Gradings explained
Quality in Tourism - Accommodation Quality Gradings explained
All the accommodation featured on this website has been quality assessed so you can make your choice confidently knowing that each establishment has been graded according to the quality on offer, and complies with either Visit Britain and/or the AA. Therefore you can be assured that the standards and choice are right for you.
Gradings made easy
* - Simple, practical, no frills
** - Well presented and well run
*** - Good level of quality and comfort
**** - Excellent standard throughout
***** - Exceptional standard with a degree of luxury
Serviced Accommodation
There are two separate schemes - one for hotels and one for B&Bs and guest houses. Hotel categories include: hotel, country house hotel, small hotel, town house hotel, metro hotel. Hotels are required to be licensed, offer dinner on at least five nights per week (unless a metro hotel) with all rooms having en-suites or private bathrooms. Guest accommodation categories include: guest accommodation, bed & breakfast, guest house, farmhouse, inn, restaurant with rooms (no star rating).
Accolades - Gold and Silver Awards
These accolades are awarded to hotels and guest houses / B&Bs and recognise exceptional quality in all areas, particularly in service and hospitality.
AA Red Star Hotels
From large luxury hotels to snug country inns, red star hotels are the best in the UK. They are selected from each of the star rating levels for their exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service.
AA Yellow Stars
AA Yellow Stars recognise the very best guest accommodation within the 3-5 star rating.
Self-Catering
Self catering includes the categories self catering, serviced apartments, approved caravan holiday home. Assessments are carried out on the general layout and design of the accommodation taking into account the comfort of both bedrooms and bathrooms. Quality and range of kitchen equipment is assessed and, most important of all, cleanliness. Individual caravan holiday homes are assessed to ensure they provide clean and comfortable accommodation, gaining approved caravan holiday home status.
Touring and Camping Parks
These star ratings reflect the overall quality of the park ranging from 1-5 stars or pennants if awarded by the AA.
Holiday Parks
These star ratings reflect the overall quality of the park facilities ranging from 1-5 stars or pennants if awarded by the AA.
Other Schemes
National Accessible Scheme (NAS). If you have particular mobility, visual or hearing needs, look out for theNational Accessible Scheme logos. Properties and attractions displaying these symbols will have met the National Accessible scheme criteria.
Walkers and Cyclists Welcome. Offers facilities for walkers or cyclists.
Families Welcome. If you are planning a break with the family, look out for the Families Welcome scheme awarded to businesses that provide facilities and services for families of varying ages and combinations and information to help make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Welcome Pets. Provides facilities specifically for your pet and provides information to help make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
