The Beginning of 5-Star Hotel Rating

It started in 1958 when Mobil Corporation's product, Mobil Travel Guide (now Forbes Travel Guide), used anonymous inspectors to assess hotels based on a set of criteria and allocate their ratings with stars. This method was then known as the hotel star rating system, with a rating range of 1-star for the lowest to 5-star for the highest. Each star rating is described below:

• 1-star: This means the hotel only offers the most basic accommodations, such as a room, a bed, a bathroom, and very little else.
• 2-star: The hotel provides essential accommodations like a 1-star hotel, but a 2-star hotel may have more complete services and facilities, such as a front office or TV in the guest room.
• 3-star: The service is more complete, the guest rooms are larger, and they are well furnished. Hotels at this rating level may provide additional facilities like swimming pools or public WiFi, and some hotels tend to be part of famous hotel chains as well.
• 4-star: A 4-star hotel offers an exceptional guest experience. The large and lavish guest rooms, along with other additional amenities, are at a higher level than 3-star hotels, and customer service becomes a top priority.
• 5-star: This rating is given to the best hotels only. Services and facilities at a 5-star hotel are at the highest level of quality, and the building usually has an outstanding design.

Although there is no international standard for hotel star ratings, this hotel rating system is still the most common evaluation system used for hotels. The hotel star rating system plays an important role in customers' decision-making by providing them with insights on facilities, services, prices, and other aspects that help them choose a hotel that fits their criteria.

Iconic 5-Star Hotels in Hospitality History

Luxurious 5-star hotels have been around since long ago, and they have continued to grow and innovate up until now. Some old 5-star hotels are still in operation, and there are newer 5-star hotels with distinctive features that make these hotels iconic. Scroll down to see our compilation of iconic 5-star hotels that color up the history of the hospitality industry!

Raffles Singapore (1887)

Inaugurated in 1887, Raffles Singapore is among the oldest luxurious hotels that continue to thrive in this era. Now, Raffles Singapore is known as one of the most prestigious 5-star hotels in the world.

The Savoy (1889)

Located in London, the Savoy was the first luxury hotel established in England and continues to serve lavish services as a 5-star hotel to this day.

Four Seasons (1960)

Four Seasons is a luxury hotel company established in 1960. This company has been consistently providing high-quality services through its wide variety of 5-star hotels, which are available in many countries!

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (1983)

In 1983, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company was formed, and it expanded to 23 luxury hotels in 1992. Since 1998, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has been a part of Marriott International, one of the biggest multinational companies in the hospitality industry.

Burj Al Arab (1999)

This iconic is renowned as the tallest 5-star hotel in the world. It stands at 321 meters tall and is built on a man-made island off Dubai's coastline. Its unique design makes Burj Al Arab one of the most famous landmarks in the UAE!

Wrapping Up

Five-star hotels have always been one of the hospitality industry's pillars as it has a huge impact on economy by generating revenue and creating employment opportunities. Speaking of the latter, RMC Asia has partnered with 5-star hotels and resorts across Asia since 2014 to provide internship and management training programs for talents who wish to join the professionals of the hospitality industry!

Our programs give participants self-development opportunities and invaluable skills for their future careers through a mix of real work experience and unique cultural exchange! With various internship destinations across Asia, our program would be a perfect choice for students and recent graduates who are looking for challenges in dynamic environments.

Join us now to start your own successful career in 5-star hotels!