What are hotel star ratings and how are they awarded?

When travelling, we all appreciate comfort—let's be honest. Every traveller looks for a comfortable and safe place to stay where they can truly relax. And that's exactly what hotel star ratings are meant to reflect.

At Vincci Hotels, we are proud to say that our collection of hotels, including our hotels in Spain, hotels in Portugal, and hotels in Tunisia, all have a minimum rating of four stars. We also offer luxury hotels in various destinations across Spain that have been awarded the highest distinction: five stars.

You have probably wondered at some point how hotel stars are awarded, what it means for a hotel to have four stars, like ours, or what requirements must be met to achieve each category.

Exterior of Vincci La Rábida 4* Hotel in Seville

How Are Hotel Star Ratings Awarded?

Hotel star ratings in Spain are not governed by a single national classification system. Instead, each autonomous community establishes its own requirements, and hotels within each region must apply for their classification before opening.

In other words, if we were to open a new hotel in Madrid, we would need to contact the Regional Government of Madrid to request an inspection and obtain the corresponding star rating. Once awarded, hotels must display their official star rating on a visible plaque outside the building and continue to meet the required standards throughout their operation.

Entrance to Vincci Centrum 4* Hotel, Madrid

Although there is no nationwide system governing hotel star ratings, there are no major differences between the criteria applied by the various regions. Therefore, it is possible to summarise the main requirements for each category.

What Are the Requirements for Hotel Star Ratings?

In Spain, the highest hotel classification is five stars. As mentioned earlier, some of our hotels hold this distinction, but each of the five categories has a specific set of requirements that hotel groups must fulfil.

Regardless of the hotel's star rating, all establishments must comply with a series of technical requirements designed to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable stay. These include fire protection systems, soundproofing in guestrooms and public areas, and regulations concerning the pricing of additional services.

Beyond these technical standards, the different star categories are mainly determined by the size of the rooms and the range of services offered to guests.

1-Star Hotels

To be awarded its first star, a hotel must provide single rooms measuring at least 7 square metres and double rooms measuring a minimum of 12 square metres. Bathrooms must have a minimum area of 3.5 square metres and may include either a bathtub or a shower.

The hotel must also provide a lift and heating throughout the guest rooms.

3-Star Hotels

Moving up to the 3-star category means larger bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional services in the hotel's common areas. Single rooms must be at least 8 square metres, double rooms must exceed 15 square metres, and bathrooms must be at least 4 square metres, with either a bathtub or shower.

To receive this 3-star hotel certification, the facilities must include a bar for guests and air conditioning in the common areas. In addition, they must maintain the requirements of the lower categories, including a lift, heating, telephone, and safe.

4-Star Hotels

The vast majority of our hotels belong to the 4-star category, awarded after meeting a series of requirements regarding room sizes and additional services.

Room sizes increase once again for all guest accommodation. Single rooms must be larger than 9 square metres, double rooms must exceed 16 square metres, and bathrooms must include both a bathtub and a shower, with a minimum size of 4.5 square metres.

Room at Vincci The Mint 4* Madrid

What other service do we offer at Vincci Hotels to achieve this certification? A minibar in every room for guests' personal use. Naturally, our hotels also provide air conditioning in guest rooms as well as in the common areas, along with a telephone, safe, lifts, and bars where guests can relax with a drink before bedtime.

5-Star Hotels

A five-star rating is the highest classification a hotel can receive in Spain. These hotels offer all the services available in 4-star properties, while also meeting stricter room size requirements.

Single rooms must be at least 10 square metres, while double rooms must be no smaller than 17 square metres. Bathrooms, which must include both a bathtub and a shower, must have a minimum size of 5 square metres.

These are our five-star hotels across Spain, including some outstanding hotels in Málaga:

Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya 5* in Sierra Nevada, Granada

Vincci Selección Posada Del Patio 5* in Málaga

Vincci Selección Aleysa Boutique & Spa 5* in Benalmádena

Vincci Selección La Plantación Del Sur 5* in Tenerife

Vincci Selección Aleysa 5* - Swimming Pool

Other Hotel Excellence Criteria

Although these are the official criteria used to award hotel star ratings, at Vincci Hotels we know there are many other factors that influence the choice of where to stay. These include the location, additional facilities in the common areas, such as restaurants, swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and even the opportunity to enjoy time at a spa within the hotel.

For example, all our hotels in the Spanish capital, as well as in all our destinations, are centrally located, just a short walk from Madrid's main food markets, its most iconic landmark buildings, and the theatres hosting the best children's musicals in Madrid throughout the year.

In addition, our hotels offer an outstanding gastronomic experience, featuring premium-quality and locally sourced ingredients, where you can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes as well as regional specialities from the area where each hotel is located.

As you will discover during your stay with us, your comfort is our highest priority, and we do everything possible to ensure you enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay. Now more than ever, you can rely on our VINCCI Care protocol, which implements all the necessary hygiene and safety measures so that your only concern is enjoying your time at our hotels.

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