I've often wondered how hotels are classified, especially luxury. It is the chain itself - e.g., Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, etc. Is it the room rate? People often comment that they would have expected something "better" from a luxury property - either in terms of service, product, amenities. Do hotels classify themselves or does some outside evaluator rate them - e.g., Mobil or AAA? Would every 5 Diamond AAA or 5 Star Mobil be a luxury hotel?