The AA, English Tourism Council and RAC, in response to customer demand, have joined forces to create one new overall rating scheme for Hotels and Guest Accommodation.

Now, when you see one of the signs showing Stars or Diamonds, you will know that the Hotel or Guest Accommodation has been visited overnight anonymously by one of these organisations qualified Inspectors - all working to the same high standards. It's that simple and that easy to find quality accommodation you can trust.

STARS for Hotels

Stars, from one to five, symbolise overall quality, level of service, food standard and range of facilities available.

If you want to want to be sure of an en-suite bathroom for example, choose a two star or above. To be sure of a wide menu selection and an all-day bar, them choose a Hotel with three or more stars.
Wherever you book, be it a city centre Hotel or a secluded retreat in the country, look for these signs to be sure.


The New Hotel Ratings Explained

High standard of cleanliness; limited range of facilities and services; friendly and helpful staff; restaurant/eating area open to you and your guests for breakfast and dinner; a bar or lounge serving alcohol; 75% of bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities

All the above plus, better equipped and more comfortable accommodation; all bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities and colour TV; a straight forward range of services with a more personal touch; food and drink is of a slightly higher standard; a lift is normally available.

All the above plus, greater quality and a higher standard of services and facilities; usually larger hotels with more spacious public areas and bedrooms; a more formal style of service; room service of continental breakfast; laundry service; greater attention to quality of food.

All the above plus, superior comfort and quality; al bedrooms with en-suite facilities, both bath and shower and WC; more emphasis on quality food and drink; skilled staff anticipating and responding to needs and requests; room service of all meals; 24hr drinks and snacks.

All the above plus, luxurious and spacious surroundings; the highest international quality of accommodation, services and a range of extra facilities; professional attentive, highly trained staff; superb cuisine; striking decor; exceptional comfort; sophisticated ambience.

DIAMONDS for Guest Accommodation

If you are planning to spend a few nights in a guesthouse, an inn, a rural farmhouse, or maybe you just want a bed & breakfast? Check out the new Diamond ratings for Guest Accommodation. They range from one to five, just like Hotels, and indicate the level of quality you can expect. The number of Diamonds is based on an assessment by an Inspector, looking at the cleanliness, guest care, bedroom comfort, bathroom facilities and of course the standard of food. Rest assured, Diamonds are a traveller's best friend.

The New Guest Accommodation Ratings Explained

Clean & comfortable; a full cooked or continental breakfast; other meals where provided, must be freshly prepared; clean bed linen, towels and fresh soap; adequate heating, with hot water available at reasonable times for bathing or showers, at no extra cost; an acceptable level of quality and helpful service.

All the above plus, a higher level of quality and comfort with greater emphasis on quest care in all areas.

All the above plus, a good overall level of quality; well maintained practical decor; a good choice of dishes for breakfast; all other meals where provided, will be freshly prepared using quality ingredients; a greater degree of comfort and guest care.

All the above plus, a very good level of quality and comfort; a very good degree of guest care, and extra attention given to cleanliness and warmth of welcome.

All the above plus, an excellent overall level of quality and comfort with ample space and a degree of luxury; a fine quality bed, high quality furniture and interior design; a high proportion of bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities; other meals where available, made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients; excellent level of guest care.