5 Star hotel standards in Vietnam from location to service

A 5 star hotel standards is not just a title it’s a promise of exceptional quality, offering guests a truly perfect stay. From elegant architecture and premium amenities to attentive, professional service, every aspect must meet strict criteria. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in exploring these details through this article to gain a deeper understanding of the world of luxury hospitality!

What are 5 star hotel standards?

The 5-star hotel standard in Vietnam is defined as a comprehensive set of criteria used to evaluate the quality, scale, amenities, and services of a hotel, aiming to recognize it as achieving the highest level in the hospitality industry.

These criteria not only ensure a luxurious and comfortable space but also reflect professionalism in design, management, and service. To earn this prestigious title, a hotel must meet strict requirements regarding location, architecture, room size, modern equipment, and premium services especially the 5-star hotel room standards, which guarantee absolute relaxation for guests.

Read more: Top 10 best 5 star hotels in Hoi An with stunning views, luxurious amenities

5 Star hotel standards

To become a 5-star hotel, a lodging facility must meet a wide range of strict criteria from infrastructure to personnel. These standards not only elevate the brand’s prestige but also ensure an exceptional experience for guests. Below are the detailed requirements for each category:

5 Star hotel standards for location

The location of a 5-star hotel plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall guest experience. Hotels in this segment are typically situated in central areas, near famous tourist attractions, shopping centers, or along the coastline offering guests convenience in transportation, shopping, and local exploration.

Additionally, some luxury hotels opt for tranquil settings with natural surroundings, such as mountainsides or lakeshores, to create a private and serene environment ideal for premium retreats. A hotel’s location must not only be accessible in terms of transportation but also fulfill aesthetic criteria offering beautiful views and blending harmoniously with the surrounding architecture and landscape.

5 Star hotel standards for architecture

Architectural Design:

• The architectural design of a 5-star hotel must strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. Service areas should be arranged logically and conveniently to support the hotel’s operational and business goals. The architecture should feature distinctive, attractive elements, while both the interior and exterior must be decorated in a luxurious and refined manner.
• The hotel entrance must be accessible for both pedestrians and people with disabilities, include a covered driveway at the reception area, and use high-quality construction materials. The frontage including the entryway, sidewalks, and landscaping should also be visually appealing and harmoniously integrated with the overall building design.
• In addition, the hotel must have separate entrances for guests and staff, soundproof guest rooms, at least one room designed for people with disabilities, and dedicated floors or exclusive services for premium or resort guests.

Room Capacity:

A 5-star hotel must have a minimum of 100 guest rooms to ensure sufficient service capacity and an operational scale that aligns with luxury standards.

Parking and Internal Traffic Flow:

• A convenient parking area must be provided for guests, either within the hotel premises or no more than 200 meters away. The parking capacity must accommodate at least 15% of the total number of guest rooms.
• The hotel’s internal traffic system and walkways within the property must be designed to ensure convenience, safety, and effective ventilation — providing a comfortable and accessible environment for both guests and staff.

Reception Lobby Area:

• A 5-star hotel must have a spacious reception lobby, designed with elegance and professionalism to leave a strong first impression as soon as guests arrive. The minimum area required is 100 m² for standard hotels and 35 m² for floating hotels.
• The lobby should be fully equipped with essential amenities, including separate restrooms for men and women, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a bar serving directly in the lobby, and a designated smoking area. These facilities are essential to enhancing the guest experience and meeting diverse customer needs with flexibility.

Guest Room Size (including bedroom and bathroom):

A single-bed room must have a minimum area of 24 m², while a double-bed or twin-bed room requires at least 32 m². Special rooms must be no smaller than 56 m², and premium suites must be 100 m² or larger to meet the demands of high-end, private living spaces.

Kitchen Area:

• The kitchen must have a proper ventilation system, with flat, waterproof walls and ceilings that are easy to clean. Floors should be made of non-slip materials to ensure staff safety. Additionally, the kitchen area must include measures to prevent pests and harmful insects.
• In a 5-star hotel, the kitchen must be equipped with separate areas for preparing Western dishes, Asian cuisine, baked goods, preliminary processing, hot and cold food preparation, and meal plating.
• A buffer room with soundproofing, heat insulation, and odor separation between the kitchen and dining area is also required to ensure the best possible guest experience.

Storage Area:

• Hotels must provide dedicated storage rooms for preserving ingredients and food under strictly hygienic and safe conditions.
• Additionally, there must be separate storage areas for spare utensils and equipment to ensure timely response to operational needs.
• Importantly, cold storage rooms must be designated for specific food categories to maintain proper preservation quality and meet stringent food safety and hygiene standards.

