Hotel Ratings Guide

 Hotwire Ratings Legend
Star Rating Class Examples*
Luxury Leading Hotels, Preferred Hotels
Deluxe Leading Hotels, Preferred Hotels
Upscale InterContinental, Hyatt, Omni
Distinctive Hilton, Crowne Plaza
Midscale Holiday Inn, Doubletree
Value Holiday Inn Express
Economy Comfort Inn, La Quinta
*Examples only. Hotwire does not guarantee you will stay in one of the hotels listed here. Property classes can vary within the same chain. Some hotel suppliers have properties in more than one star rating category.

Hotwire Star Ratings Promise

We determine our star ratings by:

  • carefully benchmarking our star ratings against those of other travel sites and ratings authorities
  • soliciting customer feedback following every stay and adjusting our ratings accordingly
  • visiting thousands of properties each year
  • investigating and acting on customer rating concerns

Regardless of a hotel's star rating, you should expect a quality experience from our hotel suppliers, including

  • a clean, comfortable room with daily housekeeping service (weekly for extended stay properties or condos)
  • a private room without unreasonable disturbances
  • listed amenities in proper working order
If you encounter a problem during your stay, contact us and we will work directly with our supplier to solve it. If we downgrade a property's star rating, we will rebook customers with upcoming reservations, and we will compensate affected customers who have stayed at the property within the past 60 days.

All decisions by Hotwire regarding the Star Ratings Promise, Star Ratings Guidelines, rebooking or compensation are final and binding.
Luxury 5 Star

Examples: Leading Hotels, Preferred Hotels

  • These luxury establishments offer superb guest services and the highest standards of comfort.
  • Guestrooms feature the finest furnishings and decor, premium bedding and luxury bath products.
  • There is typically a high staff-to-guest ratio, gourmet dining, 24-hour room service, baggage handling, and a fitness or business center; special touches may include fresh flowers and plants.
  • These properties are usually located in the most desirable city or resort locations.


Deluxe 4.5 Star

Examples: Leading Hotels, Preferred Hotels

  • These deluxe establishments are located on prime real estate and usually offer baggage handling, onsite dining, room service, concierge services, and a fitness or business center.
  • These properties feature tastefully furnished rooms that are cosmopolitan and intimate; special touches may include fresh flowers and plants.
  • Guests are often pampered with extra perks, such as bathrobes and turndown services.
  • Shopping or dining establishments are usually located within close proximity.


Upscale 4 Star

Examples: Kimpton Hotels, Hyatt, Omni

  • These upscale establishments usually offer a fine-dining restaurant, lounge, room service with extended hours, and fitness or business center.
  • Service features usually include baggage assistance, a concierge and valet parking.
  • Guestrooms usually offer stylish furnishings, high-quality bedding and bath products, and a wide array of toiletries.
  • These properties are usually located near points of interest, which may include downtown centers, resort areas or major airports.


Distinctive 3.5 Star

Examples: Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Millennium

  • These distinctive establishments offer a higher level of service than most midscale properties, and larger or higher-quality rooms. The lobbies, public areas and exterior are also of higher quality than hotels with lower star ratings.
  • These properties usually offer many of the features and amenities of upscale hotels, such as restaurants, room service, baggage handling, and a fitness or business center.
  • These properties are frequently located near business centers, attractions or upscale residential areas.



Midscale 3 star

Examples: Holiday Inn, Radisson, Doubletree

  • These midscale establishments place a greater emphasis on style, comfort and personalized service than hotels with lower star ratings.
  • These full-service properties usually feature traditional lobby décor, baggage assistance, on-site dining, room service and a gift shop.
  • Additional onsite amenities -- such as a business center or fitness center -- may also be available.


Value 2.5 Star

Examples: Holiday Inn Express, AmeriSuites, Country Inn and Suites

  • These limited-service establishments offer more than the basic level of accommodations and are ideally suited for the value-conscious traveler.
  • Additional features may include on-site dining, a residential look and feel in the lobby, larger-sized guestrooms, and a fitness or business center.
  • Guestrooms are comfortably appointed and may offer a few extras, such as additional space or a dedicated desk or work area.
  • These properties are usually located within walking distance of shopping or dining facilities.


Economy 2 Star

Examples: Days Inn, La Quinta, Comfort Inn

  • These limited-service establishments are expected to offer clean, basic accommodations with a few extra features, such as a coffee maker.
  • These properties may offer some business services but usually lack meeting rooms, baggage assistance and fitness facilities.
  • Onsite dining is usually limited to coffee or Continental breakfast; offsite dining is usually located within walking distance.
  • Public access and guest reception may not be available at all hours.



Some amenities are not included in your Hotwire rate and may cost extra (e.g., use of the fitness center, business center, room service). *The photos shown above are examples. Actual features and room appearances may vary within each star ratings system. Photos copyright 2002, Pegasus Systems, Inc., all rights reserved.

 

Find your deal here

    Build a package

See all cities Example: San Francisco, CA, SFO, or 94105
Same-day reservations OK
(18+ yrs)
(2-17 yrs)
 

J.D Power and Associates
"Highest Customer Satisfaction
Independent Travel Web Sites"
2006 - 2007