What Makes a 7-Star Hotel?

When most people think of luxury hotels, they imagine five stars. Clean sheets, someone politely folding your towels into animal shapes, maybe a spa treatment if you’re lucky. But a handful of hotels, apparently unsatisfied with the upper limit of established ratings, decided they needed something more. Let’s say, inventive. Enter the “seven-star” hotel. An entirely self-appointed label designed to scream exclusivity louder than their competitors.

There’s no international regulatory body handing out these extra stars. No committee of hospitality overlords carefully weighing thread counts and foie gras supplies. Instead, it’s a marketing construct. Clever, effective, and entirely subjective.

But does it actually correspond to a better experience? That’s where things get interesting. Using our feedback analytics platform, Sunbeam, we’ve sifted through millions of guest reviews to see what makes a so-called seven-star hotel tick. And no, it’s not gold-plated doorknobs or monogrammed slippers.

Across these properties, three themes consistently rise to the surface.

• Breathtaking Views: Whether you’re gazing over Dubai’s skyline or an untouched beach in Fiji, the view isn’t just a bonus. It is foundational.
• Expansive and Luxurious Rooms: Not just large. Monumentally large. Lavishly decorated, dripping in marble, crystal, and probably the occasional endangered wood.
• Striking Hotel Design and Grounds: These hotels double as architectural flexes. Grand lobbies, palatial gardens, everything carefully curated to impress at every turn.

Curiously, despite the Michelin stars and premium ingredients, food rarely emerges as the standout. It turns out, once you’ve reached this stratosphere of luxury, expectations balloon so much that even world-class dining becomes expected.

Famous 7-Star Examples

1. Burj Al Arab (Dubai)
   Often cited as the first 7-star hotel, it sits on its own island and offers some of the world’s largest, most extravagant suites.
2. Town House Galleria (Milan, Italy)
   Located in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this property has claimed the 7-star moniker for its ultra-personalised services.
3. Signiel Seoul (Seoul, South Korea)
   Part of the landmark Lotte World Tower, Signiel Seoul strives for absolute luxury with panoramic city views, gourmet dining, and premium amenities.
4. Taj Falaknuma Palace (Hyderabad, India)
   A restored royal palace known for its opulent décor, grand architecture, and world-class hospitality.
5. Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
   Famous for its grand façade, private beach, and over 100 domes decorated with gold detailing.
6. Laucala Island Resort (Fiji)
   A private island escape offering pristine beaches, exclusive villas, and highly personalised service in a secluded paradise.
7. Hotel Plaza Athénée (Paris, France)
   Though often described as 5-star, it competes in the same ultra-luxury space. Its commitment to haute couture décor, Dior Spa, and impeccable service often earn it an honorary place among top-tier hotels.

While many of these properties label themselves as 7-star or at least convey a 7-star aura, the common thread is an emphasis on delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience rather than adhering to any formal standard.

Why There’s No 6-Star Rating

And yet, all of this occurs outside any official rubric. There is no six-star level because no formal system acknowledges anything beyond five. These hotels jumped from five to seven on their own terms, leveraging the lack of global consistency to build brands that promise more than just luxury. They promise an experience untethered from the usual rules.

Which, depending on your view, is either a clever way to exceed expectations or a testament to just how elastic marketing language can be.