Grading Information

It’s all in the stars

For 2010, all accommodation grades on this website have been based on a set of common quality standards agreed by Visit Wales, Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and the AA. The star ratings reflect the facilities and overall quality of the experience.

A guide to quality assurance

All the accommodation featured on this website has been quality graded so you can make your choice in confidence, knowing that each place to stay has been given a star grading according to the quality and facilities on offer. Star grades mean that you can be sure of standards and choose the accommodation that’s just right for you.
Visit Wales/AA are the only checking agents in Wales, checking out over 5,000 places. In the case of properties handled by self-catering agencies, the frequency between visits can be longer.

Occasionally, it has not been possible to visit the accommodation prior to publication. In these instances, the property is marked as ‘Awaiting Grading’.

Stars are your guide to quality. The Star Quality Grading Schemes apply to all types of accommodation: serviced – hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, farm accommodation, hostel/hostel type accommodation, self-catering cottages and apartments and caravan holiday home and touring/camping parks.

What do these star ratings mean?

Star Rating
	Exceptional with a degree of luxury
	Excellent standard throughout
	Good level of quality and comfort
	Well presented and well run
	Simple, practical, no frills

Many lower star rated accommodation may still offer high quality, but do not meet all of the facility and service expectations for the higher star ratings. 

Always check with the establishment before booking – they will be only too pleased to help.

What categories of accommodation are there?

Accommodation differs in style. To help you make your choice, the new rating scheme includes a “designator” to describe the style of accommodation you can expect – for example on this website you will find:

• Hotel - the standard term used for most establishments of this type, but you may also see a range of alternative descriptions which relate to a particular style or size of hotel, as follows:
• Small Hotel refers to businesses which offer a range of hotel services and are differentiated by the number of rooms available – normally less than 20 – used at the discretion of the hotel owner.
• Country House Hotel has ample grounds or gardens in a rural or semirural location, with emphasis on peace and quiet.
• Town House Hotel - in city/town centre locations offering high quality with a distinctive style. High degree of personal service.
• Metro Hotel - found in city and town centres, offering full hotel services, but no dinner. They will be within easy walking distance of a range of places to eat.
• Guest Accommodation encompasses anything from one-room bed and breakfasts to the larger places, which may offer dinner and may be licensed.
• Bed and Breakfast - accommodates no more than six people. It’s like staying as a special guest in someone’s home.
• Guest House - tends to have more than three rooms and may offer dinner to their guests. Some may be licensed.
• Hostel Accommodation - accommodation is often in shared rooms with bunk beds. May be family rooms - could be restricted access - either catered or self catering facilities.
• Self-Catering - cottages and apartments where you can experience home from home comforts.
• Holiday Park - where you can rent a caravan holiday home, timber lodge or chalet.
• Touring Park - welcomes touring caravans, trailer tents and motorhomes.
• Camping Park - welcomes visitors with tents.

Need more information?

Further detailed information on grading criteria and awards can be found on the Visit Wales website: www.visitwales.co.uk

 In addition to the star ratings, the AA also annually award a range of quality accolades. Information on these awards and grading criteria can be found on the AA website www.theaa.com.