In response to consumer demand, the Automobile Association, English
Tourism Council and RAC have joined forces to create one new overall
rating scheme for serviced accommodation, using Stars to represent
Hotels and Diamonds for Guest Accommodation (guesthouses, inns, farmhouses,
bed & breakfasts). The new scheme puts greater emphasis on quality
in Hotels and Guest Accommodation – particularly in areas of cleanliness
and guest care.
Self-catering accommodation
Every
year the National Tourist Boards inspect more than 11,000 self-catering
units. Assessors visit flats, houses, cottages and serviced apartments
on your behalf assessing quality, including comfort, space, facilities
and most important of all, cleanliness. The brand new quality rating
system is easy to use and is based on extensive research. So when
you choose a Star-rated property you can rest assured that your
expectations will be met or even exceeded. Quite simply, the more
Stars, the higher the overall level of quality you can expect to
find. Establishments at higher rating levels also have to meet some
additional requirements for facilities. All properties have to meet
an extensive list of minimum requirements before they can be considered
for a Star rating. From there, increased levels of quality apply.
For instance, you’ll find acceptable quality at One Star, good to
very good quality at Three Star and exceptional quality at Five
Star.
One
Star: acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision
of furniture, furnishings and fittings.
Two Star: good overall level of quality. All units self-contained
– 2 bathrooms where there are eight or more guests.
Three Star: good to very good level of quality. Good standard
of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture.
All double beds with access from both sides. Microwaves.
Four Star: excellent overall level of quality. Very good
care and attention to detail will be obvious throughout. Either
access to washing machine and drier, if not provided in the unit,
or a 24 hour laundry service.
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