Exploring the star quality in 5 star hotel design
At WOOLF Interior Design and Interior Architecture, we have years of experience designing luxury hotel interiors. We have worked on projects from 5 star hotels to boutique hotels, which do not necessarily subscribe to a ‘star rating’. Each of one is unique as it is wonderful.
The requirements for a 5-star hotel
Though there have been attempts to unify an international classification for how to rate hotels, there is not currently a universal ranking system. The star method operated by the AA (Automobile Association) is used in the UK to denote the standard of a hotel from one star to five stars: one being a lower standard, and five being the highest standard.
Broadly speaking, the classifications are:
1 star: tourist level
2 stars: standard
3 stars: comfort
4 stars: first class
5 stars: luxury
The AA awards red stars to the highest-rated, which are deemed ‘Inspector’s Choice’. Similarly, the European Hotelstars Union system awards five stars and a Superior mark to flag extras, based on the earlier German hotelstars system that had widely influenced the hotel classifications in central Europe.
It’s important to note that although some hotels may have aspects of 5 star quality, they may not be able to ascribe to the rating. For example, a smaller hotel where the quality of accommodation will be very high, will qualify in one class but the lack of an amenity ( such as a lift), would prevent it from reaching a higher categorization. This is very typical in our historic hotel buildings, where the quality of guest experience, overall design and service is very high, but the amenities can be limited by the listing of the building.
In addition to the 4 star level requirements, 5 star hotels must reach the following criteria:
Excellent staffing levels with well-structured and dedicated teams at management levels.
Exceptional levels of proactive service and customer care.
All areas of operation should meet the 5 Star level of quality for cleanliness and maintenance. The standard of physical facilities and quality in delivery of services.
Hotel open seven days a week all year.
Additional services offered e.g. valet parking, escort to bedrooms, proactive table service in bars and lounges and at breakfast, ‘concierge’ service, 24-hour reception, 24-hour room service, full afternoon tea.
At least one restaurant, open to residents and non-residents for all meals seven days a week.
A minimum of 80% of bedrooms with en suite bathroom with WC, bath and thermostatically controlled shower, 20% may be shower only.
A choice of environments in public areas which provide generous personal space.
Additional facilities e.g. secondary dining, leisure, business centre, spa, etc.
At least one permanent luxury suite available comprising of three separate rooms - bedroom, lounge and bathroom.
Taking this criteria into account, it must be noted that there are exceptions to these rules, with some hotels going above and beyond even the 5 star standard.
Hotels that have more than 5 stars
There are few exceptions to the 5 star rating system as a few hotels surpass even the top five star standard. Though 7 star ratings are ambiguous as they have no criteria, the SGS states that the hotel must be situated in an iconic structure and have more suites than rooms to be considered a 7 star hotel. As no traditional organisation awards or recognises anything above a 5 star rating, hotels that have more than 5 stars are considered to be using them for advertising purposes.
The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, was opened in 1988 and has largely been considered one of the only ‘7 star hotels in the world’ and was where the term first originated. With butlers for every room, and some suites boasting a cinema room and Rolls Royce chauffeur, it’s certainly a hotel that epitomises luxury and expense.
Dubai is known in general for its host of unrivalled luxury hotels, including the 5 star Four Seasons Dubai Jumeirah Beach hotel who we have consulted for on their interior design. Our role as consultants was to consider how the main hotel in the resort could enhance its resonance with a European, and specifically British, traveller. Their delivery of service, design, amenities, variety of spaces, food, comfort and experiences on offer, surpass the definition of a 5 star hotel. To consult us on any hotel projects you may have, get in touch with WOOLF and view our commercial hotel projects.
The design features of luxury hotels
There are many design features of luxury hotels that are important to consider when creating a 5 star brand.
From initial booking, the customer experience should be intuitive, simple, fast and friendly with genuinely cheerful and knowledgeable staff. From arrival, there needs to be well-appointed guest rooms that are in line with expectations.
During the stay, there should be amenities that delight and engage. Suites and special room occupants should have complimentary access to a fitness centre, spa, salon, pools, 24/7 room service and other exclusive features of the hotel to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and memorable moments during their stay. Furthermore, the food and drink offerings need to be as beautiful and enjoyable as the design of the spaces.
Luxury hotel room design needs to take amenities into consideration with the inclusion of mini bars, dressing areas, and fabulous en-suites. Luxury layered bedding, secure storage, easily controllable lighting and temperature controls are all seemingly simple aspects of a stay. A make or break an experience in a luxury hotel. 5 star hotel interior design should incorporate en-suite bathrooms as focal features rather than the functional and necessary space, with features such as waterfall and steam showers, comfortable bathtubs, luxurious towels and toiletries, storage spaces and a striking private view.
Zoning the interior design of the overall hotel, and hotel room, can elevate and maximise a customer’s experience. From the hotel’s reception, to comfortable all-weather outdoor areas for both day and night, a customer can therefore harness the flow of the hotel, as well as its luxurious interior design. These consistently comfortable spaces help to tell the hotel’s core brand story, and provide guests with an experience that surpasses that of a 4 star hotel.
At its core, a 5 star hotel leads a customer to feel the best version of themselves while there: completely pampered, healthy, and re-energised with new experiences.
This star quality ultimately starts with really well considered interior design and interior architecture, and a layering of amenities and experiences. Contact our studios to get in touch about your hotel project, and ensure the 5 star experience for your guests.
