Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist
The Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist is a structured evaluation tool designed to measure how closely a hotel aligns with the world’s most respected hospitality benchmarks. Forbes Travel Guide inspectors assess over 900 detailed criteria, with 75% of scoring focused on service and only 25% on physical facilities. This checklist translates those expectations into a practical, on-property assessment, allowing teams to evaluate service culture, guest interactions, cleanliness, dining, spa, housekeeping, amenities, and the overall sense of luxury — whether the goal is to reach Three-, Four-, or Five-Star performance.
Each item is designed to reflect the fundamentals of Forbes ratings: personalized and anticipatory service for Five-Star properties, gracious and polished experiences for Four-Star hotels, and professional, efficient service for Three-Star standards. The checklist captures everything inspectors look for — from warm greetings and timely responses to the refinement of décor, spotlessness of housekeeping, elegance of dining presentation, attentiveness in the spa, and the “sense of place” that defines truly exceptional hotels. Using [Flag], [Number], [Text], and [Media] fields helps document objective and verifiable evidence during the evaluation.
When used in a mobile checklist app, this tool becomes a powerful instrument for training, calibration, and continual improvement. Department leaders can perform live assessments across the property, attach discreet photos, record examples of anticipatory service or service breakdowns, and align teams around the behaviors and details that define a Five-Star experience. Management gains a clear, data-driven view of strengths, gaps, and trends, making it easier to prioritize initiatives, identify inconsistencies, and elevate service standards in a measurable way.
By implementing the Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist regularly, hotels create a culture of refinement, attentiveness, and guest-focused excellence. It supports staff training, prepares teams for anonymous inspections, and ensures that every touchpoint — from arrival to departure — reflects the level of quality expected from the world’s most exceptional properties. The result is a consistent, elevated guest experience and a clear operational roadmap toward achieving or sustaining a Forbes Five-Star rating.
Property name
Date and time of evaluation
Target rating level (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Upload initial exterior or lobby overview photo
Service culture best describes current level (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Staff consistently warm, sincere, and welcoming
Staff maintain eye contact and natural smiles
Staff use guest names when appropriate
Service feels personalized rather than scripted
Service is anticipatory (proactive) rather than reactive
Note examples of anticipatory or personalized service
Response times meet or exceed Forbes standards (phones, requests, F&B)
Guest requests handled on first contact without follow-up needed
Service pace tailored to guest preferences (not rushed or slow)
Any service delays or breakdowns observed
Exterior immaculate: no litter, stains, or visible wear
Landscaping manicured and in excellent condition
Entrance doors and glass spotless and well-maintained
Arrival area (driveway/parking) safe, orderly, and welcoming
Valet/door staff present, attentive, and gracious
Arrival experience best fits (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Upload arrival/entrance photo
Booking/reservation process smooth and accurate
Pre-arrival communication personalized (preferences, arrival time, etc.)
Special requests noted and prepared before arrival
Check-in seamless and efficient
Luggage handling offered proactively
Staff clearly explain facilities, hours, and key services
Departure/check-out process efficient and error-free
Arrival & departure overall rating (1–10)
Lobby spotless and continuously refreshed
Décor elegant, cohesive, and aligned with sense of place
Lighting warm and balanced, no flickering fixtures
Scent pleasant and subtle
Music curated and at appropriate volume
Public spaces reflect 5-star level of refinement and upkeep
Upload lobby/public area photo
Guest room arrival impression (wow-factor, sense of luxury)
Room perfectly clean: no dust, fingerprints, or marks
Design refined with high-quality finishes and unique character
Lighting intuitive, multiple levels/scene options available
Temperature comfortable upon entry, controls easy to use
Amenities arranged with impeccable attention to detail
Guest room experience rating (1–10)
Bed presentation crisp and luxurious
Linen and pillows of clearly high quality
Turn-down service offered and executed to 5-star standard
Thoughtful extras at turn-down (water, treats, notes, etc.)
Housekeeping refreshes room without needing guest request
Any housekeeping flaws (hairs, streaks, missed areas)
Upload guest room photo
Bathroom spotless: no water spots, mold, or residue
Fixtures high-end and in perfect working order
Towels plush and abundant (units)
Amenities luxurious, well-presented, and complete
Hot water and pressure stable and immediate
Bathroom experience rating (1–10)
Upload bathroom photo
Room service ordering easy (phone/app/menu clarity)
Delivery within stated time or faster
Presentation refined (tray/trolley setup, covers, garnishes)
Food served at correct temperature
Thoughtful extras (condiments, napkins, personalized touches)
Room service quality best fits (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Restaurant greeting immediate and gracious
Host uses name or recognizes repeat guest where possible
Menu, food, and beverage descriptions knowledgeable and confident
Cuisine quality: execution, flavor, and presentation at luxury level
Service pace adjusted to guest preference (business vs leisure)
Wine/beverage service knowledgeable and polished
Dining experience rating (1–10)
Upload discreet dining/plate presentation photo (optional)
Spa reception greeting warm and unhurried (if spa present)
Consultation personalized (preferences, health, expectations)
Treatment tailored to guest needs (pressure, focus areas, etc.)
Facilities serene, immaculate, and well-maintained
Amenities (robes, slippers, refreshments) clearly 5-star quality
Spa experience best fits (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Gym equipment modern, aligned, and spotless
Pool area clean, safe, and well-staffed
Loungers, towels, and amenities readily available
Public restrooms (all inspected) meet 5-star cleanliness standard
Public facilities rating (1–10)
Upload spa/gym/pool photo
Staff demonstrate deep knowledge of hotel, area, and services
Concierge (or front office) can provide thoughtful, tailored suggestions
Staff remember guest preferences during stay (room, F&B, timing)
Special occasions handled with exceptional touches
Note concrete examples of personalization and “wow” moments
Any noticeable gaps where service feels more 3★ (efficient but not refined)
Any noticeable gaps where service feels more 4★ (luxury but not truly bespoke)
Areas clearly operating at 5★ level already
Overall service quality rating (1–10)
Overall facility/physical product rating (1–10)
Based on today’s visit, property best fits (3★ / 4★ / 5★)
Key priorities to reach/maintain 5-star level
Upload final summary or key-issue photo



















