visit england hotel star ratings

VisitEngland Assessment Services

VisitEngland has a team of 50 assessors working across VisitEngland Assessment Services as well as over 40 trained assessors maintaining our standards and continually assessing the quality and star ratings of more than 30,000 accommodation businesses.

We are dedicated to ensuring you find the accommodation that suits your budget as well as meets the quality of your expectations.

If you want to check a VisitEngland rating on a particular property, search VisitEngland Assessment Services, where 20,000 of VisitEngland’s quality-assessed businesses are featured.

With strict criteria our assessors check the levels of services and facilities offered to determine which accommodation type is awarded which star rating. Each year, every aspect of an accommodation is thoroughly inspected from the efficiency of the booking process to the level of service.

Cleanliness is the most crucial element of any assessment and minimum standards, particularly at the higher star ratings, reflect consumer expectations.

Once an assessor has agreed the category with the owners they review the services offered within that scheme and award a quality score. If an establishment offers the facilities required at a certain level, it must also achieve the quality score for that level before being awarded the rating. 

Every hotel assessment will include an overnight stay. B&B’s will be inspected via a ‘mystery shopper’ style visit at some point in the first year with follow-up pre-announced visits to confirm the quality rating. This will happen with every establishment at least one every two-three years.

Pre-appointed day visits will be carried out by an assessor for self-catering properties and holiday parks receive an unarranged day visit once a year. The quality rating of hostels is assessed a minimum of once every three years and campus accommodation once a year via a ‘mystery shopper’ or pre-arranged visit during the day. Hotel boats receive an overnight visit at least once a year while boat accommodation is inspected with an annual pre-arranged day visit.

Find out more about VisitEngland star ratings .

Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme

How can you be sure that England’s brilliant visitor attractions are all they say they are? Just look out for the Quality Rose Marque.

The VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque only gets awarded to attractions that have been independently assessed against the national standards of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme.  Museums, art galleries, safari parks, gardens, historic houses, theme parks and more: VisitEngland ensures that you can experience and enjoy England’s incredible spectrum of attractions with confidence.

Find out more about Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme .

Place of Interest Quality Assurance Scheme

Look out for VisitEngland’s Quality Rose Marque to make sure your visit to a Place of Interest is top-notch.

Twice a year, every year, VisitEngland sends out a team of experienced quality assessors to scope out the whole range of places of interest in England, from majestic medieval castles to public art such as the wonderful Dream sculpture in St Helens. These assessments all take place as part of the Place of Interest Quality Assurance Scheme to make sure your visit is a good as it can possibly be.

Find out more about  Place of Interest Quality Assurance Scheme .

Other Quality schemes

VisitEngland Business Development team works with industry experts who help with a range of advisory projects when there is a requirement for independent assessment.

Bespoke assessment and individually designed project plans are created where a scheme which does not fit either the VAQAS or PIQAS schemes is required.

Find out more about  VisitEngland Other Quality schemes .

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VisitBritain/Peter Kindersley

Introduction to Quality assessment

A VisitEngland star rating or accreditation gives potential customers a label they can trust. Highlighting your dedication to quality, it shows that your business has been independently verified by the national tourism authority as offering a consistently high standard of service, and experience.

The VisitEngland Quality Scheme celebrates excellence in tourism businesses of all sizes and varieties: from family-run guesthouses to world-renowned museums. We visit, assess and rate enterprises across 20 different categories, awarding star-based ratings and the VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque to successful participants.

Celebrating the best of the best

Businesses that out-perform in their category and offer outstanding quality within their star rating may also be nominated for an additional tribute. This could be a VisitEngland Gold, Silver or ROSE Award for accommodation providers, or a VisitEngland Accolade for tourism attractions.

Read on to discover which assessment category applies to your business, explore more benefits of the VisitEngland Quality Scheme and meet previous accolade winners.

Which types of businesses can be assessed?

Chris Rawlings

The VisitEngland Quality Scheme features 20 different schemes – such as  visitor attractions ,  hotels ,  self-catering ,  holiday parks ,  glamping sites  and  hostels . The Taste and Local Food accolades are open to businesses serving  food and drink .

How can ​​the VisitEngland Quality Scheme benefit your business?

You will be visited by an assessor every year who will look round your business and provide recommendations, suggestions and feedback to help you grow your business. They will also be able to share best practice hints and tips from other businesses across the country.

Participants may be eligible to achieve one of our annual accolades – such as the VisitEngland ROSE Awards and the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades. Our assessors can also provide advice and guidance on entry into regional and national awards.

Accreditation

VisitEngland’s accreditations have worldwide recognition, and participants are permitted to use the VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque.

Your successful businesses will be showcased on visitenglandassessmentservices.com and ratedtrips.com – both of which include free links to your website.

Communication

Participants will receive regular updates on industry news, networking events, informative articles and more with our bespoke communications, including a quarterly magazine and regular email newsletters. 

Get year-round access to practical advice and guidance. Our expert assessors are always available to offer support to participants.

Meet our VisitEngland team and other participants at exhibitions and shows throughout the year – a valuable networking opportunity.

Exclusivity

We offer lots of benefits to participants – from discounted product offers to free HR advice.

