What makes for a top-rated hotel? There’s no international body to establish ratings, so a hotel may claim that it is 5-star even though it is a far cry from the standard offered by a true 5-star luxury hotel. Nevertheless, here are some of the criteria that are generally accepted as being expected to rise well above the norm.

Discreet, attentive, consistent service

Consistency and quality of service is arguably the main differentiator between a true 5-star hotel and one that simply makes the claim. It’s not at all a small feat that a hotel is able to consistently deliver in this department, given that in this industry, staff turnover tends to be excessively high. And it’s the human element to a hotel that is the most challenging aspect to maintaining a star quality. In terms of excellent service, look for anticipatory, attentive, and discrete staff. And merely reactive, as opposed to doting, if you will.

Though nobody wishes there to be problem issues, among the best tests of a service level is when things go wrong. How do the staff deal with it? If, for example, you arrive to find that the room you booked is not yet ready, what is the reaction of the staff?

Personalization

You may have noticed that the staff in the best hotels will always greet you by your name, and that even happens when it’s your very first time there. This certainly helps to bridge a gap between “simply one more stay at a hotel,” and “I like it!”

Bedding

Great hotels have not only great beds, but also great bedding to go with it. The ideal bed to many people is one that comes with plenty of support, but is also extremely plush, and ideally memory foam or a luxe fabric and interior. It is swathed with sheets that come with a very high tread count, like Frette. You will find that Sofitel, Ritz-Carlton, and Four Seasons’ beds are all rated especially high.

Complimentary VIP and house car transfer services

The optimal 5-star hotels provide a luxury house car service that is complimentary, at least within a certain area or given radius. What’s even better is a transfer service – again, complimentary – that comes with VIP service to and from the airport.

Quality of the food and drink

Though many people do get hung up on room service, there are others who much prefer to go out and explore localized haunts which are off property. At the same time, however, the quality of the food and drink provided by the hotel is certainly something that should be valued.

Some travelers prefer a huge breakfast buffet, and others look at the quality as opposed to the quantity. In terms of breakfast, it’s very nice to have freshly squeezed orange juice at a minimum – add in some other freshly squeezed fruit varieties for a more memorable experience. With respect to European and U.S. properties, there ought to be at least a few organic food choices on the menu, and it’s all the better if those food choices have been sourced locally. Breads and pastries should both be excellent, and ideally be baked on site. Find true quality at oceanfront hotels in Ocean City MD.

Bath amenities

The true 5-star resort or hotel would stock known-brand toiletries, like Bulgari, Aesop, L’Occitane, Le Labo, Hermes. Bathing products are often stocked in reusable containers, and that is not only great for the environment, but perfect for reusing on other trips.