Start with location, not stars
The biggest regret in hotel booking is almost never the room — it's the location.
Decode star ratings
- 3-star: clean, functional, great value.
- 4-star: the sweet spot for most trips.
- 5-star: service and facilities shine, but you pay a 40–60% premium.
The bottom line
Location first, decode star ratings, and read reviews like a detective.