Although guidelines and specifications can vary from region to region in order to reflect local customs, practices, and economics, a 2009 decree outlines the following minimum standards that establishments should meet to achieve a particular star:

One star rating

Customers should be able to expect that the front desk is staffed at least 12 hours a day. The standard size for double rooms should be 14 square meters. Staff should clean the rooms once a day and change the bedsheets once a week.

Two star rating

A one star hotel bumps up to a two star hotel if it has an elevator and the staff cleans the sheets at least twice a week.

Three star rating

A three star Italian hotel contains features and amenities consumers can expect from a modern establishment: reception must operate 16 hours a day and the receptionists need to speak a foreign language, the staff and concierge need to be dressed in uniforms. Hotels of this rating must have a bar service and its rooms must have Internet and a bath.

Four star rating

A four star hotel must have its staff clean and reset the entire room once a day. This is usually done in the afternoons. They need to replace bedsheets and towels daily as well. The hotel must offer a laundry service. There must be as many parking slots as 50% of the total number of rooms. Room measurements also get upsized in this rating: a double room should be 15 square meters in size while the bathroom should be at least 4 square meters.

Five star rating

Five star hotels must have receptionists who can speak at least three languages. Reception should be open around the clock, 24 hours a day. Single rooms must be 9 square meters and double rooms must be 16 square meters to be considered as five star quality.