It is small, heavy, and holds special significance for hoteliers: a plaque displaying the hotel classification. On Monday, July 22, the hotel “The New Capitol” in Bad Berleburg was awarded the classification “Three-Star Superior” for the first time. “I didn’t expect three stars, let alone Superior,” said Isabel Pontzen, restaurant manager and host. “That makes us all the more delighted.” Lars Martin, Deputy Managing Director of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) Westfalen, explained what the three stars signify and why they are important when choosing a hotel.
“Three-Star Superior – that’s an excellent result for the hotel,” said Lars Martin proudly, noting that another hotel in the Siegen-Wittgenstein region has achieved a strong rating. Hotels are evaluated by inspectors based on a catalog of currently 247 criteria. “These are objective criteria – structural and functional aspects – not subjective ones like those found on online booking platforms,” the expert explained. For example, inspectors check whether there is a light switch near the bed, whether a hairdryer is available in the room, how many power outlets there are, and where they are located.
In addition to mandatory criteria required for a certain star rating, there are also optional criteria. “For example, the projectors in the rooms may have contributed additional points,” Martin said. The combination of cinema, hotel, and restaurant likely also earned points in these optional categories. “In today’s environment, it’s a bold step to include a restaurant within a hotel,” he added. “Many businesses are actually scaling back and closing their restaurant operations.” The term “garni” – referring to a hotel that offers breakfast but no restaurant – has become increasingly common.
However, the unique concept of the New Capitol – combining all areas into a unified theme – did not influence the evaluation. “As mentioned, we focus on objective criteria,” Martin emphasized. These were assessed by the hotel inspector just a few weeks earlier. “We weren’t nervous, but I had expected more of a two-star rating, since we don’t have a spa or pool,” said Isabel Pontzen. For her and the team, obtaining a classification was important. “We have been members of Dehoga for a long time and previously operated hotel properties in Winterberg. So there was a clear ambition to achieve a classification for the New Capitol as well.”
And the result is impressive: “Three-Star Superior is essentially comparable to four stars, with only a few mandatory criteria missing,” Martin explained. A total of 410 points is required for the “Superior” distinction – the New Capitol achieved 416. The classification must be renewed every three years. “This is partly because the criteria are regularly updated,” the expert noted, as guest expectations evolve over time. “In the past, a landline telephone in the room was essential. Today, guests use their smartphones.”
And speaking of guests: the star classification provides them with a helpful initial impression. “I do believe that classifications are still relevant today,” Martin said. “They give guests an idea of the standards a hotel meets, and they can then compare this with reviews on online platforms.” The New Capitol is already listed on booking platforms and currently holds a rating of 9.6/10 on Booking.com. “Since joining these platforms, we’ve seen an increase in tourist guests,” reported Isabel Pontzen. Weekend stays, in particular, have grown. “Although there’s still potential for more,” she added. Most guests, however, are still business travelers.
And the restaurant? “It has been very well received from the start and is usually very busy. We also welcome guests from outside the Wittgenstein region, which makes us very happy.” At the moment, however, they are experiencing a typical summer slowdown. “We are already looking at what we can offer during the holiday season next year,” said Pontzen, who is very pleased with the new classification.