The Global Landscape of 5-Star Hotels: Count and Context
As of the most recent data, determining an exact count of 5-star hotels worldwide can be challenging due to the fluctuating nature of new openings and closures, as well as varying definitions of what constitutes a 5-star rating across different rating systems. However, estimates suggest that there are thousands of 5-star hotels globally, with major hotel chains and luxury brands significantly contributing to this number.
Evaluation and Estimates
According to estimates, there are over 4,400 luxury four and five-star hotels located worldwide. For a more specific count, in 2017, the Five Star Alliance reported that the top 10 cities had an approximate total of 470 five-star properties. Notable cities include London, known as having significantly more than 75 five-star properties. Based on experience in the hotel industry over the past decade, I would estimate the global number of luxury properties to be above 9,000–10,000 as of 2018, with this number likely to have grown since then.
Global Distribution and Dynamics
Major hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Palace contribute substantially to the global count of 5-star hotels. Additionally, local chains and independent luxury properties add to this number, with some estimates suggesting that local and independent properties alone could account for more than 20–30% of the total.
Rating System Challenges
The question of counting 5-star hotels has a few complexities:
Multiple Rating Systems: There is no single rating service for hotels. Different sources such as AAA, Michelin, Fodor’s, TripAdvisor, and Forbes may rate hotels differently. For instance, what one hotel might be a 5-star with one rating system may be a 4-diamond rating with another. Definition of Lodging Properties: The total count of lodging places varies widely depending on what is included. Estimates range from fewer than 200,000 to one million or more, considering various types of accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, small inns, and lodges.A leading hotel rating company, AAA, reports that only about 0.4 of reviewed properties achieve their top five diamond rating equivalent to five-star hotels. If you apply this standard and exclude bed and breakfasts and other properties not considered hotels, the global number of truly five-star hotels might be in the range of 500 to 700.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
While a definitive count of 5-star hotels globally remains elusive due to the aforementioned challenges, it is safe to say that the number is sizably high, with major contributions from global brands and a significant number of independent and local luxury properties. For the most accurate and current information, consulting travel industry reports or reputable databases such as STR or the International Hotel Restaurant Association is recommended.