We’ve all been there at some point–arriving at hotel accommodations with big expectations but often underwhelming results. The expectations come from all sorts of places, from travel websites with celebrity spokespeople, to TV ads hawking enormous breakfast buffets (for “Rewards” Members of course), to national books like Zagat to city-centric like Timeout.

Unfortunately, in the US and many places across the globe, there isn’t a lot of uniformity in the hotel classifications, and a single property can be listed anywhere from a 2 Star to a 4 Star hotel. 

But I’ve got some great news for you! Those seemingly arbitrary stars & ratings systems that can cause such consternation for hotel guests are not an issue for Italy-bound travelers. Because, honestly, there may not be a more consumer-friendly approach to grading & classifying hotels anywhere else in the world.

In the US (and much of western Europe), hotel classification is often up to the hotel properties themselves, with a handful of exceptions where volunteer organizations, like tourism boards and chambers of commerce, set loose standards. But even those can fall victim to human error and interpretation.

Here in Italy, the 1983 the General Policy Law for Tourism put responsibility for hotel classification and oversight in the hands of public officials. 2002 and 2008 saw small changes to the laws, empowering regions to amend certain criteria specific to the region, while also doing away with outdated methods for grading (for example a point system that awarded varying points for things like free shampoo). 

The result is that the existing 5 Star Rating system in Italy sets clear guidelines for each star classification, and gets rid of the sometimes purposefully vague wording like you see in the US. Travelers don’t have to worry about what their key card is opening the door to, and whether a first time visitor or a veteran of international travel, you can be confident in your accommodations decision.

In simple terms, it takes the ambiguity out of a “star classification”, and doesn’t let individual properties or large hotel chains influence a rating. If you have “x, y and z” you are a 3 star, the end. How refreshing, really.

Now it’s time to explain what exactly each of the 5 “Star” ratings mean, to help you best gauge the type of hotel that best fits your needs, interests and budget. 

A 1-star hotel in Italy typically offers basic, clean, no-frills accommodations suited for budget-conscious travelers. The amenities and services provided are generally limited but sufficient for a short stay:

• Rooms:
  
  • Room cleaning provided once a day. 
  • Change of bed linens once a week.
  • Must be minimum room size of 14 square meters.

• Bathroom:
  • Private or shared bathrooms: Some 1-star hotels offer en-suite bathrooms, while others may have shared facilities down the hall.
  • Basic toiletries: Soap or shower gel, and sometimes a small bottle of shampoo. Towels may be limited (e.g., one towel per guest).

• Internet/Wi-Fi:
  • Wi-Fi may be available in some parts of the hotel (e.g., lobby or common areas) but often at an additional charge or with limited access. In-room Wi-Fi is less common, and if offered, it might be slow or unreliable.

• Reception: 
  • Reception must be open at least 12 hours per day
  • Check-in/check-out times may be more restrictive compared to higher-star hotels.

• Food & Beverages:
  • Most 1-star hotels do not have an on-site restaurant or bar. Some may provide a simple breakfast (e.g., coffee, pastries), but this is usually basic and at an additional cost.

• Accessibility:
  • Few 1-star hotels will have elevators or facilities for guests with reduced mobility.

In summary, a 1-star hotel in Italy will provide basic, functional amenities with minimal luxury or extras. They’re best suited for travelers who are looking for a clean, simple place to stay without expecting additional services or comfort.

2-star hotels in Italy will offer the same amenities as a 1-star hotel with some changes & additionals:

• Rooms:
  
  • Room cleaning provided once a day. 
  • Change of bed linens twice a week.
  • Must be minimum room size of 14 square meters.

• Bathroom:
  • Private or shared bathrooms: Most 2-star hotels will provide private bathrooms in the room, though it is not required and there may still be a few with shared bathrooms (especially in smaller, family-run hotels).
  • Basic toiletries: Basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toilet paper are included. Towels are usually replenished daily.

• Internet/Wi-Fi:
  • Free or low-cost Wi-Fi is more common in 2-star hotels compared to 1-star properties. However, the connection might still be slower than in higher-rated hotels, and in-room Wi-Fi might be limited or not available in all areas.

• Reception: 
  • Reception must be open at least 12 hours per day
  • Check-in/check-out times may be more flexible than 1-star hotels but still more restrictive compared to higher-star hotels.

• Food & Beverages:
  • Most 2-star hotels offer a simple continental breakfast, which may include items like coffee, tea, bread, croissants, pastries, or cereal. Breakfast may be included in the room rate or available for a small additional cost.

• Accessibility:
  • Must have an elevator/lift.

A 2-star hotel in Italy offers a step up from a 1-star in terms of comfort, amenities, and services. They still focus on providing practical, no-frills accommodations, with fewer luxuries than higher-rated properties.

4-Star hotels in Italy begin to rise with amenities and comfort. They have all the amenities of a 3-star hotel with some changes & additionals:

• Rooms:
  
  • Room cleaning provided once a day. 
  • Change of bed linens everyday (unless customer opts out)
  • Double rooms must be minimum room size of 15 square meters.
  • Laundry and ironing services must be available.
  • Must offer parking spaces for at least 50% of rooms

• Bathroom:
  • Every room must have a private bathroom
  • A wide range of toiletries are typically provided, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and often additional amenities like a shower cap, cotton pads, and vanity kits. Towels are replenished daily, and bathrobes and slippers may also be available.

