Quality Gradings Explained

Quality Assured Accommodation

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. Use them as a general guide to what you can expect.

 Simple, practical, no frills.
 Well presented and well run.
 Good level of quality and comfort.
 Excellent standard throughout.
 Exceptional with a degree of luxury.

The different designators

• Hotel: Includes Hotel, Country House Hotel, Metro Hotel, Town House Hotel and Budget Hotel
• Guest Accommodation: Includes Bed and Breakfasts, Farmhouses, Guest Houses and Restaurants with Rooms and Inns
• Self-Catering
• Serviced Apartment
• Holiday, Touring & Camping Parks
• Holiday Village
• Hostel: Includes Bunkhouse, Camping Barn, Group Hostel and Hostel
• University / Campus
• Hotel Boat: Includes Narrowboats, Cruisers and Hotel Boats

Accolades

Gold, silver and rose awards are given 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.

Rose: caravan holiday homes for hire which are of a high standard are recognised by the Rose Award. These are sited on 4 or 5 star Holiday Parks.

• Take a look at our Award Winning Accommodation page for more information

For more information on quality accreditations visit www.enjoyengland.com

Welcome to Excellence

The Welcome to Excellence programme provides customer service training for the tourism industry aims to improve quality standards in customer care. If a more than 50% of a businesses staff have attended a Welcome to Excellence training course they display the Welcome to Excellence logo.

Green Accommodation in Lancashire

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) accredits a range of different types of accommodation providers on their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Each business is assessed every two years against rigorous criteria, covering areas like energy efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling, use of local produce, and support of public transport.

Green Tourism is Sustainable Tourism - tourism which takes into account the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses, and visitors; now and in the future.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK and has been adopted by the 5 Northwest Tourist Boards. Businesses are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more to achieve a Gold, Silver or Bronze award.

• For more information take a look at our Green Accommodation page.