National Quality Assurance Standards - Guest
Accommodation
When you are looking for a place to stay you
need a rating system you can trust. The VisitBritain
organisation issue ratings that are your clear guide to what to
expect, in an easy to understand form. Properties are visited annually
by our trained, impartial assessors, so you can have confidence that
your accommodation has been thoroughly checked and rated for quality
before you make a booking.
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.
Within the Guest Accommodation category are
designators that will give customers a further indication of the style
that can be expected. These include:
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definition of a Four Star rating
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B&B
- Accommodation provided in a private house, run
by the owner and with no more than six paying guests.
Guest house
- Accommodation provided for more than six
paying guests and run on a more commercial basis than a B&B.
Usually more more services, for example dinner, provided by staff as
well as the owner.
Farm house
- B&B or Guest house accommodation provided
on a working farm or smallholding.
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
- Destination restaurant offering overnight
accommodation with the restaurant being the main business, open to
non-residents. The restaurant will offer a high standard of food and
service at least five nights a week. The establishment will have a
liquor licence and a maximum of twelve guest bedrooms.
Guest Accommodation
- Any establishment that meets the minimum
requirements can be designated in this general sub category.
Establishments are given a rating from one to
five Stars – the more Stars the higher the quality and the greater
the range of facilities and level of services provided. The same
minimum requirements apply to all categories.
 One
Star:
Simple, no-frills accommodation suitable for
those on a tighter budget. Décor will be clean and furnishings fit
for purpose. Beds will be made up with clean linen and bedding, towels
and fresh soap provided. Bedrooms will have a form of heating,
acceptable lighting levels and privacy. Bathroom facilities may be
shared and hot water will be available at reasonable times.
As a minimum, breakfast will be provided –
either a full cooked meal or, if advertised in advance, a substantial
continental breakfast. Service levels may be limited.
Two Stars:
Accommodation offering a good overall level of
quality together with some facility and service enhancements, e.g.
in-room televisions, fitted heating. Décor will be in good condition,
furniture sound and lighting well positioned. Flooring will provide
adequate comfort underfoot. Bath or shower rooms may be en-suite or
shared with other guests and/or proprietor, facilities being
maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.
Additional services may be provided, e.g.
dinner. Meals may be simple with limited choice but will be freshly
prepared.
Three Stars:
A good level of quality in all areas. Bedrooms
will offer a reasonable amount of space and comfort, e.g. access to
both sides of double beds. Décor will show elements of coordination
with the soft furnishings. Furniture will be more substantial and may
provide additional facilities, e.g. writing desk. Conveniently
positioned lighting and controllable heating. En-suite facilities,
where provided, may be compact but will be clean and well maintained.
Toiletries (e.g. shampoo, shower gel) are likely to be provided. All
rooms will have a washbasin facility.
A greater selection of items may be offered at
breakfast, including choice of eggs cooked to order. Service
throughout will be efficient and hospitable.
Four Stars:
Very good quality in all areas. Bedrooms will be
more spacious with greater emphasis on quality of décor, furnishings,
fixtures and fittings. Extra facilities and personal touches may be
provided, e.g. hairdryer, radio. At least half the bedrooms will have
en-suite facilities, which will be well fitted with quality sanitary
ware, effective lighting and ventilation. Towels will be of a high
quality and a range of toiletries will be provided.
A very good breakfast will be offered, with a
wide selection of starter and cooked options. Local or homemade
specialities may be featured, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Service and guest care will be attentive,
efficient and hospitable.
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Five Stars:
Excellent quality accommodation with exceptional
levels of hospitality. Bedrooms will offer ample space with excellent
comfort and elements of luxury. High quality décor, furnishings and
fittings will feature in all guest areas. All bedrooms will be
en-suite or have private facilities, which will be fitted out with
high quality sanitary ware and fixtures. Luxury towelling, including
bath sheets and a wide range of quality toiletries.
Public areas will offer the same high quality as
the bedrooms and provide guests with additional space for comfort and
relaxation.
Breakfast will offer a wide selection of produce
such as freshly squeezed fruit juices, fruits in season, bakery items
and homemade preserves. Cooked options will be numerous, possibly with
some original or regional specialities.
Service and hospitality levels will be
exemplary.
Gold and Silver Awards
These are awarded to properties that not only
achieve their overall rating but also exceed the expectations within
their rating level. The awards recognise the high level of comfort,
cleanliness, hospitality and service afforded.
Silver – this award recognises high quality in
all areas of the business, with very good levels of customer care.
Gold – properties achieving a Gold award will
demonstrate exceptional levels of quality, comfort, cleanliness,
hospitality and attentive service.
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