Link to VisitEngland assessments

Learn more about visitengland assessments and apply.

Discover how to join the VisitEngland Quality Scheme, how it could boost your business and the awards you may be eligible to enter on the VisitEngland Assessment Services website.

The ROSE Awards

The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards recognise accommodation providers across England who provide the best service and welcome. The winners are establishments whose owners, management and employees provide outstanding experiences for their customers – regardless of their star rating, style or type of accommodation.

We present 100 ROSE Awards every year. Nominations are triggered by our annual quality assessment visits. Other evidence - including online reviews - are considered. The judging panel also looks for innovation within the business, such as special facilities or services.

Meet the winners: ROSE Awards 2023

East midlands.

Bridleway Bed and Breakfast , Lincoln (Guest Accommodation)

Brills Farm Bed and Breakfast , Lincoln (Guest Accommodation)

Caistor Lakes , Caistor (Holiday Park)

Highfields Country Retreat , Sleaford (Holiday Park)

Little Redlands Bed and Breakfast , Lincoln (Guest Accommodation)

Skegness Sands , Skegness (Holiday Park)

Tattershall Lakes , Tattershall (Holiday Park)

The Lyndsay Guest House , Skegness (Guest Accommodation)

The Old Posthouse B&B , Market Rasen (Guest Accommodation)

The Savoy , Skegness (Guest Accommodation)

Underleigh House , Hope Valley (Guest Accommodation)

East of England

Braeburn Barn , Lower Wood Farm Country Cottages, Caister-on-Sea (Self-Catering)

Gate Lodge , Hunstanton (Guest Accommodation)

Hoste Barn , Swanton Abbott (Self-Catering)

Rockingham Forest Park , Wansford (Holiday Park)

Stable Cottage , Old Hall Country Breaks, Kings Lynn (Self-Catering)

The Grafton Guest House , Felixstowe (Guest Accommodation)

The Lion Inn , Chelmsford (Guest Accommodation)

Vicarage House , Norfolk, Great Hockham (Self-Catering)

Apartment 5, Seafront Apartments , Cullercoats (Self-Catering)

Brunton House , Alnwick (Self-Catering)

Derwent View Cottage , Consett (Self-Catering)

Millers Hill , Breamish Valley, Alnwick (Self-Catering)

Old School House , Haltwhistle (Guest Accommodation)

The Coach House at Breamish House , Alnwick (Self-Catering)

The Walls , Berwick-upon-Tweed (Guest Accommodation)

Thomas Wright House , Spennymoor (Guest Accommodation)

Waterford , Bamburgh (Self-Catering)

Woodside Lodge , Hexham (Self-Catering)

Arnside , Blackpool (Self-Catering)

Brathay Lodge Guesthouse , Ambleside (Self-Catering)

Brontë School House , Kirkby Lonsdale (Self-Catering)

Copper View Cottage , Coniston Holidays, Coniston (Self-Catering)

Grandpa Greene’s Ice Cream , Oldham (Food)

Knowsley Hall , Liverpool (Guest Accommodation)

Lindeth Howe Hotel , Bowness-on-Windermere (Hotel)

Little Leveret Cottage , Keswick (Self-Catering)

Manchester Metropolitan University , Manchester (Campus Accommodation)

Pennine Potting Shed , Dufton (Glamping)

Powe House , Keswick (Guest Accommodation)

Quite Simply French , Lancaster (Guest Accommodation)

Rothay House , Ambleside (Guest Accommodation)

Shells Apartment , Coast Apartments Blackpool, Blackpool (Self-Catering)

The Folly , Hall Hills, Raughton Head, Dalston (Self-Catering)

The Longlands Country Inn and Restaurant , Carnforth (Guest Accommodation)

The Old Bell Inn , Oldham (Guest Accommodation)

The Pele Tower , Carnforth (Self-Catering)

The Yan at Broadrayne , Grasmere (Self-Catering)

Walker Ground Manor , Ambleside (Guest Accommodation)

Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park , Kingsnorth, Ashford (Holiday Park)

Cave Hotel and Golf Resort , Faversham (Hotel)

Cosy Cottage , Lyndhurst, The New Forest (Self-Catering)

Dairy Barn , Wroxall (Self-Catering)

Inglewood Guest House , Sandown (Guest Accommodation)

The Gilbey’s Bar , Restaurant and Townhouse, Windsor (Guest Accommodation)

Blackdown Yurts , Cullompton (Glamping)

Budock Vean The Hotel on the River , Falmouth (Hotel)

Burcott Mill Guesthouse , Wells (Guest Accommodation)

Croftview , Hinton St. George (Self-Catering)

Dazzle Treehouse , Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat, Holditch (Glamping)

D’Urberville , Greenwood Grange, Dorchester (Self-Catering)

Fauna at Flora and Fauna , Skilgate (Glamping)

Fuzzy Orchard , Wellington (Self-Catering)

Gresham , Weymouth (Guest Accommodation)

Kingston Country Courtyard , Wareham (Guest Accommodation)

Paignton Court , Paignton (Guest Accommodation)

Pebbles Cottage , Padstow (Self-Catering)

