Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Independent Luxury Travel Ratings & Verified Reviews
Forbes Travel Guide has been the global authority on luxury hospitality ratings since 1958. Our team of highly trained, anonymous inspectors evaluates properties across 900 objective criteria during multi-night stays, ensuring unbiased assessments of both facilities and service excellence. We pioneered the Five-Star rating system, revolutionizing how travelers identify exceptional experiences. Our commitment to independent verification means no property can purchase a ratingonly earn it through consistent service excellence.With over 2,100 rated properties in 90+ countries, we emphasize how service quality creates lasting emotional impressions. Our inspectors maintain anonymity to mirror the guest experience, while our editorial team provides sneak previews of upcoming rated properties. As a trusted resource for luxury travelers, we combine decades of expertise with rigorous evaluation standards. Our global reach and focus on service-centric ratings distinguish us as the definitive source for luxury hospitality insights.
Services
Hotel Ratings
Restaurant Ratings
Spa Ratings
Cruise Ship Ratings
Industry Services
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in luxury hospitality ratings
- Our inspectors conduct anonymous multi-night visits for unbiased evaluations
- We emphasize service excellence as the key to memorable guest experiences
- Our ratings are earned through rigorous objective assessments of 900 criteria
- We pioneered the original Five-Star rating system in 1958
What people say
Exceptional verification process
Trusted independent ratings
Service excellence focus
Global coverage
Historic authority
Services
Hotel Ratings
Our expert inspectors evaluate luxury hotels through multi-night stays, assessing 900 objective criteria including room quality, amenities, and staff performance. We emphasize service excellence that creates memorable guest experiences. Our independent ratings help travelers identify properties that consistently deliver exceptional hospitality.
Restaurant Ratings
We assess luxury restaurants through anonymous visits by trained inspectors who evaluate food quality, service precision, and ambiance. Our ratings focus on consistency and attention to detail that create exceptional dining experiences. Our independent verification process ensures ratings reflect actual guest experiences at premier dining establishments.
Spa Ratings
Our inspectors anonymously experience spa services to evaluate treatment quality, facility standards, and staff expertise. We assess both physical environments and service delivery that create rejuvenating experiences. Our ratings help travelers identify spas that maintain exceptional standards across all aspects of wellness offerings.
Cruise Ship Ratings
We conduct comprehensive evaluations of luxury cruise ships through multi-day inspections covering accommodations, dining, entertainment, and service quality. Our ratings emphasize consistent excellence in maritime hospitality. Our independent verification helps travelers identify cruise experiences that maintain the highest standards across all onboard operations.
Industry Services
We provide specialized services to luxury hospitality businesses seeking to improve their offerings. Our expertise includes staff training programs, service standard development, and performance benchmarking against global luxury standards. Our consulting helps properties enhance their operations to meet the rigorous criteria required for Five-Star recognition.
Questions
How does Forbes Travel Guide rate properties?
Our trained inspectors anonymously visit properties for multi-night stays, evaluating 900 objective criteria focusing on both facilities and service excellence.
What makes your ratings different from other travel sites?
We're the only independent global system with anonymous inspections and service-focused evaluations since 1958, using consistent standards across 90+ countries.
Can properties pay for better ratings?
No. All ratings are earned through our objective inspection process – no property can purchase or influence their rating.
What types of properties do you rate?
We rate luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships worldwide, focusing on the top 10% of hospitality providers.
How often are ratings updated?
Properties are re-evaluated annually through new inspections to ensure they maintain their high standards.
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