Star Ratings Decline as Hotels and Rentals Shift to Online Reviews

Digital platforms are reshaping how travelers assess accommodations, with fewer establishments opting for traditional star certifications.

The number of star-certified hotels and vacation rentals in Germany has dropped significantly over the past decade, according to industry data.
Digitalization has changed booking habits, with travelers increasingly relying on user-generated online reviews instead of official star ratings.
Star-certified vacation rentals fell from 66,000 in 2010 to 23,500 in 2025, while certified hotels declined to their lowest levels in 15 years.
Experts attribute the decline partly to the pandemic disrupting recertification processes and the rising costs of maintaining certifications.
Travelers now prioritize personalized features like Wi-Fi availability over traditional amenities, with thematic labels gaining popularity as alternatives to star ratings.