Dubai's Burj Al Arab has been described as the world's first 7 Star Hotel. From the embeded promotional video, it looks Las Vegas calibre classy. It was designed by Tom Wright, a Briton, and built by South Africans. A general rule of thumb about the relationship between price and rating: ''It's about $100 a star'' at the highest levels.
*****
[Rating: 5 Stars]
Elegant decor and amenities, with an emphasis on personal service. Rooms usually have luxurious bathrooms. Other offerings include spacious fitness centers, spas, business centers and, generally, a highly regarded restaurant on site. Top urban or resort locations. Concierge and 24-hour room service.
Examples: Relais & Châteaux, Ritz-Carlton, Dorchester, Ritz Paris, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Le Méridien, Peninsula, Westin, Sofitel.
****
[Rating: 4 Stars]
Dependably high-quality hotels that can often handle conventions, meetings and special events. Prime locations. Good restaurants and shops. Concierge and room service, often 24 hours. Fitness and business centers.
Hilton, Radisson, Hyatt, Wyndham, Sheraton, Marriott Hotels.
***
[Rating: 3 Stars]
May or may not include restaurants and room service. Comfortable, convenient rooms, usually with ample space for work. Usually near highways.
Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden.
**
[Rating: 2 Stars]
Basic but consistent comfort and value, usually without food service and almost always near highways and chain restaurants.
Days Inn, Travelodge.
*
*****
[Rating: 5 Stars]
Elegant decor and amenities, with an emphasis on personal service. Rooms usually have luxurious bathrooms. Other offerings include spacious fitness centers, spas, business centers and, generally, a highly regarded restaurant on site. Top urban or resort locations. Concierge and 24-hour room service.
Examples: Relais & Châteaux, Ritz-Carlton, Dorchester, Ritz Paris, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Le Méridien, Peninsula, Westin, Sofitel.
****
[Rating: 4 Stars]
Dependably high-quality hotels that can often handle conventions, meetings and special events. Prime locations. Good restaurants and shops. Concierge and room service, often 24 hours. Fitness and business centers.
Hilton, Radisson, Hyatt, Wyndham, Sheraton, Marriott Hotels.
***
[Rating: 3 Stars]
May or may not include restaurants and room service. Comfortable, convenient rooms, usually with ample space for work. Usually near highways.
Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden.
**
[Rating: 2 Stars]
Basic but consistent comfort and value, usually without food service and almost always near highways and chain restaurants.
Days Inn, Travelodge.
*
