Why booking two-star and three-star hotels is the ultimate travel hack

What do hotel star ratings actually mean?

Hotel star ratings are mainly based on the facilities and services that a hotel offers – such as restaurants, reception hours and even business centres, rather than the overall quality of your stay.

That means they don’t always directly measure things like cleanliness, comfort or customer service.

Are hotel star ratings the same all over the world?

Star ratings are not a universal system. They vary from country to country and so a five-star hotel in one destination could feel very different to a five-star hotel in another.

Are there any other rating systems used?

You might well have noticed that some booking sites and holiday companies assign their own ratings to properties that sit alongside the star rating. These are based on a different set of criteria, including things like guest reviews and perceived value for money.

TravelSupermarket uses a trusted service called GIATA to ensure star ratings for hotels are accurate and up-to-date. GIATA is the service that major companies such as Google, Tripadvisor and large tour operators rely on for correct hotel information.

What facilities does a two or three-star hotel usually have?

Generally speaking, a hotel with a two or three-star rating is more basic in terms of amenities. For example, you might find things like:

• A simple buffet breakfast, rather than a full restaurant
• No room service
• A central safe at reception rather than one in your room
• No parking

However, it certainly doesn’t mean it isn’t clean or comfortable, or that you won’t get a warm welcome - it’s just that it doesn’t tick all the boxes needed to make it rate as a higher star rating.

Why two and three-star hotels can offer incredible value for money

If you’re focused on getting the most out of your budget, two and three-star hotels can offer incredible value for money for many different reasons including:

They are budget friendly

With fewer facilities, prices are typically much lower. These hotels are cheaper to run and hopefully that saving is reflected in what you pay. You’re not paying for extras like spas, multiple restaurants or room service that you might never use. Instead, your money goes towards the essentials - making it a more efficient way to spend your budget.

They are found in desirable locations

Two and three-star hotels can often be found in central locations. This is because space can be limited in big cities, and so there may be less room for the likes of pools, multiple restaurants or parking - which can result in a lower star rating.

When do two and three-star hotels make the most sense?

There are plenty of scenarios where two- and three-star hotels make the most sense for an upcoming holiday.

Sightseeing adventures

If you’re heading somewhere such as a city where you’ll spend most of your time out and about exploring, hotel facilities may matter far less. Your priority is often simply a clean, comfortable place to sleep.

For shorter trips, convenience is key. A well-located, no-frills hotel makes it easy to get around without paying extra for facilities you won’t have time to use.

If your priority is keeping the total cost of your trip as low as possible, looking at hotels of all star ratings is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. With fewer extras included, hotels with lower star ratings are often among the most affordable options available.

Family stays

When travelling as a family, flexibility often matters just as much as cost. Two and three-star hotels can offer practical setups such as larger rooms or self-catering options, giving you a comfortable base that works around your routine.

Last-minute trips

When booking at the last minute, flexibility is key. Two- and three-star hotels often have more availability and simpler setups, making them a practical option when higher-end hotels are booked up or overpriced.

How do you find a great two or three-star hotel?

Not all lower star-rated hotels are created equal, so it’s worth checking a few key things before you book:

Use TravelSupermarket’s filters

When you search for holidays with TravelSupermarket, you can filter by star rating to quickly narrow down your options. Combining this with price, location and guest ratings makes it much easier to find good value stays that match what you’re actually looking for.

Read recent reviews

Reading recent reviews is one of the best ways to understand what a hotel is really like. Look for consistent themes rather than one-off comments and focus on what matters most to you – such as cleanliness, location or noise levels.

Look for the most up-to-date photos

Check recent photos to make sure your expectations match reality. Don’t be put off by dated décor as it doesn’t mean you won’t have a comfortable stay.

My favourite three-star hotels

Boho Suites, Mykonos

A stylish boutique stay in Mykonos Town, Boho Suites has chic interiors and even private outdoor hot tubs in some rooms. It’s proof that a lower star rating doesn’t mean compromising on design or location.

Nazaret Mansion, Lanzarote

Nazaret Mansion is a family-friendly, self-catering stay just minutes from the beach, with spacious apartments and everything you need for a flexible holiday. It’s ideal if you’re looking for comfort and convenience without paying for extras.

Yel Holiday Resort, Olu Deniz

Yel Holiday Resort is a top-rated all-inclusive with standout reviews for service, cleanliness and food - showing that great experiences aren’t limited to higher star hotels.

Discover more two-star and three-star deals

My top tip: Don’t skip two and three-star hotels

If you’ve been filtering out two and three-star hotels, you could be missing out. They can offer strong value, great locations and everything you need - without the added cost of extras.

In fact, I truly believe that with a little research, they can be one of the smartest ways to travel well for less.