Aparthotel star rating: how aparthotels are classified and rated

Are aparthotels rated like hotels?

Sometimes. Wikipedia notes there is a wide variety of rating schemes used by different organisations around the world, many using stars, with more stars meaning more luxury but with details varying by place. Some are run by governments, such as France's public tourist board, while in the United States there is no government-regulated hotel rating standard.

An aparthotel star rating is therefore uneven. Apartment-style properties fit these schemes unevenly. Where hotel classification covers them, an aparthotel is rated like a hotel. Where it does not, a separate scheme may apply, or none. That is why one property can carry a star rating in one country while a similar building elsewhere has only a review score.

The sections below show four real examples. They illustrate the range rather than describing every market, so check the official tourism body for the destination you are visiting.

How do hotel star systems such as Hotelstars Union treat apartments?

The Hotelstars Union is a common classification system across European countries. Its FAQ says 21 European countries share the system, and that hotels are assessed on 239 criteria divided into five categories, with the criteria reviewed at least every five years. Classification is carried out by recognised organisations, with DEHOGA given as an example, on objective, transparent criteria assessed by experts.

The FAQ concerns hotels and does not set out an aparthotel category. Apartment-type accommodation is instead handled by national schemes, which in some countries borrow from Hotelstars. Wikipedia adds that some member countries set standards by law, so the legal weight of a star varies even inside the system.

Where an aparthotel is classed as a hotel, its star rating suggests standards on rooms, services and facilities for that star level. Where it is classed as apartments, the stars follow a different catalogue, as the Austrian example shows.

What is Austria's apartment star rating?

Austria runs a standardised classification for apartments and holiday homes, based on the Hotelstars Union hotel classification. The Austrian Professional Hotel Association says classification is carried out by independent commissions on application, supported by regular on-site inspections and continuous self-monitoring, and that member businesses use the service voluntarily.

The scheme covers apartments, holiday homes or similar accommodation holding a business licence and offering few or no services; full hotels have their own criteria. Apartments are divided into four categories. The association's procedure says the Superior level and the five-star category are not available for apartments and holiday homes, so one to four stars is the range.

The criteria mix minimum requirements, a minimum number of points and extra points from optional criteria, and are reviewed every five to six years. Its star definitions run from simple, clean facilities at one star to spacious rooms with high-quality contemporary furnishings at four. Explore aparthotels and serviced apartments in Vienna to see how listings describe such ratings.

How do France and Italy classify tourist residences?

France classifies the closest equivalent, the résidence de tourisme, which Atout France describes as a commercial lodging establishment made up of furnished homes and shared spaces, offered to tourists who do not make it their home for occupation by the day, week or month. It must have a minimum of shared equipment and services and be managed by a single person or company.

Atout France says classification criteria set comfort and service-quality requirements, and that a control body accredited by Cofrac checks them every five years. Classified residences display a sign showing their stars and the year awarded, and the page offers signs for one to five stars. See Paris for a large market.

Italy offers a regional example. A Calabrian regional law of 1985, consolidated in 2010, says tourist-hotel residences, the Italian equivalent of an aparthotel, cannot be rated below two stars. It also states that classification is compulsory and a condition of the operating licence. This is one region's rule; other Italian regions may differ, so check the regional tourism office. Browse Milan and Florence for Italian options.

What about England and industry accreditation?

VisitEngland Assessment Services runs a serviced apartment scheme with three levels: a quality star rating from 3 to 5, a full assessment with no stars called Quality Assessed, and an entry-level digital accreditation called Visitor Ready. To join, operators must have at least six serviced apartments, and the scheme states that its primary market is the corporate or business traveller.

Separately, the trade body ASAP lists operator members with five or more units and says that, while not mandatory, it encourages operators to pursue industry-recognised accreditations such as ISAAP. Accreditation of this kind speaks to operator practice more than to a star level. See serviced apartments in London for a major English market.

What does a star rating actually tell you?

An aparthotel star rating tells you that an inspector or commission checked the property against published criteria, not that it suits your trip. The Austrian procedure says the overall impression, maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene are basic prerequisites, with quality of service, facilities and guest satisfaction considered where available. That is a broad measure of standard, not of fit.

Stars also do not settle which services you will get. An apartment scheme may assume few or no services by design, so a three-star apartment can have a lighter service offer than a three-star hotel. For aparthotels, check separately for reception hours, cleaning frequency and the kitchen. Aparthotel vs serviced apartment explains why services vary within the sector.

Reviews fill the gaps. A rating cannot tell you about noise, how responsive staff are or how the kitchen is equipped. For reading them well, see how to read aparthotel reviews.

How should you use ratings when you choose?

Start with the scheme, then the facts. If a listing shows an aparthotel star rating, look for the name of the awarding body or the classification logo. If it shows none, check for an accreditation or published standards. Then compare the details that matter for your stay: kitchen, laundry, cleaning schedule, minimum nights and cancellation terms.

The full method is in how to choose an aparthotel, and questions to ask before booking an aparthotel gives a list you can send to the operator. For a hotel comparison, return to aparthotel vs hotel.