What is Difference Between 4-star and 5-star hotel

When choosing accommodation for your vacation, distinguish the difference between 4-star and 5-star hotels (hotel rating) can be a challenge for many travelers, even though the differences are not always clear. How can you tell which hotel is worthy of a luxurious stay, and which one is the best option for your budget? Below is our guide to the key factors that help you distinguish the difference between 4-star and 5-star hotels, from service and amenities to the level of care each type of hotel provides. Let’s explore this topic in the following article!

Difference between 4-star and 5-star hotels

The core distinction lies in the level of service – at a 4-star hotel, you need to request a service to get it, whereas at a 5-star hotel, services are offered proactively based on your expected needs and what the hotel perceives you might need.

Reserving a resort often involves checking its star rating. Many travelers find it perplexing to decide between a 4-star and a 5-star hotel for their holiday. What sets them apart?

Surprisingly, this is a common dilemma as there is no clear guidance on the key differences. This is due to the absence of global standards for hotel ratings. Some regions use diamonds for ratings, while North America uses Forbes stars and AAA diamonds. Consequently, a 5-star hotel might be classified as a 4-star due to minor technicalities, such as room spacing.

To gauge a hotel’s quality and customer service, online reviews are invaluable. Past guests are usually the most reliable sources for insights on the hotel’s offerings and whether it matches its online portrayal.

Seasoned travelers have identified several ways to differentiate a 4-star from a 5-star hotel. The pivotal difference lies in service delivery. At a 4-star hotel, you must request a service to receive it. For example, you need to call the desk to make a reservation.

Conversely, 5-star hotels offer services proactively, based on your expected needs and their perception of what you might need. They might call to inquire about your reservation preferences or suggest restaurants for reservations, etc.

Another key difference is the amenities. 5-star hotels typically offer a wide array of amenities, including luxury suites, fitness centers, spas, multiple dining options (for both guests and non-guests), round-the-clock services, car services, and more, all aimed at making guests feel like VIPs.

Conversely, 4-star hotels might not offer all these amenities, and those available might incur additional charges. 4-star hotels focus on providing the luxuries you request rather than making you feel like a celebrity.

While these are some significant differences, there are many other minor ones. However, to truly understand a hotel or resort’s quality, it is recommended to consult comments and recommendations from past guests.

>>> See more: Best 4-star hotel in Hanoi Vietnam

Comparison between a 4-Star & a 5-Star Hotel

The differences between a 4-star and a 5-star hotel can be significant and vary across several dimensions, including service delivery, customer treatment, amenities, facilities and services, price, restaurants, bathrooms, technology, additional facilities, luxury suites, attention to details, and staff-to-guest ratio.

Service Delivery:

At a 4-star hotel, services are typically provided upon request. This means that when you need assistance, such as ordering food, calling the front desk to make a reservation, or requesting additional amenities in your room, you must proactively contact the hotel. The service will be delivered promptly and efficiently, but it still requires the guest to express their needs.

In contrast, a 5-star hotel not only responds to requests but also anticipates and provides services before the guest even asks. For example, the front desk might call or send a message to inquire if you need additional snacks, drinks, or if you have any special requests. Some 5-star hotels can even predict your needs based on past habits or requests, offering services you haven’t yet requested, such as preparing the bathroom with your favorite personal care products, or arranging suitable transportation that you haven’t mentioned.

Customer Treatment:

At a 4-star hotel, customer treatment may be less personalized. Guests are generally cared for based on standard practices, and the service provided may be the same for all guests. However, 4-star hotels still strive to provide good service, although the attention to individual guest needs may not be as extensive as in higher-end hotels.

In contrast, at a 5-star hotel, each guest is treated with more care and personalization. Every need, no matter how small, is addressed thoughtfully and attentively, ensuring a superior and luxurious experience for each guest.

Amenities:

A 4-star hotel may offer amenities such as room decoration, a swimming pool, private bathrooms in each room, free Wi-Fi, possibly a gym, a fridge and microwave in each room (optional), laundry service, a restaurant, a spa, a bar, etc.

