The Star Ratings program is Australia’s leading independent accommodation rating system, helping tourism businesses showcase quality, consistency and value, while giving travellers confidence in their accommodation choices.
Star Ratings provide an independent and trusted benchmark, helping travellers understand the quality, condition and standards of accommodation providers across Australia, while enabling operators to demonstrate their service and facility standards.
Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Star Ratings system has evolved to reflect modern traveller expectations, including the importance of guest reviews, amenities and overall experience.
Star Ratings Australia helps travellers easily compare accommodation options based on quality, facilities and service standards.
Travellers can search properties by location, category and star rating, making it simpler to find the right stay – whether it’s a budget-friendly option, a family holiday park or a premium hotel experience.
A Star Rating represents the quality, condition and cleanliness of guest facilities at the time of an independent property review. It also covers a substantial proportion of available accommodation inventory, giving travellers greater confidence when booking and helping them expect a more consistent standard.
In Australia, the Star Ratings symbols and trademarks are the exclusive property of Star Ratings Australia. Star Ratings Australia has the exclusive right to use them and to grant licences for their use.
Properties that meet the independent standards of the Star Ratings scheme in Australia are licensed to use Star Ratings in their advertising and promotional material. This includes incorporating any material consisting of stars, the term ‘stars’ with a number (in numerals or words), or any mark that is substantially identical or deceptively similar.
Properties that do not hold a Star Rating licence cannot refer to a Star Rating standard or use a Star Rating in any form. Doing so is a breach of Star Ratings Australia’s trademarks.
A monitoring program is in place to protect Star Rating licensees and to ensure Australian properties displaying Stars in any form are licensed to do so.
‘Self-rated’ properties displaying or referring to Stars in any form without a licence will be issued legal notices.
If non-compliance is identified, legal action may be taken.
We encourage all licensees to remain vigilant and to alert Star Ratings Australia to potential trademark breaches.
Licensees are invited to report any suspected non-compliance by emailing info@starratings.com.au.