You should always know in advance what to expect from any service you pay for, whether it is used caravans in the UK or a top hotel in Europe. There are certain standards and services associated and it helps to make sure that you know up front to avoid any disappointment and this is no different for hotels as you get what you pay for.

A two-star hotel will always be fairly basic, but you should expect it to be clean. It will probably serve breakfast and may also serve dinner but there may not be facilities such as a bar.

A three-star hotel takes the service up to the next level and as well as dining facilities there may also be bar facilities or other entertainment. In the larger three star hotels there may be evening entertainment especially in resort hotels and in three star hotels, especially abroad, there may be other leisure facilities such as a swimming pool or other sports.

A four-star hotel is where you can reasonably expect to receive added luxuries such as better furnishings in the room and a higher level of service. Many hotels have a mini-bar in the room as well as coffee machines.

Five-star hotels really push the boat out in terms of service and decor and there should be everything that you would expect from a five-star hotel such as a concierge and porter service, fine dining and a full range of services.