Meanwhile, a 5-star hotel offers more luxurious amenities, such as exquisite luxury suites, fitness rooms with personal headphones or TVs and the latest magazines, additional facilities such as secondary dining, leisure areas, business centers, spas, etc., but with services and facilities of a higher standard.

Facilities and Services 4-star and 5-star hotel:

In a 4-star hotel, services are typically “optional” and may incur additional charges, such as valet parking, room service, or special requests for amenities.

On the other hand, a 5-star hotel offers higher standard services, including complimentary valet parking, concierge service, 24-hour reception, and 24-hour room service without additional charges. These services are provided proactively, ensuring guests enjoy a more luxurious and convenient experience throughout their stay.

Price:

A 4-star hotel is less expensive compared to a 5-star hotel, while a 5-star hotel is more expensive compared to a 4-star hotel.

The price of a 4-star hotel is often more suitable for the budget of many travelers, especially those seeking comfort and good service without the need for excessive luxury amenities found in 5-star hotels.

On the other hand, a 5-star hotel caters to travelers with higher budgets who are looking for premium services, luxurious amenities, and exceptional customer care.

Restaurants:

A 4-star hotel does not necessarily need to offer full lunch service, although some may provide it. Meals may include breakfast or a limited menu, depending on the hotel’s policy.

In contrast, a 5-star hotel is required to have at least one restaurant open for both in-house and outside guests, serving full meals throughout the week. The restaurant in a 5-star hotel typically offers a variety of dishes, ranging from international menus to local specialties, with high-quality food and exceptional service.

Bathrooms:

A 4-star hotel typically provides private bathrooms in guest rooms, ensuring basic comfort for guests. However, the amenities in the bathroom may not be as extensive or luxurious as those found in a 5-star hotel.

A 5-star hotel, on the other hand, requires each room to have an ensuite bathroom, meaning the bathroom is designed as part of the room. These bathrooms are usually equipped with premium personal care products such as shampoo, soap, lotion, soft towels, and modern features like a spa bathtub, temperature-controlled shower, and high-end toiletries.

Technology:

A 4-star hotel is not required to offer the latest technology, but most of these hotels provide free or paid Wi-Fi, along with basic tech services such as internet access in a business center.

In contrast, a 5-star hotel must offer more advanced technology, including free high-speed Wi-Fi, sound systems, large screens, and computers in the business or public areas. 5-star hotels may also feature in-room entertainment systems with international TV channels, streaming services, and other high-end electronic devices.

Additional Facilities:

A 4-star hotel may provide additional amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, spa, or relaxation services, but these are not mandatory. These facilities, if available, may vary in quality and consistency.

A 5-star hotel, however, is required to offer more comprehensive and high-end additional facilities, such as a modern fitness center, a spa, recreational areas, fine-dining restaurants, or upscale bars. These hotels may also offer specialized services such as private chauffeur-driven cars, luxury tours, or business amenities like meeting rooms and executive lounges.

Luxury Suites:

A 4-star hotel may offer luxury suites, but it is not a requirement. These suites usually provide more space than standard rooms and come with better amenities, but they are not necessarily to the same high standard as those in a 5-star hotel.

A 5-star hotel, however, must offer luxurious suites, which are fully equipped with high-end amenities. These suites typically consist of three distinct areas: a bedroom, a lounge, and a bathroom. The design of these suites is often exquisite, with luxurious interiors, added services like mini kitchens or private office spaces, and special features such as panoramic views, steam rooms, or Jacuzzi bathtubs. The level of customer care in these suites is also elevated, with 24/7 room service and personalized requests.

Details:

In a 4-star hotel, attention is provided to the large details, such as soap and towels in each room or turn down service available for each client, etc. However, little details such as flower arrangement or chocolate on each pillow may be overlooked.

On the other hand, a 5-star hotel gives a lot of attention to the details, and each detail is treated with the utmost care, such as bed sheets, linen, color theme, flower arrangement, etc.

Staff to Guest Ratio:

A 4-star hotel has a higher guest-to-staff ratio, while a 5-star hotel has a higher staff-to-guest ratio.

Overall, 5-star hotels offer a more personalized, luxurious, and comprehensive experience compared to 4-star hotels. They are characterized by their attention to detail, higher staff-to-guest ratio, and provision of premium services and facilities.