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Key To Quality 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.

The symbols explained below are designed to help you find the quality of accommodation to suit your requirements.

National Scheme - VisitBritain & AA

The following descriptions of what to expect apply to all types of accommodation and to both stars and diamonds. Use them as a general guide to what you can expect.

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

Note: Diamonds only apply to Guest Accommodation and are gradually being replaced by stars during 2006.

Hotels

Hotels have to 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.

Guest Accommodation

Guest Accommodation is the category which encompasses anything from one-room Bed and Breakfasts to the larger places in our coastal resorts, 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.

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 well as the quality and comfort of the bedrooms and bathrooms, and most importantly, the cleanliness.

Hostels

Hostels provide safe, budget priced accommodation for young people, families and larger groups and are star rated. Higher rated accommodation often provides en suite rooms.

For more information visit www.enjoyengland.com

Local Scheme - QUALITY & QUALITY Plus

QUALITY is a local initiative (which has replaced the HOAST scheme). It is part of the VisitBritain START scheme, providing a structured and planned transition to the National Quality Assurance Standards.

Properties displaying the Quality sign are visited and assessed by local assessors, to ensure the quality of facilities and services offered meet a required standard.