Piran Cottage , Lambriggan Court, Truro (Self-Catering)

Tean , Mount Flagon, St. Mary’s (Self-Catering)

The Beach House Weston , Weston-super-Mare (Self-Catering)

The Bridge House , Bridport (Guest Accommodation)

The Cary Arms , Torquay (Guest Accommodation)

The Clarence , Weymouth (Guest Accommodation)

The Farmhouse , Compton Pool Farm, Marldon (Self-Catering)

The Old Sweet Shop , Exmoor Character Cottages, Minehead (Self-Catering)

The White House , Lyme Regis (Self-Catering)

Waterfall Cottage , Malston Mill, Kingsbridge (Self-Catering)

Whatley Cottage , Beaminster (Self-Catering)

Yellingham Farm , Honiton (Guest Accommodation)

West Midlands

Ballfields Barn , Leek (Self-Catering)

The Great Barn , Kempley Barns, Ross-on-Wye (Self-Catering)

Ashcroft , Wraycroft Cottages, Richmond (Self-Catering)

Cote Ghyll Caravan & Camping , Northallerton (Holiday Park)

Doodale Cottage , Malton (Self-Catering)

Flag Cottage , Leyburn (Self-Catering)

Hedgehog at Studford Luxury Lodges , York (Self-Catering)

Holme View , Lundholme Farm Cottages, Ingleton (Self-Catering)

Home Farm and Lodge , Doncaster (Guest Accommodation)

Laura’s Cottage , Pickering (Self-Catering)

Newfield Hall , Skipton (Guest Accommodation)

Penthouse 501 , The Sands, Scarborough (Self-Catering)

Quebecs , Leeds (Hotel)

Riviera Town House , Scarborough (Guest Accommodation)

The Dairy , Cottage in the Dales, Leyburn (Self-Catering)

The Leeway , Whitby (Guest Accommodation)

The Old Vicarage , Leyburn (Guest Accommodation)

The Ships Quarters , Dunswell (Guest Accommodation)

Tryst Cottage Ingleton , Ingleton (Self-Catering)

Warren Forest Park , Harrogate (Holiday Park)

YHA Helmsley , Helmsley (Hostel)

VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades

VisitEngland’s Accolades are designed to celebrate excellence within the visitor attraction sector and showcase those businesses in our VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.  This could be through a warm welcome, an engaging story, a delicious lunch or the overall visitor experience.  Accolades are given for the following categories: Welcome, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold.

For more information on the accolade winners listed below, the Visitor Attraction Accolades or the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, please contact the VisitEngland Assessment Services team at  [email protected] .

Meet the winners: VisitEngland Accolades 2022-2023

1620s House & Garden at Donington le Heath , Coalville – Gold

Bransby Horses , Lincoln – Welcome

Chatsworth , Bakewell – Quality Food & Drink

Haddon Hall , Bakewell – Quality Food & Drink

King Richard III Visitor Centre , Leicester – Gold

Lincoln Castle , Lincoln – Gold

Lincoln Guildhall , Lincoln – Welcome

Melton Carnegie Museum , Melton Mowbray – Welcome

Mrs Smith’s Cottage , Navenby – Hidden Gem

Natural World Centre , Lincoln – Welcome

North Lincolnshire Museum , Scunthorpe – Welcome

RSPB Sherwood Forest , Mansfield – Gold

Sherwood Pines , Mansfield – Welcome

Skydive Hibaldstow , Hibaldstow – Welcome

Triumph Factory Visitor Experience , Hinckley – Best Told Story

Beth Chatto’s Gardens , Colchester – Best Told Story

Firstsite , Colchester – Quality Food & Drink

High Lodge , Brandon – Best Told Story

Holkham , Wells-next-the-Sea – Welcome

National Horseracing Museum , Newmarket – Quality Food & Drink

Oliver Cromwell’s House , Ely – Hidden Gem

Rayleigh Windmill , Rayleigh – Hidden Gem

RHS Garden Hyde Hall , Chelmsford – Best Told Story

RSPB Lakenheath Fen , Lakenheath – Welcome

RSPB Rye Meads , Stanstead Abbotts – Welcome

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen , Norwich – Welcome

RSPB Titchwell Marsh , Kings Lynn – Welcome

Sandringham Estate , Sandringham – Gold

Arsenal Stadium Tour & Museum , London – Gold

Ford & Etal Estates , Berwick-upon-Tweed – Quality Food & Drink

Hall Hill Farm , Durham – Gold

Raby Castle , Darlington – Welcome

Roman Vindolanda , Hexham – Best Told Story

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens , Sunderland – Gold

The Gardens at Wynyard Hall , Wynyard – Gold

The Bowes Museum , Barnard Castle - Quality Food & Drink

Wildfowl and Wetland Trust – Washington , Washington – Gold

Fab 4 Taxi Tours , Bromborough – Best Told Story

Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Owl Centre , Ravenglass – Quality Food & Drink

