Forbes Travel Guide is the world's leading authority on luxury hospitality and the only independent, global rating system for hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. Founded in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide, the company operates from its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and evaluates properties in more than 90 countries. Its One to Five-Star rating system, first created as the Mobil Travel Guide rating system, is now regarded as the gold standard for luxury travellers.
The company's ratings are produced through its Incognito Inspection Service, a team of highly trained inspectors who assess properties against up to 900 objective standards. Over 2,100 properties worldwide are rated under the system. The work rests on independence, objectivity and discretion: inspectors evaluate anonymously, and the resulting assessments are used by travellers and hospitality providers alike.
Beyond rating, Forbes Travel Guide works with hospitality organisations committed to service excellence. Its offerings include professional training programmes, custom standards development, verification services and consulting. Each year it also hosts the Star Awards, which bring together leading hotels, restaurants and spas to recognise achievements in luxury hospitality.
