Most travel guides and hotel reviews use the star system, which awards stars to hotels based on different criteria. There is no standardized meaning to the star system, and they can mean different things according to different guides, writers, and even countries. The more stars, the higher quality of the hotel.

Number of Stars

In general, the number of stars tells you the overall quality of the hotel, with one being very low-quality or basic and four or five being superior quality. Hotel ratings in Europe tend to use only four stars, while in the United States, the five-star system is more common.

One Star

The meaning of one star varies greatly according to system. It can mean anything from an extremely substandard hotel to simply a small, independently-owned hotel with no restaurant on the premises.

Two Stars

Two-star hotels are on average basic hotels which may or may not have a restaurant on the premises and no room service.

Three Stars

Three star ratings mean the hotel has more facilities on the premises and better-quality rooms. There will probably be an on-site restaurant, pool, and fitness center and there may also be valet service.

Four Stars

Four-star hotels are usually larger hotels with above-average service, grounds, amenities and decor. Extras such as concierge service will generally be available.

Five Stars

If a hotel is awarded five stars, this generally means it is a luxury hotel with a very high quality of service and many amenities not found in other hotels, such as jacuzzi tubs and gourmet menus.

Source:

Superpages.com: Hotel Star Rating Explained

Travelocity.com: Hotel Ratings