We verify luxury

Forbes Travel Guide is the global authority on luxury hospitality. Our professional inspectors travel the world to assess the finest hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships based on hundreds of exacting standards that determine our coveted annual Star Ratings. 

We inspect every hotel, restaurant, spa and cruise ship in person, visiting anonymously as a typical guest. No one can buy a rating under any circumstance. Every Star Rating is earned through our objective, independent process. 

While we assess both service and facility, our Star Rating system emphasizes service because a great experience goes beyond how the surroundings look — how the visit makes you feel is what you will remember most.

We started in 1958, as Mobil Travel Guide, a guidebook for US motorists, and created the original Five-Star rating system for hospitality in the US. Today we are the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships. For more than 60 years, we have traveled the world to give guests the most reliable information on where to stay, dine and relax. 

We independently verify and celebrate the world's finest travel experiences so that you can book with confidence.