Why Graded Accommodation?

What does it mean if my accommodation is graded?

You will find that much of the accommodation that appears on our website is graded or assessed by either the AA or Quality in Tourism on behalf of VisitEngland.

Grading schemes, whilst not perfect, give holiday accommodation an assessment which is benchmarked and recognised nationally, meaning that everyone can understand what they should be getting for their money, and what standard the accommodation should be. The same grading benchmark is used the length and breadth of the country, so that visitors know what they can expect when they arrive on the doorstep, ready for their holiday or short break, wherever they're going.

National grading scheme stars are now also recognised on review sites such as Trip Advisor for example, so if you're checking reviews, do double-check the star rating at the same time. Some review sites give accommodation the opportunity to 'self assess' themselves, which does not form part of a nationally recognised official scheme. After all, any accommodation proprietor can self assess themselves to be whatever grade they like if they so wish. Only the AA and VisitEngland are able to give an official, nationally recognised star rating or penannt grading to accommodation establishments. 

The AA and QualityinTourism on behalf of VisitEngland
Both the AA and VisitEngland inspect visitor accommodation (serviced and self-catering) and grade it against an agreed scale encompassing cleanliness and standard of accommodation so that visitors can have peace of mind when choosing where to stay. Accommodation establishments can choose whether to be inspected by either the AA or VisitEngland.

It is important to note however that some properties will not be able to achieve a higher star rating because perhaps they are a period property that is not allowed to put handbasins in bedrooms or cannot install a lift or, in the case of some hotels, because they do not provide 24 hour reception but do have someone sleeping in who can attend to you, albeit it in their pyjamas.

Serviced Accommodation
Serviced accommodation can be Hotels, various types of Guest Accommodation or Holiday Villages, and is graded with stars by both the AA and by VisitEngland.

The number of stars reflects the grading. Hotels have a minimum of six bedrooms but are more likely to have 20+ bedrooms. Guest Accommodation, Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfast categorised accommodation tend to have a more personal touch, may well be family run and can range from smaller houses to much larger establishments. Stars given to serviced Holiday Villages tend to reflect the standard of accommodation and food service, as well as the amenities available on site

Going the extra mile
Establishments that go the extra mile to make your stay a special one may be awarded a Silver or Gold award by VisitEngland or may be awarded coloured stars by the AA. With the AA, hotels that have gone the extra mile earn red stars, whereas AA Guest Accommodation earns yellow stars. These awards recognise quality at all levels and are only given to the very best of the best.

Self-Catering (non-serviced) Accommodation
VisitEngland is the main assessor for self-catering accommodation, the AA only inspects self-catering cottages and campsites. VisitEngland uses stars to grade properties that they have assessed. The AA uses stars for self-catering properties and pennants (sideways triangles) to grade the campsites that they have assessed. The number of stars or pennants reflects the grading.

Restaurants
The AA also inspects restaurants and may choose to award rosettes for very special restaurants that really stand out in the local area. The number of rosettes reflects the grading.