Accommodation ratings explained

All accommodation providers have been, or are waiting to be, inspected by one of the recognised assessing bodies – Visit Britain (assessments are provided by Quality In Tourism on Visit Britain’s behalf) or the AA.  Both have assessed accommodation to the same criteria and have awarded one to five stars.  The star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience.

There are a number of different designators under each accommodation type all of which are rated between one and five stars.

Hotels
Must have a minimum of six bedrooms, be licensed, (unless categorised as a Metro Hotel) and all bedrooms must be ensuite or with private bathrooms.

Guest Accommodation
Properties are likely to be smaller than hotels with perhaps more of a family home feel and approach, and a less structured service.

Self Catering
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.

Caravans and Camping, Holiday Parks
Star ratings reflect the overall quality of the park from one to five stars – five stars being reserved for parks of exceptional quality.

Star ratings made easy:
*   Simple, practical, no frills
**  Well presented and well run
***  Good level of quality and comfort
****  Excellent service throughout
*****  Exceptional with a degree of luxury
Awaiting Grading  Awaiting assessment

Special awards are given to serviced accommodation who have achieved exceptional quality at their level, offering over and above the standard rating are:

Gold and Silver Awards from Quality In Tourism, Yellow Stars from the AA.

1066 Country Partner

Partners who have joined the campaign to promote the 1066 Country area (Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye), helping to support tourism in this unique historic region.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme

Awarded to accommodation providers on their efforts to reduce their environmenal impact

1066 Country Approved Visitor Accommodation Scheme

Local assessment, run by Quality in Tourism, to verify that the accommodation establishment is 'legal, safe and clean'