Hotelstars Union
Hotel star classification
Hotelstars Union (HSU) stars provide a unified, internationally comparable quality classification for hotels across Europe. In Estonia, star classification is administered by the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association (EHRL).
Before you apply
5 yearsClassification validity
The awarded star classification is valid for five years from the committee’s decision.
90 daysRenew before expiry
Submit your renewal application at least 90 days before your classification expires.
Up to 7 weeksTypical processing time
From submission of the application to the committee’s decision.
Check your hotel’s readiness
Use the Hotelstars demo tool to check which star category best matches your hotel’s current facilities and services.
Star categories 1★–5★
Select a star category to explore its requirements.
A cumulative system. Each higher category includes the requirements of the lower categories. The heading shows the total number of requirements included in this overview; expand a category to see its additional requirements.
1 star — basic category18 requirements in total
Hotel facilities and services
- Wi-Fi in public areas and guest rooms
- 24-hour availability
- Staff physically present at the hotel for at least 8 hours, or 24-hour self-service check-in and check-out
- Restaurant (except hotels offering breakfast only)
- Continental breakfast
- Daily room cleaning
- Towel change on request
- Cashless payment available
- International plug adapters / chargers
Guest room
- Shower/WC or bath/WC and a mirror in every room
- Body wash or shower gel and shampoo
- Room-darkening facilities
- One seat
- Table, desk or similar work surface
- Storage facilities
- TV with a programme guide and remote control
- Toiletries on request
- Extra bed / baby cot on request
2 stars21 requirements in total
Additional requirements
- Sewing kit on request
Guest room
- Hand towels and bath towels
- Bedside light
The requirements of the lower star categories also apply. This section shows the additional requirements for this category.
3 stars30 requirements in total
Hotel facilities and services
- Bilingual staff
- Staff physically present for at least 10 hours, or 8 hours combined with 24-hour self-service check-in and check-out
- Breakfast buffet or an equivalent breakfast menu
- Guest laundry and ironing services, wake-up service
- Central safe
Guest room
- One seat per guest
- Desk with lighting and a power socket
- Full-length mirror, luggage rack and hairdryer
- Drinks available in the room
The requirements of the lower star categories also apply. This section shows the additional requirements for this category.
4 stars41 requirements in total
Hotel facilities and services
- Lobby with seating and beverage service
- Reception service for 14 hours; staff physically available 24 hours a day
- Staffed bar or lounge
- Staffed breakfast buffet
- Minibar/maxibar or beverage room service for 12 hours
Guest room
- A choice of pillow types
- Comfortable seating with a side table or shelf
- International TV channels
- Ample bathroom storage space
- Bathrobe and slippers on request
- Additional bed linen change on request
The requirements of the lower star categories also apply. This section shows the additional requirements for this category.
5 stars — highest category58 requirements in total
Hotel facilities and services
- 24-hour reception service
- Staffed bar or lounge
- Breakfast buffet with waiter service
- Breakfast menu available through room service
- Restaurant open seven days a week
- Minibar and 24-hour food and beverage room service
- Valet parking, doorman and luggage service
- Ironing, shoe-cleaning and sewing services
- Transfer or limousine service
- Evening turndown service
Guest room
- Single beds with a mattress width of at least 0.90 m
- Double beds with a mattress width of at least 1.80 m
- Full blackout facilities
- Desk with a surface area of at least 0.6 m²
- In-room safe
- Iron/garment steamer and ironing board on request
- Bathrobe and slippers in the room
The requirements of the lower star categories also apply. This section shows the additional requirements for this category.
See also the Hotelstars Union criteria.
How does the application process work?
Five steps from application to your star classification certificate.
Digital application
Submit a digitally signed application.
Review and scheduling
EHRL reviews your application and arranges an inspection date.
Criteria checklist
The hotel completes the HSU criteria checklist.
On-site inspection
The classification committee carries out an on-site inspection.
Decision and registration
The committee makes its decision. The hotel receives a certificate and is registered in the HSU database.
Fees
Classification inspection – processing fee
Fee = number of rooms × the per-room rate for the star category applied for, subject to the minimum fee.
Scroll the table horizontally to view all columns.
| Star category | Member | Non-member | 100 rooms: member / non-member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum fee | 350 € | 450 € | — |
| 1★ / hostel | €4.00/room | €5.50/room | 400 € / 550 € |
| 2★★ | €4.50/room | €6.50/room | 450 € / 650 € |
| 3★★★ | €5.50/room | €7.50/room | 550 € / 750 € |
| 4★★★★ | €6.50/room | €9.00/room | 650 € / 900 € |
| 5★★★★★ | €7.00/room | €10.00/room | 700 € / 1000 € |
Classification renewal: €100
EHRL members receive a 30% discount on processing fees. Additional costs, such as a repeat inspection after deficiencies have been addressed, are charged separately in accordance with the EHRL price list.
Annual fees
The annual fee depends on the number of rooms and the star category.
€1 per room+€25 per star
Example: a 3-star hotel with 100 rooms. €1 × 100 + €25 × 3 = €175 per year.
Why apply for HSU stars?
An official quality mark communicates your hotel’s standards clearly and credibly.
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A quality mark recognised across Europe
A clear indication of quality for guests from Estonia and abroad.
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Verified hotel standards
Helps demonstrate your hotel’s standards in tenders and business partnerships.
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Internationally comparable classification
The unified HSU system makes it easier to compare hotel standards across countries.
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Greater guest confidence
An official classification helps guests understand what to expect before booking.
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The right to use the official HSU mark
Classified hotels can use the official HSU mark and gain visibility through HSU channels.
Classification committee
Hotel classification is carried out by a committee approved by the EHRL Board. It includes representatives from the hotel sector, consumer and travel organisations, and quality assessment. Committee members act impartially and maintain confidentiality.
Start your star classification application
Download the form, sign it digitally and send it to EHRL.
Download the application form
Complete the form with your hotel’s details.
Sign digitally
Digitally sign the completed application before submitting it.
Send it to EHRL
Email your signed application to info@ehrl.ee.
Information based on the EHRL Board decision of 9 June 2026.