Museum of Liverpool , Liverpool – Gold

Port Sunlight Museum , Port Sunlight – Welcome

Sandcastle Waterpark , Blackpool – Gold

Balfour Winery , Staplehurst – Gold

Farleys House and Gallery , Chiddingly – Hidden Gem

Gilbert White’s House and Gardens , Alton – Hidden Gem

Gusbourne Estate , Appledore – Hidden Gem

Houghton Lodge Gardens , Stockbridge – Hidden Gem

Odds Farm Park , High Wycombe – Gold

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre , Great Missenden – Best Told Story

Royal Engineers Museum , Chatham – Hidden Gem

Bristol Zoo Project , Bristol – Best Told Story

Dorset Museum , Dorchester – Gold

REME Museum , Chippenham – Gold

Seaton Tramway , Seaton – Welcome

The Donkey Sanctuary , Sidmouth – Gold

The Cotswold Tour Guide , Cheltenham – Gold

Treguddick Distillery , Launceston – Hidden Gem

Walled Gardens of Cannington , Bridgwater – Hidden Gem

Bromwich Hall - The Manor House Museum , West Bromwich – Hidden Gem

Cadbury World , Birmingham – Gold

Compton Verney , Stratford-upon-Avon – Quality Food & Drink

Ford Green Hall , Stoke-on-Trent – Welcome

Hartlebury Castle , Kidderminster – Best Told Story

Hergest Croft Gardens , Kington – Hidden Gem

Museum of Cannock Chase , Cannock – Welcome

Red House Glass Cone , Stourbridge – Best Told Story

Royal Air Force Museum Midlands , Shifnal – Best Told Story

RSPB Coombes Valley and Consall Woods , Leek – Welcome

St Mary’s Guildhall , Coventry – Quality Food & Drink

Tamworth Castle , Tamworth – Welcome

The Coffin Works , Birmingham – Hidden Gem

The Commandery , Worcester – Gold

The Cotswolds Distillery , Shipston-on-Stour – Gold

Trentham Gardens , Stoke-on-Trent – Gold

World of Wedgwood , Stoke-on-Trent – Best Told Story

Cannon Hall Farm , Barnsley - Quality Food & Drink

Clifton Park and Museum , Rotherham – Gold

JORVIK Viking Centre , York – Best Told Story

Leeds University Library Galleries , Leeds – Hidden Gem

Mother Shipton’s , Knaresborough – Welcome

RHS Garden Harlow Carr , Harrogate – Quality Food & Drink

RSPB Blacktoft Sands , Goole – Welcome

RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor , Barnsley – Gold

RSPB Saltholme , Middlesbrough – Welcome

Skipton Town Hall and Craven Museum and Gallery , Skipton – Best Told Story

Thackray Museum of Medicine , Leeds – Gold

York Art Gallery , York – Gold

York City Sightseeing , York - Best Told Story

Yorkshire Wildlife Park , Doncaster – Gold

Jersey Museum and Art Gallery , St Helier – Quality Food & Drink

La Hougue Bie , Grouville – Gold

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The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Star Ratings

Hotel star ratings - how they differ and why .

When it comes to how good a hotel is, it’s written in the stars - quite literally.

But as we shall see, things can get a little cloudy when it comes to hotel stars.

The introduction of hotel star ratings

The business of classifying hotels stretches back to the 1950s and the boom in post-war tourism.

Travel guides and roadside assistance firms began rating hotels with a certain number of stars out of a maximum of five.

The more stars, the more luxury a traveller could expect.

Current hotel star ratings

Today, a plethora of organisations and companies rate hotels. Unfortunately, the criteria they use can differ, which can add confusion over what is a very important purchase decision - not least because a large chunk of a person’s holiday budget goes on accommodation.

The shift to "overall experience" ratings

In recent times the traditional hotel star rating system has fallen out of favour somewhat, since it focuses solely on the amenities and comfort of the hotel.

However, some rating organisations have shifted focus to the overall experience.

Under the traditional rating system, a boutique hotel with luxurious rooms and service might lose a star simply for not having a lift. Under a more experience-centric rating system, the same hotel might achieve a five-star rating.

Hotel star rating systems are likely to evaluate things like:

• Food services
• Entertainment
• Room variation/size
• Pool access
• Room service
• Wi-Fi speed
• Ease of access

Star ratings for hotels: Rough summary

• Tourist (★) - Budget accommodation with basic amenities.
• Standard (★★) - Value accommodation with more comfort than a 1-star.
• Comfort (★★★) - Comfortable, midscale accommodation with some personalised service.
• First Class (★★★★) - High quality, upscale, comfort-plus accommodation.
• Luxury (★★★★★) - Luxurious, first-class personalised service, with state-of-the-art facilities.

One-star woes?

Receiving a single star rating may seem like the kiss of death for a hotel, but it could be worse: some accommodation options don’t even meet the criteria to bag a sole star, for reasons as diverse as poor security, lack of cleanliness, or even not providing breakfast (depending on the rating system).

Such hotels may decide to avoid being rated at all by tourist boards - although crucially, such poor accommodation cannot sidestep the all-important customer review (see below).

Is five the magic number?

When it comes to star ratings for hotels, five has become the norm.

The French tourist board, Atout, initially used a four-star system (plus "L" for Luxus), but even they switched to the five-star convention after 2009.