Conference, Seminar, and Meeting Rooms:

• A 5-star hotel is required to have at least one large conference room, two seminar rooms, and two meeting rooms, capable of accommodating various event types and sizes.
• These spaces must be well soundproofed, equipped with modern amenities, and smartly arranged to deliver a professional event experience for guests.

Staff Areas:

• This section should include private offices for management and key functional departments, ensuring a professional and secure working environment.
• A housekeeping control room is required to enable staff to monitor and manage tasks efficiently.
• There must also be gender-specific changing rooms, restrooms, and fully equipped staff showers to ensure convenience and safety.
• Additionally, a dedicated dining room for staff should be provided to support their well-being and daily living needs, contributing to a healthier and more effective service team.

Requirements for facilities and amenities

Quality of equipment, layout, and decoration

• All equipment must be of high quality, ensuring durability, stable functionality, and optimal convenience for hotel guests.
• The arrangement of functional areas should be logical and well-organized, creating a sense of comfort and ease of use.
• Colors throughout the hotel spaces must be harmoniously and tastefully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
• All furnishings and equipment should be consistent in design, style, and quality — avoiding mismatched or patchy installations that could affect the visual appeal.
• Interior decor must be attractive, modern, and luxurious, reflecting the hotel’s unique character. In addition, the use of refined artistic elements is essential to deliver an elegant and memorable visual experience for guests.
• The side border, the application of delicate decorative art elements is also a compelling factor, shooting back classy and impressive aesthetic experiences for guests to retain.

Furniture and equipment requirements

• At the reception lobby, hotels must provide a front desk area separated by function (booking, check-in, telephone operation), along with Wi-Fi, telephones, computers, posted price and exchange rate boards, card payment terminals, secure storage for valuables, wheelchairs for guests with disabilities, and a customer assistance counter.
• Public restrooms must be equipped with toilets, urinals, washbasins, toilet paper, ventilation systems, hand dryers, and odor control systems.
• Guest rooms must include standard beds and coordinated furnishings such as a work desk, safe, minibar, high-speed Wi-Fi, TV, fire alarm system, air conditioning, and complete personal amenities.
• Ensuite bathrooms must be waterproof, slip-resistant, and fitted with rain showers, toilets, ventilation, toiletries, and emergency exit instructions. Premium suites must also include a whirlpool bathtub and a magnifying mirror.
• Conference, seminar, and meeting rooms must be equipped with tables and chairs, microphones, projectors, air conditioning, cameras, and standard lighting systems.
• Restaurants, bars, and kitchens must be furnished with appropriate seating, food preparation tools, food storage refrigerators, ventilation systems, and meet strict hygiene standards.
• The laundry area must include modern washing machines, dryers, and laundry equipment that meet the demands of a professional hospitality operation.

Corridors and staircases:

• These areas must be equipped with emergency exit maps, directional signage, and labels indicating room functions such as restrooms, offices, floor numbers, and room numbers.
• Corridors must have clearly marked emergency exit lights, and all exit doors must meet fire-resistance standards.
• In addition, corridors in guestroom areas, conference and seminar zones, and service staircases should be covered with high-quality carpeting to enhance safety, visual appeal, and minimize noise throughout the hotel.

Ventilation and air conditioning in common areas:

• The ventilation system must be properly installed and efficiently operated to ensure a continuous flow of fresh air throughout the hotel.
• Service areas such as the lobby, restaurant, meeting rooms, and conference halls must be equipped with modern air conditioning systems.
• Additionally, natural ventilation should be utilized in suitable areas to promote comfort, conserve energy, and support environmental sustainability.

Water filtration system: A 5-star hotel must install a water filtration system that meets safety standards, allowing guests to drink directly from the tap without requiring any additional treatment.

Elevators:

• A 5-star hotel with three or more floors is required to have elevators, including access to the ground floor.
• In addition to guest elevators, the hotel must also provide separate elevators for goods and staff.
• All elevators must be designed and equipped to accommodate people with disabilities, ensuring maximum convenience and safety for all guests.

Services and level of hospitality

Service quality:

• A 5-star hotel must establish and implement standardized service procedures, ensuring professional techniques are applied consistently across all departments.
• Service quality must reach a flawless level, delivered by a team of highly skilled staff with a professional demeanor, especially when catering to high-end clientele.
• Staff must always maintain a friendly, prompt, enthusiastic, and attentive attitude. In addition, close coordination between departments is essential to deliver a seamless and complete guest experience.

