stars have to do with the hotel. He sees only a significant difference in prices.
The number of stars of the hotel depends not only on costs, but also on the convenience of living. For some, it is not important, it would be where to spend the night, wash and put things. And someone vitally needs absolute and unconditional comfort. What services, in addition to accommodation, the hotel provides, the star speaks quite clearly.
5 star hotels
Hotel 5 stars - for wealthy people. In addition to vacationing millionaires, top managers, stars of the show industry, and businessmen live in them. These guests do not have time to go about their daily life. Therefore, they pay for 5 stars, but the hotel does everything possible to make guests feel at home around the clock. A 5-star hotel is an ideal service: a well-groomed area, a shining hall, carpets on the stairs, well-trained staff who will immediately take things to the room and fulfill all the requirements. The minimum area of the living room is 16 m2. There can be several of them in a room, including on two levels or floors. Household and office equipment is required: refrigerator, minibar, air conditioner, TV, telephone, including in the bathroom, computer, peripherals, safe. There are no scratches on the furniture, in the bathroom there are slippers, bathrobes, a hairdryer, a large selection of cosmetics, cleaning and bed linen change every day. Shoe shine, dry cleaning, laundry and ironing of guests' personal belongings are performed immediately.
The 5-star hotel can be considered a mini-city with its own infrastructure: a restaurant, a bar, a beauty salon, a leisure center, a conference hall, a music salon, car rental. The cost of living includes the use of a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, 24-hour all-inclusive meals.
4 star hotels
A 4 star hotel provides all of the listed services, but without the dazzling luxury. Corridors can do without carpets, there is no need for a porter, there will be no bathrobes, slippers and a telephone in the bathroom, and the set of cosmetics is more modest. The minimum area of a living room in a 4-star hotel is 13 m2, there may be two of them. Appliances and comfortable furniture are a must.
Often European 4-star hotels have all the attributes of a five-star. The owners deliberately lower the declared level of service in order to reduce tax payments. Therefore, a 4 star hotel can exceed all expectations.
3 star hotels
3-star hotels are a budget option for short-term accommodation of guests. For travelers who spend most of the day outside the room, it is important to have beds, a wardrobe, chairs, a toilet, a shower, towels, and a bar of soap. In hotels of 3 stars, rooms are cleaned and the bed is changed 1-2 times a week. Meals include continental or buffet breakfast.
The size of a 3-star hotel room is at least 12 m2. He himself may be located away from the center or the beach, have a modest but well-groomed appearance. A 3-star hotel is the most suitable option for a Russian tourist with an average income.
2 star hotels
A 2-star hotel is a modest accommodation with a minimum set of services. It is usually used for one night. A 2-star hotel provides for the presence of a bed, bedside table, chair in the room. Shower and toilet are most often on the floor. A washbasin can be installed in the room. A light breakfast is sometimes included in the price.
Due to their low prices, 2 star hotels are the most popular among students. Minimum services include weekly housekeeping and linen change. Owners of 2-star hotels save on security, so they set a night restriction on entry to the building.
The European hotel industry does not have the concept of a "1 star hotel", therefore there are no criteria for its definition. Since 2008, Europe has been revising the classification of hotels in terms of comfort level. Some hotels claim to add a sixth star. In general practice, six-star is not yet used.
