A hotel's star rating can be provided by the government or an organization. Hotels are graded with one-star to five-star hotels, with five-star being the most superior in price and quality. Or so, the hotel claims.

The star rating of a hotel could mean different things in different countries. It's not at all descriptive nor can you rely on it to be consistent when it comes to its equivalent standard or price. Even an international hotel chain's star rating is not guaranteed to be reliable.

So it still is best to check out tripadvisor for reviews and the hotel's website for photos before you book a room.

Want an overview of how hotels are rated in different countries? Check out About.com's Hotel Star Rating System for links to more information.

Five-star hotels are usually the most luxurious you could find. Until, that is, Dubai built the Burj al Arab.

burj al arab is the only 7-star hotel in the whole world. Well, it is a self-awarded distinction but, to date, no one in the hotel industry has ever dared challenge this bold claim. If you read the kind of service and luxury it offers, you would probably give them more stars yourself.

So... how many stars do you usually look for?