The Woodlands Hotel is a five star, five diamond property. We stayed there about 7 years ago and were thinking about returning. However, I noted on their web site they only offer breakfast Thursday - Sunday and only serve dinner Wednesday - Sunday. This just didn't seem believable for a property at this level. I called the hotel and they confirmed it, telling me guests go to town for meals. Town is Summerville, South Carolina and I don't remember much there. Charleston is about 30 minutes away.

Here's my question - is it a requirement that hotels at the 5 star/5 diamond level provide food services?

It's a shame for the Woodlands because we are probably not going to stay there because of this - I just can't see getting up in the morning and driving to the local diner for coffee!

It's possible that the Woodlands waited until the most current ratings inspections were completed before cutting back on food service hours...

There have been recent articles stating that some hotels are voluntarily allowing their star ratings to drop, in order to make economically-driven cutbacks.

As a point of reference, here are the Forbes (nee Mobil) Travel Guide's rating criteria:

http://static.howstuffworks.com/pdf/...ia-12-2008.pdf

Thanks for sending the criteria for star rating. I thought it would be expectation that food services would be offered in a 5 star hotel.

I can understand cutting back on dinner...but even the most economical motels serve breakfast! I have noticed some higher end properties beginning to serve continental type offerings, but often very good.