Under a newly harmonised UK-wide scheme, all quality assured accommodation is awarded a rating of 1-5 stars by VisitBritain or the AA. Accommodation is assessed to different criteria depending on whether it is a hotel, guest accommodation, self catering or a holiday park. The facilities available at a 3 star hotel will be quite different to those at a 3 star guest accommodation. The ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience as well as the facilities and services offered.
Guest Accommodation - Diamonds and Stars
The diamonds that were previously awarded to guest accommodation (B&Bs, Guest Houses and Inns) are gradually being replaced by stars. Some entries on this website have diamond ratings and some have stars. Higher star ratings are more difficult to achieve than under the diamond scheme. You may find guest accommodation that previously held a 4 diamond rating has been reassessed under the new standards as 3 stars. It does not necessarily mean that their quality standards have dropped.
Red Stars denote a hotel within the Top 200 hotels as graded by the AA.
Silver and Gold Awards
Silver Awards recognise exceptional quality at all levels and Gold Awards are given to the very 'best of the best'.
AA Rosettes are awarded to AA appointed establishments serving food distinctly above the standard encountered throughout most of the restaurant industry.
Your guarantee of quality
You can be confident that wherever you choose to stay, it has been checked out before you check in. For more information on quality gradings, go to
www.enjoyEngland.com or refer to the consumer guides available free at tourist information centres.
National Accessible Scheme
When you see a National Accessible Scheme symbol you can be sure that the accommodation its core facilities have been thoroughly assessed against demanding criteria. If you have additional needs or special requirements, we strongly recommend that you make sure these can be met by your chosen establishment before you confirm your reservation. Additional help and guidance on finding suitable holiday accommodation for those with special needs can be obtained from:
Tourism for All
c/o Vitalise
Shap Road Industrial Estate
Kendal
LA9 6NZ 0845 124 9971