What's in a Star? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sometimes even a night away from home can be enough to hit your reset button. Recently I wanted a nice quiet place to do some work and be able to have options for things to do at night. I also wanted something far away but close enough that I would be able to drive there so I decided on Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Whenever traveling over night make sure you stay somewhere affordable yet still comfortable. This is where knowing the general interpretation of the hotel star ratings can help. Typically a hotel will be rated between one to five stars. Instinct would be to assume that the lower the stars the worst the hotel when it actually refers to amenities and affordability. 

• One-Star Rating: Most likely just a place to sleep with free parking
• Two-Star Rating: Somewhere to sleep with limited amenities but still affordable
• Three-Star Rating: Usually offering stylish, quality, comfortable accommodations while still being considered "affordable"
• Four-Star Rating: Typically being more upscale these hotels offer more amenities, nicer furnished rooms and generally restaurants on premise
• Five-star Rating: Luxurious options and flawless service. These hotels do not disappoint when it comes to the first-class feeling.    

This is not to say that all hotels are worth staying in. This is just a reminder that its possible to travel, save and still be comfortable.  One of the hotels that came up in my search of the area was the Springhill Suites by Marriott. To my surprise it was listed as a two-star hotel. While it did not offer room service or an onsite restaurant it did have a complimentary breakfast buffet and a bar in the front lobby. When arriving to my room I was glad to see that I had a work and setting area separate from my sleeping area. A modern bathroom with bright fixtures and a stand up shower. The room even had a microwave and mini fridge for snacks that could be purchased in the lobby. It felt like a comfortable space that I can get work done and then relax in. 

My night away turned out better then I expected. This two-star hotel gave me a five-star experience. I got to get that time away feeling without breaking the bank. We tend to forget that the same repetition day in and day out can be taxing on both mind and body. We think that just being home is enough but sometimes it isn't. Sometimes It good to actually get out of the house and experience something new. Hopefully now that you know a little more about how the star rating system works it can help you find a nice affordably night way.