Are 5-Star Hotels Really Worth the Cost?

Business-class flights are worth more than main cabin for myriad reasons, including better dining, better seats, and better service. When it comes to hotels, however, it's a lot harder to distinguish the metaphorical main cabin from business class.

What makes a $1,000-per-night hotel room better than the one for $300 a night -- especially when they're right across the street from each other?!

Sure, we have hotel star ratings to try and help us delineate the regular from the luxury. But how many of us know what they really mean? And without that context, how can we know if they're really worth paying two-, three-, or 10-times more?

No rating system rules them all

The hidden secret of the hotel star system is that there isn't one. Or, should I say, there isn't one.

There are countless hotel rating systems. Every travel site, guidebook, and blogger can use whatever system they want. There is no official, universal rating system for hotels.

That said, there are a few rating systems that are more well-known than others. Three of the most popular include:

• Forbes Travel Guide: Ratings are up to five "stars."
• AAA Guide: Ratings are up to five "diamonds."
• Michelin Guide: Ratings are up to three "keys."

A lot of the ratings are based on "feel"

Since each rater has their own system, the same hotel could get a different rating from each reviewer. In other words, what Forbes calls a five-star hotel might be a one-key hotel from Michelin or a four-diamond hotel from AAA.

Frankly, a lot of the ratings seem to be based on feeling as much as anything. There is a strong emphasis on the quality of service, which is definitively subjective. (My version of great service may be your version of standard service.)

Even something like amenities can be subjective. If you value fine dining, you'd probably rate a hotel better for having a top-tier chef on site than if it focused on its spa experience, instead.

All this is to say

Whether you value a five-star experience enough to splurge on it will depend on the hotel (and what it offers). I've enjoyed my few luxury hotel stays, but I've also had a nice time at the Residence Inn. It's all down to personal preference, the trip, and your budget.

How to get five-star luxury for less

The best way I know of to get a five-star hotel stay on my two-star budget is through travel rewards credit cards. Often, I use a mix of points and perks to make my luxury hotel stay more affordable (and more enjoyable).

For instance, you can use points from any of the four major credit card programs to book hotel rooms through the travel portal:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Capital One Travel
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards

Most also have hotel partners, so you can turn your rewards into hotel points. If you're going to go this route, however, do the math before you move any points around. Most hotel points have an average redemption value of less than $0.01, making this a poor option.

A lot of great travel and hotel credit cards offer the rewards and perks I'm talking about. But there are a few that I think are worth a special mention.

Amex Platinum Card

If you want to experience a top-tier hotel, few cards help you do so better than The Platinum Card® from American Express. There are a few reasons I say that:

• You get access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FH&R) program. This unlocks all sorts of perks, including upgrades, property credits, and guaranteed late checkout (this is priceless!). Terms apply.
• You get an annual $200 hotel credit for rooms booked through FH&R (or The Hotel Collection). Terms apply.
• You get elite status with both Marriott (Gold Elite) and Hilton (Gold). Both get you space-available upgrades. Plus, Hilton Gold gets you free breakfast outside the U.S., and a breakfast credit within. Enrollment required, terms apply.
• You can book hotel stays with Membership Rewards points. You get $0.01 per point when you book through Amex Travel. Terms apply.

Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

If you have your eye on any premium Marriott-family properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a nice one to pick up. Some of my favorite perks include:

• A great welcome bonus: This could get you into a five-star hotel -- or a few nights in a still-nice-but-not-outrageously-expensive hotel. Terms apply.
• An annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points: Using this on a five-star hotel is a great way to maximize its value. Terms apply.
• Marriott Platinum Elite status: Get upgrades, earn more points, and choose complimentary breakfast at eligible hotels.
• Earn Marriott Bonvoy points faster: Between the elite status and your card's rewards, you'll earn Bonvoy points super fast, earning your way to more five-star stays.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

If you value the simplicity of booking free hotel stays through a travel portal, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is worth exploring. Here are a few reasons why:

• Get $0.015 per point through the Chase Travel portal: Instead of the standard $0.01 rate on portal redemptions, cardholders get a bonus for a total of $0.015 per point. This makes the travel portal significantly more valuable as a redemption option.
• Annual $300 travel credit: This credit is easy to use organically as it applies to nearly any purchases that code as travel, including hotel room rates and fees.
• The Edit: This is similar to Amex's FH&R, offering perks for specific luxury properties like upgrades and credits.

Between perks and rewards, you can book that five-star stay. It's up to you to decide if it's worth the splurge.