Beyond the Stars: A Detailed Framework for Hotel & Resort Classification — And Why Claims of 6- or 7-Star Ratings Must Be Approached with Caution

Introduction

The star-rating system for hotels and resorts is one of the most widely recognised tools in global tourism. For decades, travellers have relied on star classifications to estimate comfort levels, service standards, amenities, and overall value. In a country like Sri Lanka — where tourism is a national economic engine — classification matters even more. It shapes guest expectations, influences pricing strategies, and determines how a property positions itself within the national and international marketplace.

Yet despite its apparent simplicity, hotel classification is far from universal or uniform. Different countries apply different criteria, and hospitality organisations around the world interpret standards in their own ways. Even the widely-discussed “6-star” and “7-star” labels have no formal recognition from any globally authoritative hotel-rating body. They are mostly marketing terms created to distinguish ultra-luxury offerings.

In this article, I propose a refined, comprehensive hotel classification framework spanning from 1-star to 7-star — not as a formal global standard, but as a practical conceptual guide. It draws upon international best practices, national tourism board systems, decades of global hospitality experience, professional analysis, and common industry benchmarks. In addition, six detailed case studies illustrate how these classifications play out in real-world settings.

This article is written to inform hoteliers, investors, policymakers, auditors, students, and travellers — helping all parties understand hospitality more transparently and responsibly.

Why Classification Matters — and Why It Is Complicated

1. Guest Expectations

Star ratings give travellers an immediate understanding of what they are purchasing. Without accurate classification, a guest may pay premium prices for substandard service or choose the wrong accommodation altogether.

2. Marketing & Brand Positioning

For hotels, star ratings strongly influence branding. A higher rating can justify higher pricing, attract foreign travellers, and position a property as a luxury destination.

3. Regulatory Oversight

In many countries, including Sri Lanka, tourism authorities classify hotels to maintain industry standards, support tourism integrity, and ensure basic safety and hygiene.

4. The Challenge of Non-Uniformity

There is no universal global classification system. Different countries evaluate star levels differently. A property labelled 5-star in one country may only qualify as 4-star in another.

5. The Myth of 6- and 7-Star

These labels are not official categories. They originate from marketing narratives rather than regulatory definitions. Without transparent standards, they can mislead guests.

A Comprehensive Proposed 1–7 Star Hotel & Resort Classification Model

Below is an expanded, detailed, and professionally aligned conceptual model.

1-STAR — Basic, Safe, Essential Accommodation

Core Purpose:
Provide clean, safe, functional lodging with the bare minimum amenities.

Typical Features:

Clean rooms with basic bedding and essential furniture
Simple or shared bathrooms
Adequate lighting and ventilation
Basic food service or access to simple meals
Minimal staff presence; often on-call rather than full-time
Focus on affordability and essential comfort

Guest Segment:
Backpackers, students, budget travellers, transit guests.

2-STAR — Upgraded Basic Accommodation with Modest Comfort

Core Purpose:
Deliver basic comfort and convenience with improved facilities over 1-star.

Typical Features:

Private bathrooms in most rooms
Improved furnishings and guest amenities
Basic restaurant or dining facility
Daily housekeeping
Slightly better service consistency
Modest décor improvements

Guest Segment:
Cost-conscious travellers seeking basic comfort and cleanliness.

3-STAR — Standard Mid-Range Tourist Hotels

Core Purpose:
Provide comfortable accommodation suitable for families, domestic tourists, and business travellers.

Typical Features:

Air-conditioned rooms in most destinations
Good-quality bedding and basic entertainment options
Full-service restaurant and sometimes a small bar
Daily housekeeping, luggage storage, reception services
Basic recreational facilities such as a pool, gym, or lounge
Wi-Fi across the property
Improved design, cleanliness, and service reliability

Guest Segment:
Typical tourists, families, domestic travellers, entry-level business travellers.

4-STAR — Superior Upscale Hotels with Enhanced Amenities

Core Purpose:
Offer high-quality comfort, multiple services, and a strong hospitality experience.

Typical Features:

Spacious rooms with elegant furnishings
Multiple restaurants, lounges or bars
24-hour reception, concierge, and room service
High-quality toiletries, minibars, tea/coffee facilities
Larger recreational spaces (full gym, pool, spa areas)
Enhanced lobby and public-space aesthetic
Strong Wi-Fi and business facilities
Higher staff-to-guest ratio
Better attention to interior décor and ambience

Guest Segment:
Upper-middle travellers, corporate executives, long-stay tourists, families seeking premium comfort.

5-STAR — Full Luxury Hotels with Exceptional Service Standards

Core Purpose:
Deliver world-class hospitality with refined services, premium materials, and exceptional comfort.

Typical Features:

Large and elegantly designed rooms; premium bedding
Multiple fine-dining restaurants
24/7 room service, concierge, valet, and butler options
Full-featured fitness centres, wellness spas, and recreational facilities
Personalized services including turndown, laundry, pressing
Dedicated banqueting, conferencing and business areas
High staff professionalism, multilingual service, discreet operations
High-quality materials, artwork, lighting, and design
High-speed internet, soundproofing, and superior privacy

Guest Segment:
Luxury travellers, international tourists, high-end business travellers, families seeking premium experiences.