However, Frommer's hotel rating system only goes up to three, so the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, for instance, may have a five-star official rating, but only a three-star rubber-stamp from Frommers.

Hotel ratings in the UK

UK hotels are rated to the same Common Quality Standards by various tourist boards and their partners. The downside is that to get rated a hotel must undergo a secret inspection - and pay for the service. 

And not every hotel takes up this offer - not least because to achieve a single star, a hotel must offer breakfast and a TV in every bedroom (which not all do).

What about 7-star hotels?

In recent decades some hotels have been billed as "7-star" options - such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

These claim to be a step above a five-star hotel, attracting high-wealth customers like celebrities, political figures, or captains of industry. 

However, Yngvar Stray, the general manager of the 5-star Capella Singapore, argues the 7-star was invented to “create a differentiation from the masses” - after many upper mid-range hotels garnered undeserved fifth stars.

"It's all self-proclaimed," says Stray, "there is no verification, no guidelines."

Meanwhile, Time Hentschel, CEO of travel technology firm HotelPlanner, says to achieve a 7-star rating a hotel would need to be "on the moon" or "underwater".

Not to be confused with online reviews

Customer ratings of hotels - such as Google Reviews - seem like the perfect way to determine a hotel's quality. However, these ratings are open to manipulation - either with fake reviews instigated by the hotels themselves, or even fake reviews from competitors (obviously focussing on the negatives rather than the positives).

Google stars: Look at the most recent reviews

While keeping an eye out for phony-looking reviews that don't chime with the rest of the feedback, note that a year-old review may also not be the best indication of quality or service. 

In the matter of just a few months a hotel may change management or ownership, and this may have either a positive or negative effect on things like maintenance, renovations, and other improvements (or lack of).

Focussing on the customers' written feedback of the hotel in question is arguably one of the best ways to determine quality. For example, after reading ten reviews you may know that the Wi-Fi is unstable or doesn’t work in some rooms, or that there's an excellent buffet breakfast included. 

Rating hotels on expectations rather than amenities

Additionally, customers may tend to review accommodation on what they expect from it. For example, a homely guest house may receive a 5-star rating on Google because it meets the needs of budget travellers - perhaps with an exceptionally friendly owner and a great social atmosphere.

Under other rating systems, it might not even achieve one-star.

Hotel "middleman" site reviews

Ratings on large hotel 'middle-man' sites such as Booking.com (which uses a rating-out-of-10 system) may seem higher than is deserved - notwithstanding owner-instigated reviews.

For instance, few accommodation options achieve a rating lower than 5, arguably because a hotel might receive high ratings for things like Wi-Fi and location, raising the overall score even when reviewers have made statements like "filthy rooms with poor service".

Where can I check hotel star ratings?

Searching ‘check hotel star ratings’ online will serve up resources for checking a particular accommodation option. However, the hotel’s website should display the star rating.

But as mentioned, star ratings on hotel booking sites or travel agent sites may differ from ratings provided by the applicable tourist board/rating body (e.g., Visit England). 

Are hotel star ratings here to stay?

By checking a hotel’s star rating you get a good, if rough, indication of how luxurious (or not) a hotel is.

With the proviso that different organisations and websites can judge hotels differently, these ratings can be used in conjunction with customer reviews to determine just how good a hotel is.

Hotel star ratings are not perfect, but they're here to stay.

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01200 890 890 [email protected]

The AA has been acknowledging accommodations since 1908, with the star rating scheme making its debut in 1902. This system, designed to recognise and reward establishments based on the quality and range of their services and facilities, underwent a significant revamp in 2006. In collaboration with the main tourist boards, the AA developed Common Quality Standards for inspecting and rating accommodation, which are now applied throughout the British Isles.

Decoding the Categories of Hotel Star Ratings

AA’s star ratings are categorised based on different types of hotels in Britain. These include:

• Hotel: A formal accommodation offering full hotel service.
• Country House Hotel: A hotel with ample grounds or gardens in a rural or semi-rural situation emphasising peace and quiet.
• Small Hotel: Smaller establishments with a maximum of 20 bedrooms, personally run by the proprietor.
• Town House Hotel: High-quality, distinctive properties with a maximum of 50 bedrooms in a town or city centre. These establishments may not offer dinner, but room service is available.
• Metro Hotel: Town or city properties offering full hotel services, except dinner, but located close to a range of dining options.

The AA hotel star ratings are based on a set of criteria assessing service quality, cleanliness, hospitality, maintenance, and the quality of physical facilities and service delivery.

Beyond Black Stars: The Special Awards

In addition to standard ‘Black Stars’, hotels that significantly exceed expectations within their star classification are recognised with ‘Silver Stars’ and ‘Red Stars’.

Red Stars, also known as ‘Inspector Choice Red Stars’, are awarded to hotels standing out as the very best in the British Isles, regardless of style. These hotels offer excellent quality levels, outstanding hospitality, and service. Red Stars are awarded annually in September.

