European Hotel Star Ratings & Room Types: What Travelers Need to Know

by Dr. Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC.

Pro Tips: European Hotel Rooms & What the Stars Mean

When booking a hotel in Europe, you might assume that a 5-star rating guarantees luxury and a 2-star rating means low quality.

However, European hotel stars don’t measure quality or reputation—they indicate amenities.

Examples of Amenities are a 24 hour front desk, on-site restaurant, room-service, spa, air conditioning. As the number of amenities increases, so does the specific star categories and the price per night.

Each country has its own rating system, however generally the more stars a hotel has, the more services and the higher the price per night.

💡 Tip: For those on a tight budget, when doing your travel planning, determine your 'deal-breaker' services the hotel must offer, for example Air Conditioning, or elevator, and those services which are not important to you, for example on-site restaurant, or a spa.

What hotel stars typically indicate

** 1-2 stars: Basic accommodations, often family-run, with essential services, and often lots of original charm, or personality. Some may not have elevator, or WiFi only in common areas like the lobby, or lack air conditioning in the room. There might not be en-suite bathrooms.

*** 3 stars: A few more services than a 2** , however their rooms will en suite bathrooms. They might not have 24 hour hotel reception desk, or onsite restaurant.

**** 4-5 stars: More amenities such as room service, a concierge, and fitness centers. Some 5-star hotels also include fine dining and luxury spas.

💡 Tip: If you prefer affordable, charming, and centrally located accommodations, consider well-reviewed 2- or 3-star hotels. Many boutique hotels and pensions (small, family-run hotels) provide a more authentic experience at a fraction of the cost of chain hotels.

What Does a ‘Double Room’ Really Mean in Europe?

European Double Bed

If you've ever booked a "double room" in Europe expecting two beds, you might be in for a surprise! The term refers to the number of people the room can accommodate, not necessarily the bed type.

Here are the booking categories for European Hotels and what they typically mean:

Single Room (Einzelzimmer in German-speaking countries): Designed for one person, typically with a twin-sized bed. Some hotels allow single occupancy in a double room for an additional fee.

Single Room with one twin Bed

Double Room (Doppelzimmer in Austria and Germany): A room for two people (aka double instead of single person). The room which may have:

3 Star Double Bed Hotel Room

• One Bed, typically one queen or king bed (common in hotels catering to international travelers).

• Two duvet blankets, and possibly two twin mattresses pushed together, each with its own bedding (common in Austria and Germany).

  💡 Tip: If you prefer separate beds, request a "twin room" used as a double!

Double Room with twin beds

Triple & Family Rooms in Europe

Need extra space? Many European hotels offer triple or family rooms, but they may not be as large as you expect.

Triple Room: Typically includes one double bed and one single bed or a pull-out couch. Ideal for families or small groups.

Family Room: Larger than a triple, designed for three or more guests, with multiple bed configurations.

💡 Tip: Prices for triple and family rooms vary based on whether breakfast is included—some hotels charge per person rather than per room!

Triple Room with King bed and twin

How to Find the Best European Hotel for Your Needs

Prioritize location: Staying in the heart of a city saves time and transportation costs.

Check amenities: Do you need air conditioning, an elevator, or breakfast included? Many budget hotels lack these.

Look for local charm: Family-run hotels, or agritourism, Pensions, and B&Bs often provide a more memorable and personal stay often with the typical cultural charm of the country your are visiting.

✈️ Want stress-free European travel?

Max Travel Abroad can plan your trip to include hand-picked charming accommodations with character—no guesswork needed! Explore our tours to experience authentic stays in Europe.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Room & Hotel

Understanding hotel star ratings and room categories ensures you book accommodations that fit your travel style and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pension, a boutique hotel, or a centrally located stay, Europe offers something for every traveler.

🌍 Let Max Travel Abroad help you find the perfect place to stay on your European adventure! Join one of our tours and enjoy stress-free travel with expert guidance.