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Quality Assurance Scheme Explained

Introduction to the Quality Assurance Schemes

A quality assurance rating provides an independent assessment of what a guest can expect to find. Whatever the size of accommodation or the facilities offered, it gives an invaluable guarantee that a guest's stay will meet your expectations.

From the 1st January 2006 VisitBritain and the AA now assess hotels and guest accommodation (including B&Bs) to the same criteria, and award from one to five stars. These star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience. This has now replaced the old diamond scheme previously awarded to guest accommodation.

VisitBritain offers a national quality assurance standard for a range of accommodation, whether it is a luxury hotel, or a small B&B, a holiday cottage, a holiday park, or even a hostel. The AA only provides a quality assurance scheme for hotels, guest accommodation, holiday, touring and camping parks.

All the accommodation featured on this website has been quality assessed by either VisitBritain or the AA, or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. Please be aware that ratings may change throughout the year. As of the 31st Decemeber 2006 the RAC will no longer be operating a quality assesment scheme, therefore RAC ratings and awards (except RAC Gold, Blue or White Ribbon and Little Gem awards) will only be valid up until this date.

The professional assessors visit every year, carrying out a routine day visit or an overnight stay in the case of serviced accommodation. On these occasions, they book in as you would, as a normal guest and test all the facilities and services. A quality score is awarded for every aspect of the experience including the comfort of the bed, the quality of the breakfast and dinner and, most importantly, the cleanliness. They also score the warmth of welcome.

For more information regarding the grading schemes, or to confirm a rating please contact VisitBritain or the AA directly.

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