Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is recognized as the global authority on luxury hospitality, operating an independent rating system for hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships. Established in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide, it pioneered the original Five-Star rating system in the United States. The company's core mission is to provide discerning travelers with reliable, expert-validated information to confidently book luxury travel experiences. Its headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

The company's primary service revolves around its rigorous Star Rating system, which involves anonymous, professional inspectors evaluating properties against up to 900 objective criteria, with a significant emphasis on service quality. These ratings, which include Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended categories, are earned through an independent inspection process and cannot be purchased. Beyond its renowned ratings, Forbes Travel Guide also offers professional development resources, including training services and quality assessments, designed to help hospitality organizations achieve and maintain high service standards.

Under the leadership of CEO Hermann Elger, appointed in February 2022, and Chairman Jeff Arnold, Forbes Travel Guide continues to expand its influence within the luxury travel sector. The company's ratings now encompass over 2,100 properties across 90 countries. Recent initiatives include strategic partnerships, such as one with Bilt, and an expansion into new market segments like river cruises, further solidifying its position as a leading arbiter of luxury hospitality standards.