A hotel's star rating is a standardized ranking of its quality, amenities, and level of service, though the specific criteria vary by country and organization (such as AAA or Forbes). Generally, a 1-Star hotel offers basic, clean rooms with few frills. 2-Stars often add 24-hour reception and basic dining. 3-Star hotels are considered "mid-scale," usually featuring a pool, a fitness center, and a full-service restaurant. 4-Star hotels transition into luxury, offering high-quality linens, valet parking, and enhanced concierge services. The coveted 5-Star rating is reserved for properties that provide "flawless" service, multiple gourmet dining options, a full-service spa, and personalized touches like turndown service and 24-hour room service. In recent years, ratings have also begun to factor in "technological" amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and smart-room controls. It is important to remember that a "5-star" in one country might feel like a "4-star" in another, so savvy travelers often look at guest reviews in addition to the official star count to get a true sense of the property's "vibe" and current maintenance standards.