Housekeeping services:

• Housekeeping in a 5-star hotel requires staff to be available 24/7 to ensure prompt guest support.
• Guest rooms must be cleaned at least once per day, with daily replacement of bed linens, pillowcases, blankets, face towels, and bath towels — or upon guest request and after check-out.
• Rooms must include environmental protection guidelines placed in both the bedroom and bathroom. Guests should receive complimentary in-room amenities such as tea, coffee, sugar, and creamer sachets, along with evening turndown service, and a welcome arrangement like fresh fruit, pastries, or specially prepared items for new arrivals.
• At least one type of magazine or online news service must be available. The hotel must also have a designated floor or exclusive area with private dining, office services, a dedicated reception desk (for express check-in/out), meeting rooms, and complimentary newspapers and information.

Food and beverage services:

• The hotel must provide 24-hour dining service, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of light meals and beverages that are easy to prepare.
• In addition, a diverse menu with high-quality food and drinks must be available, including buffet breakfast, banquet catering, and in-room dining services.
• The hotel is also required to offer special and premium menu options, including a selection of fine wines, to meet a wide range of guest preferences

Other services:

• The reception and security departments must operate 24/7, providing services such as safe deposit, luggage storage, flexible payment support (cash or alternative methods), telephone access, wake-up calls, and luggage transport.
• Medical services must include a first-aid kit, basic medications, and on-call medical staff. Additionally, the hotel must offer office services, a shopping and souvenir store, currency exchange, and ticketing and tour arrangement support.
• Laundry services including regular laundry, dry cleaning, and express services are mandatory. The hotel must also feature a fitness room, reading lounge, sauna area, and swimming pools for both adults and children, with clearly marked depth signage, towels, lounge chairs, and lifeguards on duty.
• Furthermore, entertainment and guest support services such as a night bar, ambient music in public areas, beauty care, translation services, disability assistance, childcare, and outdoor sports facilities (e.g. tennis, golf) must be fully available especially in resort hotels.

The difference between 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels

3-Star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels differ mainly in design, scale, and service quality. Clearly understanding each category helps you choose the right accommodation based on your needs and budget. The table below outlines the differences between these hotel classes according to specific criteria.

Criteria	3-Star Hotel	4-Star Hotel	5-Star Hotel
Service hours	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM	24/7	24/7
Room capacity	Minimum 50 rooms	Minimum 80 rooms (city/resort hotels) or 50 rooms (floating/roadside hotels)	Minimum 100 rooms
Room design	Simple, clean, functional	Appealing design, good soundproofing, multiple room types to suit different guest needs	Luxurious, consistent design in modern or neoclassical style with premium materials
Lobby & front desk	Modest design, integrated with elevator	Spacious, more luxurious, follows smart design layout	Cohesively designed, includes separate pathways for guests and staff
Dining services	Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; simple yet varied menu; in-room dining available	Quality and diverse breakfast buffet; includes Asian, Western, and pastry kitchens; evening fruit and pastry service	On-site Asian and Western restaurants, banquet hall, premium bar
Additional services	Medical care, lifeguard, swimming pool, laundry, office services, currency exchange, entertainment	Beauty care, disability support, wake-up service, luggage handling, massage, sauna, reading room, gym	Additional elevators for guests with disabilities, modern lighting systems, premium carpeting in rooms and hallways
Facilities & furniture	Adequate, meets aesthetic standards	Fully equipped, high quality, suitable for a wide range of guests	Premium quality, officially certified, carefully coordinated in terms of color, material, and lighting
Service staff	Skilled, attentive, follow service procedures	Professional service, capable of personalized support	Highly trained staff, international-level service, full guest support

Frequently asked questions about 5 star international standard hotels

Does a 5 star international standard hotel have conference rooms?

Yes, many 5 star international standard hotels in Hoi An have modern conference rooms for events and seminars, such as Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, Wyndham Hoi An Royal Beachfront Resort & Villas, and Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An.

Do 5 star international standard hotels offer airport shuttle services?

Yes, most 5 star international standard hotels in Hoi An provide airport shuttle services to ensure maximum convenience and comfort for their guests.

Is the dining service diverse at 5 star hotels?

Dining services at 5 star hotels are very diverse, ranging from local specialties to Asian and international cuisine, with numerous restaurants and bars providing cozy and elegant atmospheres to meet all guest needs.

Read more: Top 10 most professional conference hotels in Hoi An

Recommended 5-star hotels in Hoi An

If you’re looking for a hotel that meets 5-star hotel standards in Hoi An, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is a destination you simply cannot miss. Located along the picturesque Thu Bon River, the hotel boasts a harmonious blend of classic and modern architecture, offering 100 spacious rooms equipped with premium amenities.

Professional service and a dedicated team ensure an exceptional stay that truly reflects 5-star hotel excellence. 5 Star hotel standards are not just about numbers or regulations they represent a commitment to delivering outstanding quality. From infrastructure to service, everything is designed to maximize guest satisfaction.If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the luxury and elegance of Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery where every detail reflects the true essence of 5-star hotel standards.