Accommodation Ratings Explained

The AA, English Tourism Council (ETC) and RAC have joined forces to create an overall rating scheme for hotels and guest accommodation. Now, when you see Stars or Diamonds, you will know that the hotel or guest accommodation has been visited by qualified inspectors - all working to the same high standards.

Stars, from one to five, symbolise overall quality, level of service, food standard and range of facilities available.

High standard of cleanliness. Limited range of facilities and services. Friendly and helpful staff. Restaurant/eating area open to you and your guests for breakfast and dinner. A bar or lounge serving alcohol. 75% of bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities.

All the above plus better equipped and more comfortable accommodation. All bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities and colour TV. A straight forward range of services with a more personal touch. Food and drink is of a slightly higher standard. A lift is normally available.

All the above plus greater quality and a higher standard of services and facilities. Usually larger hotels with more spacious public areas and bedrooms. A more formal style of service. Room service of continental breakfast. Laundry service. Greater attention to quality of food.

All the above plus superior comfort and quality. All bedrooms with en-suite facilities, both bath and shower and WC. More emphasis on quality food and drink. Skilled staff anticipating and responding to needs and requests. Room service of all meals. 24hr drinks and snacks.

All the above plus, luxurious and spacious surroundings. The highest international quality of accommodation, services and a range of extra facilities. Professional, attentive, highly trained staff. Superb cuisine. Striking decor. Exceptional comfort. Sophisticated ambience.

The AA also award rosettes to denote the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels.

Guest accommodation(inns, farmhouses, bed & breakfast,and guesthouses)

The number of diamonds is based on an assessment, looking at cleanliness, guest care, bedroom comfort bathroom facilities and standard of food.

Clean and comfortable. A full cooked or continental breakfast. Other meals, where provided, must be freshly prepared. Clean bed linen, towels and fresh soap. Adequate heating, with hot water available at reasonable times for bathing or showers, at no extra cost. An acceptable overall level of quality and helpful service.

All the above plus a higher level of quality and comfort with greater emphasis on guest care in all areas.

All the above plus a good overall level of quality. Well maintained, practical decor. A good choice of dishes for breakfast. All other meals, where provided, will be freshly prepared using quality ingredients. A greater degree of comfort and guest care.

All the above plus a very good level of quality and comfort. A very good degree of guest care, and extra attention given to cleanliness and warmth of welcome.

All the above plus an excellent overall level of quality and comfort with ample space and a degree of luxury. A fine quality bed, high quality furniture and interior design. A high proportion of bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities. Other meals, where available, made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Excellent levels of guest care.

The English Tourism Council's new Gold and Silver awards are awarded to those establishments which not only achieve the overall quality required for their rating, but also reach the highest levels of quality in those specific areas which guests identify as being really important to them

Self Catering

The more Stars, the higher the overall level of quality.

Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequateprovision of furniture furnishings and fittings.

As One Star, plus a good overall level of quality. All units self contained - two bathroomswhere there are eight or more guests.

As Two Stars, plus good to very good level of quality. Good standards of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double bed with access from both sides. Microwave.

As Three Stars, plus excellent overall level of quality. Very good care and attention to detail is obvious throughout. Either access to washing machine and drier, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

As Four Stars, plus 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.

Caravans and Campsites

Holiday Parks, Touring and Camping Parks are required to meet progressively higherstandards of quality as they move up the scale from one to flve stars.

Acceptable - to achieve this grade, the Parkmust be clean with good standards of maintenance and customer care.

Good " all the above plus an improved level of landscaping, lighting, refuse disposal and maintenance.

Very good - the range of facilities providedmay vary from Park to Park, but they will be of a very good standard and will be well maintained.

Excellent quality will be found at this level. You can except careful attention to detail in the provision of all services and facilities.

Exceptional quality standards can be expected from Parks with this grading. Highest levels of customer care will be provided. All facilities will be maintained in pristine condition in attractive surroundings.

• Walking Distance (Maps) Ltd • Bargate Centre • York Buildings • Southampton • SO14 1HF
Tel : 0906 68 22 001 (calls cost 25p per min) • Email:hamblevalley@walkingdistance.co.uk