Accommodation Gradings

All accommodation listed on this website has been inspected by one of the ratings authorities (Visit Britain or The AA) or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. Please be aware ratings may change throughout the year.

All the national assessing bodies now assess hotels and guest accommodation (including B&Bs) to the same criteria, and award one to five stars. The star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience:

1 star: Simple, practical, no frills.
2 star: Well presented and well run.
3 star: Good level of quality and comfort.
4 star: Excellent standard throughout.
5 star: Exceptional with a degree of luxury.

Hotels

Hotels have to be licensed, offer dinner at least 5 nights a week (unless categorised as a Metro Hotel) and have all rooms en suite or with private bathrooms.

The different Hotel categories are: Hotel, Country House Hotel, Metro Hotel, Town House Hotel and Budget Hotel.

More information about Hotels

Guest Accommodation

Guest Accommodation is the category which encompasses anything from one-room bed and breakfasts to larger places, which may offer dinner and may be licensed.

The different Guest Accommodation categories are: Bed and Breakfasts, Farmhouses, Guest Houses, Restaurants with Rooms and Inns.

More information about Guest Accommodation

Self Catering

For Self Catering accommodation the layout and design of the accommodation and the range and quality of the kitchen equipment is assessed, as are the quality and comfort of the bedrooms and bathrooms and, most importantly, the cleanliness.

The different Self Catering categories are: Apartments, Cottages, Serviced Apartments, Farm Stays, Houses, Bungalows and Studio Flats.

More Information about Self Catering

Campus Accommodation

Britain is scattered with historic and well-known universities. During holiday periods many open their campus doors offering good value comfortable accommodation for every type of visitor.

More information about Campus Accommodation

Gold and Silver Awards (Hotel and Guest Accommodation)

Silver Awards recognise exceptional quality at all levels and Gold Awards are given to the very 'best of the best'.