Accommodation Grading
Accommodation standards are now rated by the Automobile Associate (The AA) and by Visit Britain (The Tourist Board) to a common set of standards. This scheme should help visitors to feel more confident about the level of service any rated accommodation provides. However, it should also be borne in mind, that very many accommodation properties do not subscribe to either of these organisations and the lack of these ratings on any property’s brochure, does not have any indication of the quality offered by these properties, which in many cases would easily achieve high Accommodation Grading.
The following descriptions can be used as a general guide to what you can expect:
- 1 star: Simple, practical, no frills
- 2 star: Well presented and well run
- 3 star: Good level of quality and comfort
- 4 star: Excellent standard throughout
- 5 star: Exceptional with a degree of luxury
However, just to confuse everyone, the ratings can also have different meanings when applied to Hotels and other Guest accommodation, so the same rating can mean different things and be applied differently depending on accommodation type. This means that a high quality property in one category can show a lower star rating than a poorer quality property in another category.
Accommodation standards Star ratings descriptions (from the AA)
One Star
Hotel - Courteous staff provide an informal yet competent service. The majority of rooms are en suite, and a designated eating area serves breakfast daily and dinner most evenings.
Guest accommodation - Minimum quality requirements for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, facilities and services. A cooked or substantial continental breakfast is served in a dining room or eating area, or bedroom only.
Two Star
Hotels - All rooms are en suite or have private facilities. A restaurant or dining room serves breakfast daily and dinner most evenings.
Guest accommodation - Courteous service, well-maintained beds, and breakfast prepared with a good level of care.
Three Star
Hotels - Staff are smartly and professionally presented. All rooms are en suite, and the restaurant or dining room is open to residents and non-residents.
Guest accommodation - Friendly welcome, and good-quality, well-presented beds and furniture. A choice of good-quality, freshly cooked food is available at breakfast.
Four Star
Hotels - Professional, uniformed staff respond to your needs or requests, and there usually are well-appointed public areas. The restaurant or dining room is open to residents and non-residents, and lunch is available in a designated eating area.
Guest accommodation - Attentive, more personalised service. At least half of the bedrooms are en suite or have private bathrooms (from 1 Jan 2008). Very good beds and high quality furniture. Breakfast offers a greater choice, and fresh ingredients are cooked and presented with a high level of care.
Five Star
Hotels - Luxurious accommodation and public areas, with a range of extra facilities and a multilingual service available. Guests are greeted at the hotel entrance. High quality menu and wine list.
Guest accommodation - Awareness of each guest's needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms are en suite or have a private bathroom (from 1 January 2008). Excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast includes specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.
We cannot guarantee the visual images or textual description of the quality of the properties displayed on our Internet or printed pages and therefore cannot assume any responsibility for the accuracy or validity of claims or descriptions given by any property owner on this web site or in any other locations on the internet. We strongly suggest that information is sought directly from the owners. Any views or opinions stated within our web sites or other locations on the internet are soley those of the property owner and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Reserve It Ltd. We always reserve the right to remove, without compensation, any establishment that fails to provide the quality of service claimed in their StayinBritain advertisment.