Meet the three-star superstars 

One of the most significant—and oh so welcome—trends in hotels over the last year has been the rise of the stellar three-star. This much-maligned mid-point category used to be thought of as home to featureless business hotels and places travelers would only stay in a pinch. While there is some variation between territories as to how exactly star ratings are calibrated and what is factored into the rating (from location to staffing levels), three stars now means a chance to enjoy rooms, style and facilities that feel more like a four- or five-star, but at a much more forgiving price point.

The reinvention of the three-star

The most obvious factor driving the growth of high quality three-stars has been a greater focus on value for money among guests, with research showing 32% of US travelers are more concerned with value for money than ever before*. However, the way that the industry has reacted to this is instructive: Rather than a race to the bottom, there has instead been a huge leveling-up, with independents, boutiques and mini chains alike all clamoring to offer those perks and amenities you wouldn’t previously have associated with a mid-range stay.

Plusher beds, pillow menus, pools, a sense of space and style, along with restaurants that are local destinations in their own right, are becoming commonplace (see below). Three-star hotels are now often more in line with high quality B&Bs, with a focus on local produce, stylish interiors, and locations which make them the perfect base to get out and explore a city. 

Travel more, travel better 

This democratization of quality is encouraging travelers to explore more. As one travel editor from a UK newspaper tells us, if people “can find decent accommodation that allows budget for more adventures, this new swath of stylish, good value hotels gives them the confidence to stay longer, or take more trips.” Why go for a bucket-list blow-out once a year, when you can go mid-range several times and see way more? The numbers back up this trend: Last year, Hotels.com saw a 20% rise in searches for 3-star properties.  

A new kind of luxury 

The growth and improvement of three-stars is also down to more calculating travelers. Booking tools are increasingly sophisticated—Hotels.com’s app allows you to filter potential hotels by everything from pool facilities to free airport shuttles and, of course, star ratings, before comparing up to five hotels side by side. And increasingly, guests are looking for a hotel which isn’t just generically “good,” but is perfect for their specific trip needs. The star rating is less important if the vibe and location of the hotel is exactly what you’re looking for. 

A hotel scene full of interesting, exciting three-stars is a gift to those who love spontaneity and want to see as many places as possible without compromising on quality. And with “luxury” having become this widely available, why wouldn’t you?