Rating Information

In response to consumer demand, VisitBritain and the Automobile Association have joined forces to create one overall rating scheme for serviced accommodation, using Stars to represent Hotels and Diamonds for Guest Accommodation (including guesthouses, inns, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts). The scheme puts greater emphasis on quality in Hotels and Guest Accommodation – particularly in areas of cleanliness and guest care. From 1st January 2007 the RAC will no longer operate a quality assessment scheme.

A quality assurance rating provides an independent assessment of what a guest can expect to find. Whatever the size of accommodation or the facilities offered, these accreditations give an invaluable guarantee that a guest's stay will meet expectations.

VisitBritain and the AA now assess hotels and guest accommodation to the same criteria and award from 1 to 5 stars. These star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience. This has now replaced the old diamond scheme.

The diamond ratings that were previously awarded to guest accommodation (B&Bs, Guest Houses etc) are gradually being replaced by stars. You will find some entries on this website with diamond ratings and some with star ratings. The new star ratings are designed to meet the greater expectations of consumers with regards to quality and facilities. Higher ratings are therefore more difficult to achieve than under the diamond scheme. On this website you may find, for example guest accommodation that previously held a 4 diamond rating and has been reassessed under the new standards as 3 stars. It does not necessarily mean that their quality standards have dropped.

Using a simple one to five rating, it puts great emphasis on quality and is based on research which showed exactly what consumers are looking for when choosing accommodation.

ONE Star

Simple, no-frills accommodation suitable for those on a tighter budget.

TWO Stars

Well presented with some facility and service enhancements.

THREE Stars

A good level of quality and comfort in all areas. Service throughout will be efficient and hospitable.

FOUR Stars

Very good quality in all areas.

FIVE Stars

Excellent quality accommodation with exceptional levels of hospitality.