One such recipient is The Grove in Hertfordshire, a 5 Red star Hotel. Set amid 300 acres of rolling countryside, much of which is a golf course, The Grove beautifully blends historic features with cutting-edge, modern design. The spacious bedrooms come equipped with the latest in temperature control, lighting technology and LED TVs, with many also featuring balconies. The suites in the original mansion are particularly stunning. With championship golf, a world-class spa, extensive crèche facilities and family activities, as well as a variety of dining options, The Grove is a model of luxury and excellence.

Silver Stars, or ‘Highly Recommended Silver Stars’, are awarded to hotels that provide superior quality levels, and high standards of hotel keeping, particularly in hospitality, service, and cleanliness, and hold an AA Rosette award for the quality of their food.

Unveiling the Criteria for 4-Star and 5-Star Hotels

4 Star hotels are required to meet certain criteria, including higher service quality levels in all departments, a serious approach to the food and beverage offering, 24-hour room service, and Wi-Fi or internet connection in bedrooms, among others.

On the other hand, a 5 AA star hotel must meet even more stringent criteria. These include exceptional levels of proactive service and customer care, a hotel open seven days a week all year, valet parking, escort to bedrooms, proactive table service in bars and lounges and at breakfast, ‘concierge’ service, 24-hour reception, 24-hour room service, full afternoon tea, and more.

Understanding the different awards and grading systems allows hotels to strive for excellence and customers to make informed decisions. It’s all about providing and choosing the best hospitality service in the UK!

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The country house hotel by the sea

UK Hotel Star Rating System

The AA and Visit England are the only nationally accredited bodies authorised to give star ratings to hotels

The AA have been recognising accommodation since 1908 and first introduced the star rating scheme in 1912, recognising and rewarding establishments for the quality and range of their services and facilities. In 2006, The AA developed Common Quality Standards (alongside the main tourist boards) for inspecting and rating accommodation. These standards and rating categories are now applied throughout the British Isles.

Hotel star ratings are only awarded and managed by four national and accredited bodies: The  AA (specifically AA Hotel Services which is a division of the Automobile Association), Visit England, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales. 

The AA is the British Hospitality Association’s patron supplier for quality rating and assessment within the hospitality industry. The AA's star ratings are broken down into categories based on the different types of hotel in Britain as outlined below. 

HOTEL CATEGORIES

Hotel: A formal accommodation offering full hotel service.

Country House Hotel: A hotel with ample grounds or gardens set in a rural or semi-rural situation; the property has an emphasis on peace and quiet.

Small Hotel: Smaller establishments having a maximum of 20 bedrooms, and personally run by the proprietor.

Town House Hotel: A high-quality property of distinctive style with a maximum of 50 bedrooms, set in a town or city centre; possibly no dinner but room service is available instead.

Metro Hotel: A town or city property providing full hotel services except dinner, close to a range of places to eat.

HOTEL STAR RATINGS

The AA hotel star ratings are based on the following percentages:

30-46%   - One Star Rating 47-54%   - Two Star Rating 55-69%   - Three Star Rating 70-84%   - Four Star Rating 85-100% - Five Star Rating

SILVER AND RED STAR AWARDS

In addition to standard 'Black Stars', every year hotels that significantly exceed expectations within their star classification are recognised with either 'Silver Stars' and above that 'Red Stars' as follows:

Silver Stars Highly Recommended Silver Stars are awarded to hotels that provide superior levels of quality, high standards of hotel keeping in particular hospitality, service and cleanliness and hold an AA Rosette award for the quality of their food.

Red Stars Inspector Choice Red Stars are awarded to hotels that stand out as the very best in the British Isles, regardless of style. These hotels offer excellent levels of quality throughout, outstanding levels of hospitality and service. Red Stars are awarded on annual basis in September.

The following is an extract from The AA's official 'Hotel Star Rating System' documentation:

Aa criteria for 4 star hotels.

4 Star hotels must meet the following criteria: (in addition to the requirement at the 3 Star level)

• Expectation is for higher quality of service levels in all departments and in general higher staffing levels; as well as a serious approach and clear focus to the food and beverage offering.
• All areas of operation should meet the 4 Star level of quality for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
• 24 hour room service, including cooked breakfast and full dinner during restaurant opening hours.
• Once registered, residents should have 24hour access, facilitated by on-duty staff.
• Enhanced services offered, e.g. Afternoon tea, offer of luggage assistance, meals at lunchtime, table service on request at breakfast.
• At least one restaurant, open to residents and non-residents, for breakfast and dinner seven days a week. Hotels without restaurants located within easy walking distance of a range of places to eat are required to serve as a minimum snacks/light refreshments in public areas/bedrooms, at least in core hours of between 7am to 11pm.
• All bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and all with WC and thermostatically controlled showers.
• Wi-Fi or internet connection provided in bedrooms.

