Downloadable Forbes 5 Star Standards Checklists

Achieve and maintain 5-star ratings on the Forbes Travel Guide for your establishment with the help of downloadable Forbes 5-star standards checklists.

an entry reception area of a hotel being inspected based on forbes 5-star standards checklist on a tablet device

Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist

Download and use this free Forbes 5-star standards checklist to ensure your property meets the prestigious criteria set forth by Forbes Travel Guide. This comprehensive checklist covers all aspects of hospitality so that you can meticulously assess your property’s performance against the stringent standards required to achieve a coveted 5-star rating. Using this checklist, be able to do the following:

  1. Fill in basic details about the property being evaluated, such as its name and location, the date of the assessment, and the name of the evaluator.
  2. Carefully go through the various checklist sections and items to assess each aspect or facility in the establishment and mark whether Excellent, Average, or Unacceptable.
  3. Add notes and attach media documentation to provide further context on the inspection findings.
  4. Before completing the report, include digital signatures.
  5. Export it into a Forbes 5-star standards checklist PDF, Excel, or Word file for recordkeeping and store it securely on the cloud.
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Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist

Published 1 Apr 2024 Article by Patricia Guevara | 4 min read

What is a Forbes 5 Star Standards Checklist?

The Forbes 5-star standards checklist is a tool consisting of items based on a rigorous set of criteria developed by Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide) used to evaluate and rate luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas around the world. The checklist covers various aspects of the guest experience, helping properties achieve a 5-star rating to signify exceptional quality and service and place themselves among the elite establishments in the world.

Importance of Using This Checklist in the Hospitality Industry

Maintaining high standards of service, quality, and luxury is paramount for success in the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry. One of the most renowned benchmarks for excellence in this field is the Forbes 5-star standards, focusing on the following aspects:

To qualify for the Forbes 5-star standards evaluation, a property must meet certain prerequisites, such as maintaining a stellar reputation, offering top-tier accommodations and dining options, and showcasing a commitment to guest satisfaction.

Once these initial criteria are met, the property undergoes a rigorous inspection process by trained professionals who assess every aspect against the Forbes standards. With the standards’ meticulous criteria and thorough evaluation process, the Forbes checklist sets a definitive benchmark for excellence, helping establishments distinguish themselves as leaders in the field.

Organizations, primarily luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and world-class spas, can use a Forbes 5-star standards checklist to streamline their process of conducting internal audits and inspections on their processes and amenities before applying for formal evaluation.

Utilizing a Forbes hotel standards checklist also offers other benefits, including the following:

What to Include in a Forbes 5 Star Standards Checklist

Crafting a comprehensive checklist for checking an establishment’s adherence to the Forbes standards means being intentional about the specific sections and items to include in it.

To help you maintain high standards for your property, consider putting these items and pages into your Forbes 5-star standards checklist:

What to Consider When Creating One

Before creating your checklist, there are a few things to keep in mind to help make it more tailored to your establishment and the criteria set by Forbes. Some of these factors and processes include the following:

How to Use This Checklist

By following a structured approach, establishments can systematically enhance service quality and exceed guest expectations through these steps:

  1. Thoroughly review the checklist to understand the criteria and expectations for each section.
  2. Evaluate existing operations against the checklist to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
  3. Create tailored action plans to address deficiencies and enhance performance in alignment with Forbes standards.
  4. Implement comprehensive training programs to equip staff with the skills and knowledge needed to meet or exceed standards based on the needs identified while using the checklist.
  5. Continuously monitor performance and conduct periodic evaluations to track progress and ensure ongoing compliance with the checklist.
  6. Actively seek feedback from guests to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for further refinement.
  7. Recognize and celebrate achievements and milestones reached in meeting or exceeding Forbes 5-star standards, motivating staff, and reinforcing a culture of excellence.

Forbes 5 Star Standards Checklist Example

To give you a simple overview of how an internal evaluation report looks like, here’s a filled-out Forbes 5-star standards checklist example:

Forbes 5-Star Standards Checklist Sample Report

FAQs About Forbes 5 Star Standards Checklists

How often does the Forbes Travel Guide inspect Forbes-rated establishments?

Forbes Travel Guide conducts inspections annually to ensure that properties are consistently meeting the rigorous standards outlined in their checklist. These regular inspections help maintain the integrity of the rating system and provide guests with confidence in the quality and excellence of Forbes-rated establishments.

Can properties lose their 5-star rating if they fail to maintain the standards outlined in the checklist?

Yes, properties and establishments can lose their 5-star rating if they fail to consistently maintain the standards outlined in the Forbes checklist. If a property falls short of these stringent standards over time, it risks losing its prestigious 5-star rating.

How does the Forbes 5-star standards checklist address sustainability and environmental initiatives?

The checklist helps property owners and managers assess their implementation of eco-friendly practices and commitment to environmental stewardship. Criteria related to sustainability may include the use of energy-efficient technology, waste reduction measures, sourcing locally produced goods, and implementing eco-friendly cleaning products.

Consistently Uphold Forbes 5 Star Standards with SafetyCulture

Why use SafetyCulture?

As customer expectations evolve, meeting and exceeding the Forbes 5-star standards becomes increasingly crucial to satisfy discerning guests who demand excellence. Properties that achieve higher ratings by following these standards enjoy better business performance and experience increased revenue streams.

Moreover, by consistently delivering exceptional service and experiences, establishments can foster loyalty among guests, driving repeat business and contributing to sustained financial growth and success. Thus, embracing and upholding Forbes 5-star standards not only elevates the guest experience but also fuels business growth and prosperity in the long run.

In this endeavor, a workplace operations platform like SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) helps manage and optimize operational processes. Enabling properties to systematically address the multifaceted requirements of Forbes’ exacting standards, properties can enhance efficiency, consistency, and transparency across all operational areas, from housekeeping and guest services to health and safety protocols. These can be achieved through the following features and functionalities: