New Hotel Star Rating System Unveiled in Europe

Hospitality professionals at HOTREC’s general assembly in Budapest. Photo source: Hotelstars Union

A set of new criteria for the classification of hotels and a corresponding point system aimed at enhancing guest experience was announced this week by the Hotelstars Union (HSU), during HOTREC’s 88th General Assembly held in Budapest. The revised star system is scheduled to take effect in January 2025.

According to Hotelstars, sustainability, staff challenges, and the ongoing digitalization of the hotel industry prompted the revision of hotel classification criteria.

HSU President Markus Luthe highlighted the significance of streamlining the criteria catalogue, reducing it from 247 to 239 elements. Eliminating outdated criteria and integrating sustainability measures were key priorities, including recommendations for mattress cleaning to extend their lifespan and reducing the provision of unnecessary items in rooms. Changes include removing sewing and shoe polishing kits as well as providing changes of bed linen and towels only upon request by the guest.

“The new classification catalogue is a result of our commitment to sustainability, efficiency and guest satisfaction,” he said.

Acknowledging staff shortages across Europe, the revised criteria foresee the reduction of mandatory reception and room service hours. Additionally, fully automated check-in and check-out services especially in the 1- and 2-star categories and the use of self-service kiosks are aimed at enhancing efficiency while reducing ecological footprint.

It should be noted that hotels measuring their carbon footprint according to international standards will be eligible for extra points.

Luthe urged member countries to implement the new criteria by January 1, 2025, providing hotels with a clear roadmap for the next five years.

Hotel classification criteria are reviewed every five to six years in order to further develop and modernize these in line with the needs of guests and the market. This ensures that industry standards keep pace with the changing demands and dynamics of the hospitality sector.

The official criteria will be available on the HSU website. Interested hotels can learn more here.

Founded in 2009, the Hotelstars Union, operates under HOTREC Hospitality Europe, and includes the participation of hotel associations from Greece, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.