We verify luxury

Forbes Travel Guide is the global authority on luxury hospitality. Our professional inspectors travel the world to assess hotels, restaurants, and spas based on 900 objective standards that determine our coveted annual Star Ratings. 

We visit every hotel, restaurant, and spa that we Star Rate, paying our own way and staying anonymously as a typical guest. No one can buy a rating under any circumstance. Every Star Rating is earned through our objective, independent process. 

While we assess both service and facility, our Star Rating system emphasizes service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant, or spa goes beyond looks — how it makes you feel is what you will remember most. 

We started in 1958, as Mobil Travel Guide, a guidebook for US motorists. We created the original Five-Star rating system, and we are the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality. For more than 60 years, we have traveled the world to give guests the most reliable information on where to stay, dine and relax. 

We exist to elevate and celebrate genuine Five-Star service for your enjoyment.  

LEARN HOW WE INSPECT
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Our Team
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Forbes Travel Guide Brand Officials
Our Brand Officials represent the best in luxury hospitality
Standards Advisory Committee
Meet the industry VIPs who help shape our standards
Strategy Committee
Introducing our expert advisory panel
Our Award Winners
View our full list of annual Star Rating Award recipients
Endorsed Travel Agencies
These agencies are committed to elevating client experience through FTG