What is the Difference Between 3-Star,4-Star, and 5-Star Hotels in India

Choosing the right hotel often comes down to the star rating, which reflects the level of comfort, amenities, and services you can expect. In India, 3-star hotels provide affordable stays with essential facilities, 4-star hotels balance comfort with luxury through premium amenities like spas, gyms, and fine dining, while 5-star hotels offer the ultimate experience with world-class interiors, 24x7 room service, and personalized hospitality. Understanding these differences helps you plan your stay according to your budget and travel style.
What is the Difference between 3 Star and 4 Star Hotel?
3 min
11 Sept 2025

Planning a trip in India often begins with one big question—which hotel to book? With so many options online, it can be tricky to decide whether a 3-star hotel will meet your needs, if a 4-star hotel is worth the upgrade, or if you should indulge in a 5-star luxury stay. Hotel star ratings are designed to help you understand the level of comfort, services, and amenities offered so you can pick the one that fits both your budget and expectations.

From budget-friendly 3-star stays to premium 4-star experiences and world-class 5-star indulgence, knowing the difference will help you make the right choice. And with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you can book any hotel—be it 3, 4, or 5-star—on easy, no-cost EMIs, making luxury more affordable than ever.

What Does a Hotel Rating Mean?

Hotel ratings—such as 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star—are shorthand indicators of the quality, services and amenities you can expect during your stay. These ratings help travelers assess and compare hotels quickly.

Here’s a breakdown of how the ratings typically differ:

Rating

What It Signals

Typical Features / Services

3-Star

Comfortable, reliable stay with good basics

Clean rooms, daily housekeeping, on-site dining, possibly a small gym or business services.

4-Star

Elevated comfort and more thoughtful amenities

Stylish interiors, room service, better restaurants, upgraded bathrooms, concierge services, meeting spaces.

5-Star

Luxury and high-end personalized service

Spacious rooms, luxury spa, fine-dining restaurants, valet parking, top-tier concierge, premium decor, extra attention to service quality.

Why ratings matter:

  • They guide you on what to expect in terms of comfort and service level.

  • They help you decide if a hotel matches your travel needs and budget.

  • Ratings can also indicate how much pampering and attention you’ll receive—especially useful if you’re planning a relaxing vacation or special trip.

What are 3 Star Rating Hotels?

3-star hotels are budget-friendly accommodations that offer comfort with all the basic essentials needed for a short or simple stay. They are best suited for travelers who want affordability without compromising on cleanliness and convenience.

Price: ₹1500 – ₹3000
Facilities: Clean sheets, toiletries, free Wi-Fi, decent room comfort
Additional Amenities: Quick room service, good accessibility near railway stations, bus stands, or airports

What are 4 Star Rating Hotels?

4-star hotels provide a higher level of comfort and service compared to 3-star hotels. They offer spacious rooms, better interiors, and a mix of luxury and practicality—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Price: ₹3000 – ₹8000
Facilities: Comfortable bedding, spacious rooms, swimming pool, gym
Additional Amenities: 24x7 concierge, in-room dining, better locations with easy access to city attractions

What are 5 Star Rating Hotels?

5-star hotels represent luxury living and world-class hospitality. They provide exceptional services, lavish interiors, and premium facilities, making every stay feel exclusive and indulgent.

Price: ₹8000 – ₹20000
Facilities: Large rooms, spa, gym, swimming pool, multiple restaurants, shopping stores
Additional Amenities: Laundry service, stocked mini-bar, complimentary snacks & drinks, luxury toiletries, personalized concierge services

Top 10 differences between 3-star and 5-star hotel

Factors

3-Star Hotels

4-Star Hotels

5-Star Hotels

Meaning

Comfortable stay with basic amenities

Higher level of comfort, spacious rooms, and additional amenities

Represents luxury with first-class service and a wide range of amenities

Price

Rs. 1500 – Rs. 3000

Rs. 3000 – Rs. 8000

Rs. 8000 – Rs. 20000

Purpose

Budget Stay

Upscale Comfort

Luxury Stay

Services & Amenities

Basic amenities and good service

Deluxe services and additional amenities

Wide range of amenities with top-notch service

Location

Close to railway stations, bus stations, and airports

Decent locations with good accessibility

Prime locations

Hotel Size

8 – 12 rooms

15 – 20 rooms with gym and swimming pool

25 – 50 rooms with gym, spa, garden, swimming pool, restaurants, and shopping stores

Comfort

Decent

Good

Luxury

Room Service

Quick but basic

24x7 concierge and in-room dining

Exceptional services

Facilities

Clean sheets, toiletries, free Wi-Fi

Comfortable bedding, spacious rooms, swimming pool

Laundry service, stocked mini-bar, free snacks & drinks, sitting area, luxury toiletries, premium care

Why hotel rating important nowadays before check inn

Even in today’s digital age, hotel star ratings remain a useful starting point when planning your stay:

  • Baseline expectation for comfort and service: The star label helps you quickly gauge what level of facilities, maintenance and customer care to expect — especially important when you’re travelling to a new place.

