Quality of Facilities

Star Ratings

VisitEngland runs the largest quality assessment scheme in the country. Star ratings are awarded based on facilities, services and hospitality provided giving potential guests a label they can trust. There are a number of different schemes reflecting the variety of accommodation types.

The VisitEngland Star Ratings scheme is delivered by Quality in Tourism. The star ratings share a common standard with Visit Scotland, Visit Wales, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the AA.

These are the key benefits of belonging to a VisitEngland Accreditation Scheme:

  • Use of an internationally recognised marque and star rating in all promotional material
  • Annual assessment by a professional assessor including a ‘mystery guest’ overnight stay for accommodation
  • Written report outlining strengths and weaknesses
  • Free access to business advice
  • Exterior sign to promote the star rating
  • Opportunity to have a Silver or Gold award/Breakfast Award for exceptional quality
  • Listing on quality in tourism website
  • Free subscription to Quality Edge magazine, The Pink Book and other discounts

Guest Accommodation National Quality Assessment Scheme

This accreditation scheme covers B&Bs, Guesthouses, Farmhouses, Inns and Restaurants with Rooms. Quality is measured based on:

  • Cleanliness
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Hospitality and Friendliness
  • Breakfast Quality

Assessors make quality judgements and award a score for all areas of the customer-facing business to provide an overall percentage score. The score is used to determine the star rating ranging from 1 to 5 for the business.

For a better understanding of how the scheme works visit The Guest Accommodation section on the Quality in Tourism website which includes a fee calculator and details of how to apply. The cost consists of a £120 joining fee and an annual participation fee related to room charges and number of rooms.

A starting point could be to download the Quality Standards document which clearly states the minimum standards required to achieve a 1 * rating and hints and tips on how to achieve higher levels.

For advice on the AA scheme click here

Local Assessment Schemes

Some destinations run their own local inspection schemes. These are usually cheaper than the National Accreditation Scheme and requireless onerous standards but do not offer the same benefits. Some destinations base their scheme on the VE Entry Level Framework which focusses on demonstrating that businesses are legal, safe and clean.

To find out if there is a local assessment scheme in your area, contact your destination organisation.

National Accessible Scheme

1 in 4 of the UK population has a long standing health problem or disability. Many of these people and their families struggle to find places to stay. The National Accessible Scheme helps accommodation operators to improve and promote the accessibility of their visitor accommodation.

Green Tourism Business Scheme

Certification from a green certification scheme demonstrates to your customers that you are a genuinely sustainable business.

Trip Advisor

In recent years, the popularity of TripAdvisor and other review sites has led some operators to question the need for formal accreditation schemes. There is no doubt that consumers use these sites but often as a check as opposed to a route for sourcing accommodation. There is a tendency for reviews to be written by very satisfied or very unsatisfied guests which may make them biased.Whilst a TripAdvisor listing can be extremely beneficial to a business, it must be managed properly. For advice on how to make the most of TripAdvisor look at the How to manage your online reputation on NCTA Resource Hub.