AA CRITERIA FOR 5 STAR HOTELS

5 Star hotels must meet the following criteria: (in addition to the requirement at the 4 Star level)

• Excellent staffing levels with well-structured and dedicated teams with depth in management levels.
• Exceptional levels of proactive service and customer care.
• All areas of operation should meet the 5 Star level of quality for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
• Hotel open seven days a week all year.
• Enhanced services offered e.g. valet parking, escort to bedrooms, proactive table service in bars and lounges and at breakfast, ‘concierge’ service, 24-hour reception, 24-hour room service, full afternoon tea.
• At least one restaurant, open to residents and non-residents for all meals seven days a week.
• A minimum of 80% of bedrooms with en suite bathroom with WC, bath and thermostatically controlled shower, 20% may be shower only.
• A choice of environments in public areas of sufficient relevant size to provide generous personal space.
• Additional facilities e.g. secondary dining, leisure, business centre, spa, etc.
• At least one permanent luxury suite available comprising of three separate rooms - bedroom, lounge and bathroom.

Further detail on the AA's UK hotel star rating system can be found on their website on the following page  https://www.theaa.com/hotel-services/ratings-and-awards

The AA's hotel star rating system positions The Nare as Cornwall's leading hotel...

The Nare has been the highest rated hotel in Cornwall for the last 30 years according to The AA . It is one of only two AA 5 star hotels in Cornwall and the only five star country house hotel. 

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All places to stay on RatedTrips.com are quality assessed by the AA or VisitEngland

Make an informed choice.

All places to stay on RatedTrips are assessed by the AA or VisitEngland. This includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, campsites, holiday parks and villages, hostels, and other types of accommodation. 

Star-rated places have been independently verified by our experts as offering a consistently high standard. When we assess a place, the guest experience and physical quality are equally important. Our star ratings can help you make an informed choice when planning your next trip.

Quality Star Ratings

Places to stay are rated under the following levels:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Excellent

★ ★ ★ ★  Very good

Read the full quality standards for each accommodation type >>

Quality Assessed 

These places have no star rating, but meet all minimum standards.

Read about the recent modernisation of the assessment schemes >>

Read about how we quality assess restaurants >>

The very best star-rated places in each category to stay receive extra awards from either the AA or VisitEngland.

VisitEngland gives a gold award to its highest-rated places to stay, while the AA awards red  'Inspector's choice' stars to hotels and gold stars to B&Bs and self-catering cottages. A ‘highly recommended’ silver awards is also given. Five-star AA Campsites receive platinum stars.

You can discover all best rated places in the UK on the search filters and via the links above.

Other awards

Alongside the stars, places to stay can be awarded other awards to show the quality of experiences you can find there.  

This includes breakfast award icon shows that indciates a very special breakfast or the dinner award icon that illustrates a very special evening meal.

VisitEngland welcome schemes icons show if a property is well suited and equipped for guests with particular requirements, including walkers, cyclists, families and pets.

Hotels and B&B rated by the AA can also be awarded Rosettes for culinary excellence .

Discover the standards behind our star ratings

All about our Rosette awards for culinary excellence

How we celebrate the best in the UK

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What Are Hotel Star Ratings And How do They Actually Work?

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Hotel star ratings UK are a universally recognised guide that travellers rely on to assess the quality and amenities of a hotel. As a hotelier, you might have already known that hotels are classified based on star ratings. But have you ever wondered how these ratings are determined and what they actually mean?

In this blog post, we’ll explain how these ratings work and what each star level signifies. This knowledge can help you improve your hotel’s services to meet modern traveller expectations.

What Exactly Are Hotel Star Ratings UK?

Hotel star ratings are a classification system used to evaluate a hotel’s quality and features. They serve as a shorthand for travellers to quickly assess what to expect from your establishment before booking a reservation . The hotel rating system usually ranges from one to five stars. The more stars you have, the higher the perceived quality.

The specific criteria for each hotel star rating can vary depending on the region or country, but generally, higher star ratings indicate more amenities and higher levels of service.

How Does a Hotel Star Rating System Work in The UK?

Hotel star ratings UK significantly affect your establishment’s reputation and guest expectations, shaping the overall guest experience . Despite variations in rating systems across countries and organisations, understanding how they generally function is vital for your hotel’s success. Here’s a closer look at how hotel star ratings UK work:

Inspection and Evaluation: Trained inspectors or evaluators visit hotels anonymously to assess various aspects of the property. These inspections are often conducted on a regular basis to ensure consistency.

Criteria Assessment: Inspectors evaluate the hotel based on specific criteria, which can include factors such as:

• Room Quality: The size, cleanliness, decor, and amenities of the guest rooms.
• Service Quality: The attentiveness and professionalism of the staff, including front desk, housekeeping, and dining services.
• Facilities: The presence and quality of facilities like restaurants, fitness centers, pools, spas, and meeting rooms.
• Location: The hotel’s proximity to attractions, transportation, and other conveniences.
• Overall Guest Experience: Feedback from actual guests may also be considered in some rating systems.

How is a Hotel’s Star Rating Determined?

A hotel’s star rating is determined through a meticulous evaluation process that takes into account various factors necessary for guest satisfaction. Based on these evaluations, a rating or star level is assigned to the hotel. Generally, a higher number of stars indicates a higher level of quality and service. Let’s take a look at how it works:

One Star: Basic accommodations with limited services and amenities.

Two Stars: A step above basic, offering slightly better services and facilities.

Three Stars: Comfortable accommodations with a range of amenities and services.

Four Stars: High-quality accommodations with excellent service and extensive amenities.

Five Stars: Exceptional luxury accommodations with top-tier service and world-class facilities.

