In the hospitality industry, hotel classification plays a crucial role in determining the quality of service and facilities offered. The two most famous rating systems are Star Ratings and Diamond Ratings. Many people assume that a 5-star hotel represents the highest level of luxury, but in reality, there is an even more exclusive category—the 5-Diamond hotel.
So, what exactly is the difference between a 5-star hotel and a 5-Diamond hotel? Which one is more luxurious, and how do they earn these ratings? This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two prestigious classifications.
The star rating system is a globally recognized way to assess a hotel’s quality. A 5-star hotel represents the highest standard in this system, offering premium facilities and services. The evaluation process is conducted by various organizations such as Forbes Travel Guide and Michelin Guide, as well as government agencies in some countries.
✔ Spacious & luxurious rooms with high-end furnishings
✔ 24-hour room service
✔ Fine dining restaurants with exclusive menus
✔ Premium facilities such as spas, gyms, swimming pools, and business centers
✔ Professional staff available to assist guests at all times
✔ Grand architectural and interior design
A 5-star hotel is ideal for guests seeking luxury and comfort, but not all 5-star hotels offer the same level of experience.
While the star rating system is widely used worldwide, the Diamond Rating is a system introduced by the American Automobile Association (AAA), primarily used in North America. Unlike 5-star hotels, which focus on facilities, 5-Diamond hotels emphasize guest experience, service quality, and personalized attention.
✔ Exclusive and personalized service with more staff than guests
✔ Private butler service for every guest
✔ Unique and luxurious interior design with premium materials like marble and gold
✔ Restaurants featuring Michelin-starred chefs or world-renowned culinary experts
✔ High levels of privacy and exclusivity, often with private areas for VIP guests
✔ Unparalleled experiences, such as private tours, world-class spas, and concierge services that arrange anything for guests
5-Diamond hotels are extremely rare, with less than 1% of hotels worldwide receiving this prestigious rating.
| Category | 5-Star Hotel | 5-Diamond Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Excellent, but standardized | Highly personal & exclusive |
| Design & Interior | Luxurious, but varies by property | Ultra-premium with artistic details |
| Dining | Fine dining | Michelin-starred or private dining |
| Privacy | Can be crowded, depending on location | Extremely private & exclusive |
| Butler Service | Not always included | Always included, available 24/7 |
| Availability | Thousands of hotels worldwide | Less than 1% of hotels globally |
As seen in the table above, 5-star hotels already provide exceptional luxury, but 5-Diamond hotels take it to the next level in terms of service and unique experiences.
Here are some famous hotels from each category:
As you can see, not all 5-star hotels qualify for 5-Diamond status due to the much stricter requirements for the latter.
The answer depends on your needs and preferences:
However, due to their rarity and exclusivity, staying at a 5-Diamond hotel typically requires a significantly larger budget than a 5-star hotel.
Both 5-star hotels and 5-Diamond hotels offer luxury, but 5-Diamond hotels are more exclusive, with a higher level of personalized service.
If a 5-star hotel is the Ferrari of the hotel world, then a 5-Diamond hotel is a Bugatti—rarer, more prestigious, and a true symbol of excellence.
Thinking of staying at a 5-Diamond hotel? Better check your budget first!
No. 5-Diamond hotels must meet AAA’s much stricter standards, focusing on personalized service rather than just luxury facilities.
As of now, no hotel in Indonesia has received a 5-Diamond rating. Most 5-Diamond hotels are located in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
A 4-star hotel has fewer personalized services than a 5-star hotel, with differences in room quality, dining options, and service availability.
No. The Diamond Rating is primarily used in North America, while the star rating system is more common globally.
Anyaman is a holding company that provides solutions for the hospitality, hotel, villa & service apartment industry in the fields of Hotel Management, Information Systems & Technology and Business Development, which was founded in early 2024, in order to respond to the rapid development of tourism in general and hospitality in particular in Indonesia today