• Internet/Wi-Fi:
  • High-speed, Free Wi-Fi is commonly available throughout the hotel, including in rooms, the lobby, and possibly other common areas. The internet connection is usually faster and more reliable than in lower-star hotels.

• Reception: 
  • Reception must be open at least 16 hours per day, however normal to find 4-star hotels with 24-hour reception.
  • Staff must have knowledge of a foreign language (typically English). 
  • Personnel have a uniform

• Food & Beverages:
  • Offer a continental breakfast, which may include items like coffee, tea, bread, croissants, pastries, or cereal. Breakfast may be included in the room rate or available for a small additional cost.
  • Many 4-star hotels have an on-site bar or restaurant, as well as room-service during day hours.

• Accessibility:
  • Must have an elevator/lift.
  • Typically more accessibility options such as ramps and accessible showers.

• Additional:
  • Many 4-star hotels have fitness centers on site. 

A 4-star hotel in Italy offers an enhanced level of comfort, convenience, and service compared to lower-rated hotels. Guests can expect private bathrooms with a range of toiletries, on-site dining, as well as parking and laundry services. Additional services like concierge assistance, room service, business facilities, and fitness centers are common. 4-star hotels strike a balance between quality, comfort, and value, offering an ideal stay for both leisure and business travelers.

While we typically can all know what to expect from a 5-star hotel – top-notch service, luxurious amenities – 5-star  hotels legally have to have all the services of a 4-star hotel with some additional changes and amenities:

• Rooms:
  
  • Room cleaning provided once a day. 
  • Change of bed linens everyday (unless customer opts out)
  • Single Rooms must be minimum room size of 9 square meters
  • Double rooms must be minimum room size of 16 square meters.
  • Laundry and ironing services must be available.
  • Must offer parking spaces for at least 50% of rooms

• Bathroom:
  • Every room must have a private bathroom
  • Guests are provided with a range of luxury toiletries, including premium brands like L’Occitane, Bulgari, or Acqua di Parma. This can include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, body lotion, and additional amenities like a vanity kit, cotton swabs, and more. Towels replenished daily. 

• Internet/Wi-Fi:
  • High-speed, Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including in rooms, the lobby, and possibly other common areas. The internet connection is fast and reliable.

• Reception: 
  • Reception must be open 24 hours a day
  • Staff must have knowledge of at least 3 foreign languages between them 
  • Personnel have a uniform

• Food & Beverages:
  • 5-star hotels often provide an extensive, gourmet buffet breakfast, with a wide selection of international and local items. Expect hot dishes like eggs, bacon, pancakes, and local specialties, alongside pastries, fruit, cheeses, and freshly squeezed juices. Breakfast is usually included in the room rate or available à la carte.
  • Must have an on-site restaurant and/or bar.
  • Must offer 24-hour room service.

• Accessibility:
  • Must have an elevator/lift.
  • Typically more accessibility options such as ramps and accessible showers.

• Additional:
  • Fitness centers are located on-site.
  • Spa and Wellness: Many 5-star hotels offer an on-site spa, providing luxury treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, and aromatherapy. Some may have a sauna, hot tub, steam room, or even a dedicated wellness center with fitness classes, yoga, and personal training. 
  • Tourist Information and Booking: The concierge desk will assist with arranging personalized tours, restaurant reservations, booking tickets for popular attractions or events, and providing tailored recommendations for local experiences.

A 5-star hotel in Italy offers the pinnacle of luxury and comfort, providing exceptional service, spacious and beautifully furnished rooms, and high-end amenities. Guests can expect exquisite dining options, including gourmet restaurants, 24-hour room service, and expertly curated bars. Additional services such as concierge assistance, luxurious spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and event spaces further elevate the experience. With personalized attention to detail, top-tier facilities, and outstanding service, a 5-star hotel offers an indulgent, unforgettable stay.

While the rating classification system in Italy is closely watched and regulated, that doesn’t mean there aren’t basic parallels to hotels in the US and abroad. For example, similar to large cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, etc., you’re more likely to come across accommodation in the 3 Star range than you are 5 star, or 1 Star. 

That’s not too shocking, of course. There’s always the solo business traveler or the waiting-on-a-connecting-flight crowd that may need a simple bed for a night or two, and there’s always a small percentage of people who demand the best money can buy and settle for nothing under 5 Stars. But the majority of travelers, of families, can find everything they need and want somewhere in between.

In Rome for example, as of the end of 2022, there were:
1 Star Hotels: 177
2 Star Hotels: 302
3 Star Hotels: 620
4 Star Hotels: 451
5 Star Hotels: 62
(according to statista)

I think, to kind of put a bow on this post, one of the best things about the system in Italy is that “1 Star” doesn’t mean its some “hole in the wall”, and “5 Star” doesn’t automatically mean “takes all your money”–but you can make your choice with confidence thanks to being well informed. 

And you can’t put a price on the peace of mind that this Italian rating system affords you. You can be confident in your choice of accommodations, whether booking that bucket-list trip to Rome, tasting the vino selections in Florence or curing your fashion bug in Milan.

Happy traveling! ❤️
–Kacie Rose