Public Display: The hotel’s star rating is typically displayed prominently on its website, marketing materials, and at its entrance. This allows potential guests to easily assess the hotel’s quality.

In essence, the hotel star rating system is a roadmap for both hoteliers and travellers. It simplifies the decision-making process for guests and offers you a path to excellence. By understanding how it works and strategically meeting its criteria, you can chart a course for success in the competitive world of hospitality.

Tips to Boost Your Hotel’s Star Rating

In the highly competitive hospitality industry, a high star rating can make all the difference between a thriving hotel and one struggling to stay afloat.

Guests rely on hotel star ratings to make informed decisions about their accommodations, and a higher rating can significantly impact your hotel’s reputation and profitability. So, how can you increase your hotel’s star rating and attract more guests?

Here are 9 valuable tips to help you achieve just that:

1. prioritize guest satisfaction.

To achieve the highly sought-after four or five-star rating, it’s important to consistently meet or exceed the specific criteria established by rating agencies.

Improving your hotel’s amenities and services doesn’t have to come at a high cost. Simple enhancements, like adding cozy pillows or pleasant scents, can have a significant impact.

Put yourself in the guest’s shoes – what would make you feel special? Strive to go above and beyond in every aspect of their stay, from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart. Elevate the experience, and the stars will naturally follow.

2. Understanding Your Rating

Ever thought about talking to the experts who give your hotel its star rating? They know the tips and tricks to make it better. They’re like the experienced guides in the hotel world. Ask them for advice on how to improve without spending too much – it’s like getting a cheat code for success.

3. Attention to Detail

Paying attention to even the smallest details can make a big difference in the guest experience. From the arrangement of fresh flowers in the lobby to the folded corners of the toilet paper, these small touches create an atmosphere of luxury and care.

4. Collect Guest Feedback and Take Action

Encourage feedback through reviews, surveys, and comment cards. Address issues promptly (e.g., noisy HVAC or slow Wi-Fi) and respond empathetically to negative reviews. This shows commitment to guest satisfaction and can improve star ratings.

5. Maintain Consistency

Consistency is the hallmark of a five-star hotel rating. High standards should be upheld consistently, whether it’s the cleanliness of the rooms, the professionalism of the staff, or the quality of service. Every guest should experience the same level of excellence.

This extends to dining, where diverse, top-tier food and beverage offerings should match the overall quality of the establishment

6. Staff Excellence

Your front desk staff are your brand ambassadors. Invest in their training to ensure they deliver excellent customer service. They should not only be knowledgeable but also empathetic, responsive, and welcoming. A friendly and helpful staff can elevate the overall experience.

7. Regular Maintenance

A five-star hotel should always appear pristine. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to keep facilities, rooms, and common areas in top-notch condition. This includes not only fixing issues promptly but also proactive measures to prevent them.

8. Balancing Costs and Benefits

Maintaining a high star rating often requires significant investment. Hoteliers must weigh the costs of upgrading facilities, enhancing services, and meeting the standards set by rating agencies against the potential benefits, such as increased revenue and positive brand reputation.

This balancing act can be challenging but is essential for long-term success.

9. Sustainability

As environmental concerns grow, so does the importance of sustainability. Consider eco-friendly practices in your operations, such as energy-saving initiatives, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing. Guests appreciate and often seek out environmentally conscious hotels.

10. Community Engagement

Enhancing the guest experience can extend beyond the hotel’s walls. Engage with the local community to provide recommendations for nearby attractions, shops, and restaurants. This helps guests explore and enjoy the destination fully.

Boost Your Hotel’s Star Ratings with RoomRaccoon

Ever thought about how much smoother your hotel’s operations could be? RoomRaccoon’s software can turn that vision into reality. Designed to simplify your daily tasks and boost efficiency, freeing you to focus on exceptional guest service and property improvement And, as a bonus, watch those star ratings rise.

Smooth Reservation Process

RoomRaccoon’s property management system automates booking management , inventory control, and invoicing. This translates to fewer errors, smoother processes, and more time on your hands to ensure every guest leaves with a smile.

Boost Bookings with our Booking Engine

Elevate your property’s revenue by providing extra amenities, enticing packages, and exclusive discount codes on your website. These offerings encourage guests to book more frequently, significantly boosting your bookings and revenue.

Maximised Visibility

Our hotel channel manager expands your reach across multiple distribution channels, ensuring consistent, accurate room representation for higher occupancy rates.

Multiply Profits with our Revenue Management Solution

Our revenue management solution helps you boost your revenue by automatically adjusting room rates. You can set rules based on time, room price, competitor rates, and availability to increase your earnings. It’s like having a financial wizard for your property!

In essence, maintaining a top hotel star rating demands excellence through attention to detail, skilled staff, personalized service, and overall commitment. Investing in your property enhances its appeal, leading to higher ratings and profits.  Schedule a free demo  to see how RoomRaccoon can help you achieve these results!

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Justine is a Content Manager at RoomRaccoon, bringing her background in language and communication studies to the SaaS world. When she's not writing about the latest trends in the industry, she's probably out exploring the world or indulging her love of pink.

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