  • Standardised comparison tool: Ratings give a rough benchmark to compare hotels more easily, helping you filter options when browsing through dozens of listings.

  • Risk mitigation + trust signal: Knowing the official or recognised rating can reduce surprises — such as poor room conditions or missing amenities — and offer a degree of confidence before you arrive.

How to book a hotel using the Insta EMI Card

Booking a hotel with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card is simple. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Visit an online travel portal like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo.

  • Step 2: Choose your preferred hotel and room type.

  • Step 3: Proceed to checkout and select EMI as the payment mode.

  • Step 4: Enter your Insta EMI Card details.

  • Step 5: Choose your EMI tenure (from 3 to 60 months).

  • Step 6: Confirm your booking and enjoy your stay without financial burden with Easy EMIs.

Check Also: How Does Insta EMI Card Works

Benefits of using the Insta EMI Card for buying an air conditioner

Pre-qualified loan offer amount: Get a credit limit of up to Rs. 3 lakh.

Low-cost EMIs: Minimal interest rates make big-ticket purchases manageable.

Zero foreclosure charges: Repay early without extra fees.

Flexible repayment tenure: Select an repayment tenure between 1 and 60 months.

  • Accepted widely: Accepted on leading online platforms like Flipkart, Bajaj Mall, and Amazon, and 1.5 lakh+ partner stores in over 4,000 Indian cities.

  • Special offers: Enjoy zero down payment deals at select stores.

Check Also: Advantages of Insta EMI Card

Eligibility criteria for the Insta EMI Card

To apply for the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you must meet these requirements:

Nationality: Indian citizen.

Age: Between 21 and 65 years.

Income: Stable income source.

Credit score: As per Bajaj Finserv policies.

Documents required: PAN card, Aadhaar card, address proof, and bank details for e-mandate registration.

Check Also: Documents Required for Insta EMI Card

How to apply for the Insta EMI Card

Applying for the Insta EMI Card is easy, with both online and offline options:

Online application process:

  • Step 1: Visit the Bajaj Finserv website.

  • Step 2: Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.

  • Step 3: Fill in the application form and check your credit limit.

  • Step 4: Complete KYC with your Aadhaar card or DigiLocker.

  • Step 5: Pay a one-time joining fee of Rs. 530.

  • Step 6: Activate your card for instant use.

Check Also: How to Apply for Insta EMI Card

Offline application process:

  • Step 1: Visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store.

  • Step 2: Provide required documents for verification.

  • Step 3: Upon approval, pay the joining fee.

  • Step 4: Receive your Insta EMI Card and start shopping immediately.

Understanding the difference between 3 Star and 4 Star hotel categories helps in making an informed choice based on budget and preferences. With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, booking premium hotels becomes effortless. Convert high value stays into manageable EMIs without straining your finances.

Apply today and enjoy the convenience of affordable, stress-free travel bookings!

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a 4 star hotel?
Staying in a 4-star hotel offers a blend of comfort and luxury at a reasonable price. Guests enjoy well-furnished rooms, premium amenities like spas and pools, and quality dining options. These hotels often provide excellent service and are located near major attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Is 3 star hotel good enough?
A 3-star hotel is generally a good choice for travellers seeking comfort without breaking the bank. These hotels typically offer essential amenities such as clean rooms, on-site dining, and convenient locations. While they may lack some luxury features, they provide a satisfactory stay for budget-conscious visitors.

What is called a 5 star hotel?
A 5-star hotel represents the highest level of luxury and service in hospitality. These establishments offer opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and extensive amenities like spas and fitness centres. They focus on personalized service, ensuring every guest's needs are met with exceptional attention to detail.

How many 5 star hotels are there in India?
India has over 200 classified 5-star hotels, catering to both domestic and international travellers. This number reflects the country's growing tourism industry and commitment to providing high-quality accommodations. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru host many of these luxurious establishments.

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