Hotels, B&B's and Guest Accommodation

In response to consumer demand, the Automobile Association, English Tourism Council and RAC have joined forces to create one new overall rating scheme for serviced accommodation, using Diamonds for Guest Accommodation (guesthouses, inns, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts) and Stars to represent Hotels.  The new scheme puts greater emphasis on quality in Hotels and Guest Accommodation - particularly in areas of cleanliness and guest care.

Serviced Accommodation:  Diamonds (ETC, AA, RAC)

Diamond ratings for Guest Accommodation reflect visitor expectations of this sector, where quality is seen as more important than facilities and services.  As a result Guest Accommodation is required to meet progressively higher standards of quality and guest care as they move up the scale from one to five diamonds.

One Diamond Guest Accommodation:  Clean and comfortable accommodation, providing breakfast and helpful service.

Two Diamond Guest Accommodation:  An increased level of quality and comfort, with greater emphasis on guest care.

Three Diamond Guest Accommodation:  Well maintained, practical decor, a good choice of breakfast dishes, a higher degree of customer care and at least 40% of the bedrooms will have private or en-suite bathrooms.

Four Diamond Guest Accommodation:  An even higher level of quality and comfort.  Good level of customer care.

Five Diamond Guest Accommodation:  Excellent quality in furnishing and rooms.  At least 80% of bedrooms will have en-suite/private bathrooms.  Excellent levels of customer care.

Serviced Accommodation:  Stars (ETC, AA, RAC)

Star ratings symbolise the level of service, range of facilities and quality of guest care that you can expect.  Hotels are required to meet progressively higher standards as they move up the scale from one to five Stars.

The gradings are:

One Star:  Practical accommodation with a limited range of facilities and services, but a high standard of cleanliness throughout.  Restaurant/eating area.  75% of bedrooms will have en-suite or private facilities.

Two Stars:  Better equipped bedrooms, all with en-suite/private bathroom and a colour TV.  A lift is normally available.

Three Stars:  Higher standard of services and facilities including larger public areas and bedrooms, a receptionist, room service, laundry.

Four Stars:  Accommodation offering superior comfort and quality; all bedrooms with en-suite bath, fitted overhead shower and WC.  Spacious and well appointed public areas.  More emphasis on food and drink.  Room service of all meals and 24 hour drinks, refreshments and snacks.  Dry cleaning service available.  Excellent customer service.

Five Stars:  A spacious, luxurious establishment offering you the highest international quality of accommodation, facilities, services and cuisine.  There will be a range of extra facilities.  You will feel very well cared for by professional, attentive staff providing flawless guest services.

 

National Accessible Scheme:

 Category 1:  Accessible to a wheelchair user travelling independently.

 Category 2:  Accessible to a wheelchair user travelling with assistance.

 Category 3:  Accessible to someone with limited mobility but able to walk a few paces and up a maximum of three steps.

Self-Catering Accommodation

The English Tourism Council's new star ratings will help you choose the accommodation that's right for you.  Assessors have been visiting flats, houses, cottages and serviced apartments on your behalf assessing quality, including comfort, space, facilities and most important of all, cleanliness.  The brand new quality rating system is easy to use and is based on extensive research.  So when you choose a Star-rated property you can rest assured that your expectations will be met or even exeeded.

Quite simply, the more stars, the higher the overall level of quality you can expect to find.  Establishments at higher rating levels also have to meet some additional requirements before they can be considered for a Star rating.  From there, increased levels of quality apply.  For instance, you'll find acceptable quality at One Star, good to very good quality at Three Star and exceptional quality at Five Star.

One Star:  Acceptable overall level of quality.  Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

Two Star:  Good overall level of quality.  All units self-contained - 2 bathrooms where there are 8 or more guests.

Three Star:  Good to very good level of quality.  Good standard of maintenance and decoration.  Ample space and good quality furniture.  All double beds with access from both sides.  Microwaves.

Four Star:  Excellent overall level of quality.  Very good care and attention to detail will be obvious throughout.  Either access to washing machine and drier, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

Five Star:  Exceptional overall level of quality.  High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services.  Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.

 

Return