Guide to ratings

Please note the following is merely a guide, further information can be obtained from each of the organisations and bodies to whom we refer.

Common standards for accommodation

Establishments offering accommodation are assessed and graded under a set of common quality standards agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities: VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales.

The aim of the common standards is to make accommodation standards easy to understand and to give you confidence that establishments meet the standards you expect.

Types of accommodation

Under the new common standards accommodation is assessed under three broad categories: Hotel, Guest Accommodation and Budget Hotel.

Hotel and Guest Accommodation are divided into sub-categories or designators which provide more information about the type of establishment.

Hotel categories

Hotel - formal accommodation with a full service
Country House - peace and quiet with ample grounds or gardens
Small Hotel - limited service with a personal touch
Town House Hotel - a high-quality distinctive service in a city-centre location
Metro Hotel - a full service except dinner, close to town centre restaurants

Guest accommodation categories

Establishments in each of these categories should fulfill all Guest Accommodation minimum entry requirements.

B&B
Accommodation provided in a private house by the owner for up to six paying guests.
Guest House
Accommodation for more than six paying guests, with the owner and staff providing more services, e.g. dinner.
Farmhouse
B&B or guesthouse accommodation provided on a working farm.
Inn
Accommodation provided in a fully licensed establishment. The bar will be open to non-residents and provide food in the evenings.
Restaurant with Rooms
A restaurant offering overnight accommodation.
Guest Accommodation
Any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements and chooses to use this general category description.

 

Accommodation standards star grades

Star ratings, from one to five, are used to assess the standard of the quality you can expect for hotels and bed & breakfast accommodation. The following is a brief summary of standards expected from the establishment types within their ratings.

Star Rating	Hotel	B&B
	Staff provide a prompt, polite and informal service. The majority of rooms are en suite and there is a designated eating area serving breakfast everyday and dinner most evenings.	A clean establishment, offering a minimal service with a full cooked or substantial continental breakfast available.
	Staff are smartly presented and provide a well-informed service. Rooms are generously proportioned. Breakfast and dinner are available seven days a week.	A courteous and helpful service. Breakfast is prepared with a good level of care and bedrooms are comfortable.
	An ample number of easily identified staff, who are able to anticipate requirements. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. Meals are cooked and presented to a good standard, using good quality ingredients.	A positive and friendly service. Breakfast will be prepared using good quality ingredients. Rooms will be well-appointed and comfortable.
	Attentive staff provide a very good level of service. At least half of the rooms will have an en suite bath and a shower. At least one restaurant offering a good range of hot and cold skilfully prepared food.	An attentive and welcoming service. Breakfast is prepared using fresh ingredients with a high degree of care. Rooms have comfortable beds and furnishings of high quality.
	Impeccably dressed staff provide attentive and unobtrusive service. All bedrooms will have an en suite bathroom with a bath and thermostatically controlled shower. Meals are cooked and presented to an excellent standard using high quality ingredients.	Guests are made to feel at home and extra services are offered. Breakfast is of an excellent quality, prepared using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Rooms have comfortable beds and furnishings of excellent quality.

 

Other accommodation symbols

Diamonds
Bed & Breakfast accommodation assessed by the AA before January 2006 was graded using a Diamond rating. Establishments were awarded one diamond at the simplest level up to five diamonds at the luxury end, based on an assessment of cleanliness, service, bedroom comfort, bathroom facilities and the standard of food.

Red diamonds recognise the very best establishments within the three, four and five Diamond rating levels.

You can expect to find the following minimum standards at all diamond levels:

Friendly, professional check in and check out, with a properly prepared bill.
Comfortable rooms equipped to modern standards.
Furniture and soft furnishings in good condition. Bedding and towels changed for each new guest and at least weekly if the room is taken for a long stay.
Adequate storage, heating, lighting and a sufficient hot water supply.
Full, cooked breakfast, but if this is not provided, the fact must be advertised and a continental breakfast given instead.

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