6-STAR — Ultra-Luxury Hotels (Unofficial Prestige Category)

Important Note:
6-star hotels are not recognised by any official global rating authority, but the term is used in the industry to describe properties that exceed standard 5-star benchmarks.

Core Purpose:
Provide extraordinary personalised luxury that surpasses traditional 5-star expectations.

Typical Features:

Private pools, exclusive villas, or expansive suites
Dedicated butler service for each room
Private check-in lounges, exclusive entrances, or VIP-only zones
Ultra-premium amenities (luxury spa rituals, personalised wellness, custom dining)
Exceptional architectural design, bespoke interiors, rare materials
Ultra-high staff-to-guest ratio
Enhanced privacy, security, and discretion
Tailored experiences for each guest (private chefs, curated excursions, custom itineraries)
Chauffeur, private airport transfers, or helipad services

Guest Segment:
Ultra-wealthy travellers, high-status individuals, royalty, celebrities, VIP clientele.

7-STAR — Iconic, Symbolic, Marketing-Level Ultra-Luxury

Important Note:
The 7-star category does not officially exist in any regulatory classification system anywhere in the world. It is a symbolic expression used to describe hotels delivering extreme luxury, often beyond the imagination of typical hospitality standards.

Core Purpose:
Represent a level of hospitality so extraordinary that it becomes a global landmark.

Typical Features:

Palatial architecture and one-of-a-kind design
Iconic status and international recognition
Unparalleled privacy, exclusivity, and customisation
Multiple butlers, personal assistants, private chefs
Palace-class suites, mega-villas, or penthouse residences
Curated experiences unavailable elsewhere
Absolute luxury: ultra-rare materials, signature art, world-class craftsmanship

Guest Segment:
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime luxury.

Why “6-Star” and “7-Star” Ratings Are Problematic

No country’s formal tourism authority awards 6- or 7-star classifications.
Hospitality experts widely acknowledge these labels as marketing inventions rather than regulated categories.
Without transparent criteria, guests may be misled and expectations may be inflated.
Lack of standards can create confusion in the marketplace and damage industry credibility.
Regulatory tourism bodies risk losing control if unverified star claims proliferate.

For these reasons, any property claiming 6-star or 7-star status should be required to publish clear criteria, undergo third-party audits, and justify services with transparency.

Six Case Studies Illustrating Classification Challenges

1. A High-Quality 5-Star Sri Lankan Resort

A well-managed Sri Lankan 5-star hotel typically offers premium service, elegant design, multiple dining options, world-class wellness facilities, and excellent hospitality training. This category forms a strong backbone for luxury tourism in Sri Lanka.

2. A Reliable 3- or 4-Star Mid-Range Hotel

These hotels fill a crucial role for domestic travellers, families, regional visitors, and business travellers. They support tourism diversity and ensure affordability.

3. A Self-Proclaimed “6-Star” Hotel

Some resorts promote themselves as “6-star” without transparent criteria. This can lead to guest disappointment if true excellence is not delivered.

4. Iconic International Hotels Marketed as “7-Star”

Certain world-famous hotels became associated with the “7-star” label despite having no official certification. The term is symbolic, not regulatory.

5. Examples of Independent Certification Systems

Some independent tourism certification bodies offer additional layers of quality assurance beyond government classification, ensuring transparency and accountability.

6. The Distribution of Star Categories in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s mixture of 1-star to 5-star hotels demonstrates a healthy and diverse tourism infrastructure. It balances affordability with luxury, making the destination inclusive.

How a Proper Framework Could Support Sri Lanka’s Tourism Future

1. Establish Clear, Published Standards

Authorities should maintain detailed criteria for each star category and ensure public visibility.

2. Regulate Marketing Claims

Prevent hotels from advertising 6- or 7-star status without published, verifiable standards.

3. Encourage Third-Party Audits

Independent certification strengthens trust and credibility.

4. Promote Balanced Tourism Development

Sri Lanka must maintain not only luxury hotels but also mid-range and affordable accommodations.

5. Integrate Sustainability

Environmental, social, and community-impact criteria must be embedded into classification guidelines.

6. Ensure Guest Protection

Clear, transparent star criteria protect guests from deceptive marketing practices.

Conclusion

Star classification remains one of the most powerful tools in hospitality — but only when applied transparently and responsibly. Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape requires a credible, ethical, and well-structured framework. The proposed 1–7 star model presented here is not meant to serve as a legal standard, but as a professionally informed blueprint for understanding the depth and complexity of hotel classification.

Real luxury does not come from the number of stars — but from authenticity, service integrity, sustainability, cultural respect, staff professionalism, and guest satisfaction.

Disclaimer

This article has been authored independently and originally by Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon, DBA (USA), based on global hospitality experience, analysis, and professional interpretation of widely accepted industry standards. It is intended solely for academic, journalistic, and professional discourse. It complies with Sri Lankan laws, including intellectual property, ethical publication norms, and non-discrimination mandates. The content reflects professional insights and does not represent legal or financial advice.

Further Reading: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7046073343568977920/

Further Reading: https://dharshanaweerakoon.com/healing-through-heritage/