Keswick and Lake District Accommodation quality
gradings.
Hotels, B&Bs and Guest Accommodation
The Automobile
Association, VisitBritain (formerly
the English Tourism Council) have
created one overall rating scheme for serviced accommodation
in Britain, using Stars to represent Hotels and
Guest Accommodation (guesthouses, inns, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts).
The scheme puts greater emphasis on quality in Hotels and Guest
Accommodation - particularly in areas of cleanliness and guest
care.
In addition to inspection by the above
authorities, properties in Cumbria may also be inspected
by an approved local inspector to standards set by the
Cumbria Quality scheme, administered by Cumbria Tourism.
These inspections ensure
that each property inspected meets a range of minimum requirements.
The Cumbria Quality scheme has replaced the inspections
provided by AIAS and North Lakes Accommodations Providers
(NLAP).
Serviced Accommodation:
Hotels:
Stars (AA, ETC, RAC)
Star ratings symbolise the level of service, range
of facilities and quality of guest care that you can expect.
Hotels are required to meet progressively higher standards
as they move up the scale from one to five Stars.
The gradings are:
One
star:
Practical accommodation with a limited range of facilities and services, but a high standard of cleanliness throughout. Restaurant/eating area. 75% of bedrooms will have en-suite or private facilities.
Two stars:
Better equipped bedrooms, all with ensuite/private bathroom and a colour TV. A lift is normally available.
Three
stars:
Higher standard of services and facilities
including larger public areas and bedrooms,
a receptionist, room service, laundry.
Four stars:
Accommodation offering superior comfort and quality; all
bedrooms with en-suite bath, fitted overhead shower and WC.
Spacious and well appointed public areas. More emphasis on
food and drink. Room service of all meals and 24 hour drinks,
refreshments and snacks. Dry cleaning service available.
Excellent customer service.
Five stars:
A spacious, luxurious establishment offering you the highest
international quality of accommodation, facilities, services
and cuisine. There will be a range of extra facilities.
You will feel very well cared for by professional, attentive
staff providing flawless guest services.
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Serviced Accommodation:
Guest house, B&B, Farmhouse, Inns
Star ratings for Guest Accommodation reflect visitor expectations
of this sector, where quality is seen as more important than
facilities and services. Establishments are given a rating from
one to five Stars – the more Stars the higher the quality
and the greater the range of facilities and level of services
provided. The same minimum requirements apply to all categories.
One
Star:
Simple, no-frills accommodation suitable for those on a tighter budget. Décor will be clean and furnishings fit for purpose. Beds will be made up with clean linen and bedding, towels and fresh soap provided. Bedrooms will have a form of heating, acceptable lighting levels and privacy. Bathroom facilities may be shared and hot water will be available at reasonable times.
As a minimum, breakfast will be provided – either a full cooked meal or, if advertised in advance, a substantial continental breakfast. Service levels may be limited.
Two
Stars:
Accommodation offering a good overall level of quality together with some facility and service enhancements, e.g. in-room televisions, fitted heating. Décor will be in good condition, furniture sound and lighting well positioned. Flooring will provide adequate comfort underfoot. Bath or shower rooms may be en-suite or shared with other guests and/or proprietor, facilities being maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.
Additional services may be provided, e.g. dinner. Meals may be simple with limited choice but will be freshly prepared.
Three
Stars:
A good level of quality in all areas. Bedrooms will offer a reasonable amount of space and comfort, e.g. access to both sides of double beds. Décor will show elements of coordination with the soft furnishings. Furniture will be more substantial and may provide additional facilities, e.g. writing desk. Conveniently positioned lighting and controllable heating. En-suite facilities, where provided, may be compact but will be clean and well maintained. Toiletries (e.g. shampoo, shower gel) are likely to be provided. All rooms will have a washbasin facility.
A greater selection of items may be offered at breakfast, including choice of eggs cooked to order. Service throughout will be efficient and hospitable.
Four
Stars:
Very good quality in all areas. Bedrooms will be more spacious with greater emphasis on quality of décor, furnishings, fixtures and fittings. Extra facilities and personal touches may be provided, e.g. hairdryer, radio. At least half the bedrooms will have en-suite facilities, which will be well fitted with quality sanitary ware, effective lighting and ventilation. Towels will be of a high quality and a range of toiletries will be provided.
A very good breakfast will be offered, with a wide selection of starter and cooked options. Local or homemade specialities may be featured, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Service and guest care will be attentive, efficient and hospitable.
Five
Stars:
Excellent quality accommodation with exceptional levels of hospitality. Bedrooms will offer ample space with excellent comfort and elements of luxury. High quality décor, furnishings and fittings will feature in all guest areas. All bedrooms will be en-suite or have private facilities, which will be fitted out with high quality sanitary ware and fixtures. Luxury towelling, including bath sheets and a wide range of quality toiletries.
Public areas will offer the same high quality as the bedrooms and provide guests with additional space for comfort and relaxation.
Breakfast will offer a wide selection of produce such as freshly squeezed fruit juices, fruits in season, bakery items and homemade preserves. Cooked options will be numerous, possibly with some original or regional specialities.
Service and hospitality levels will be exemplary.
Gold and Silver Awards
These are awarded to properties that not only achieve their overall rating but also exceed the expectations within their rating level. The awards recognise the high level of comfort, cleanliness, hospitality and service afforded.
Silver – this award recognises high quality in all areas of the business, with very good levels of customer care.
Gold – properties achieving a Gold award will demonstrate exceptional levels of quality, comfort, cleanliness, hospitality and attentive service.
Self-catering accommodation
Every year the National Tourist Boards inspect more than
11,000 self-catering units.
Classification
VisitBritain's star ratings will help you choose the accommodation
that's right for you. Assessors visit flats, houses, cottages
and serviced apartments on your behalf assessing quality,
including comfort, space, facilities and most important of
all, cleanliness. The quality rating system is easy to use
and is based on extensive research. So when you choose a
Star-rated property you can rest assured that your expectations
will be met or even exceeded.
Quite simply, the more Stars, the higher the overall level
of quality you can expect to find. Establishments at higher
rating levels also have to meet some additional requirements
for facilities. All properties have to meet an extensive
list of minimum requirements before they can be considered
for a Star rating. From there, increased levels of quality
apply. For instance, you'll find acceptable quality at One
Star, good to very good quality at Three Star and exceptional
quality at Five Star.
One Star: acceptable overall level of quality.
Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.
Two Star: good overall level
of quality. All units self-contained - 2 bathrooms
where there are eight or more guests.
Three Star: good to very good
level of quality. Good standard of maintenance
and decoration. Ample space and good quality
furniture. All double beds with access from
both sides. Microwaves.
Four Star: excellent overall
level of quality. Very good care and attention
to detail will be obvious throughout. Either
access to washing machine and drier, if not
provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry
service.
Five Star: exceptional overall
level of quality. High levels of décor,
fixtures and fittings, together with excellent
standards of management efficiency and guest
services. Excellent range of accessories and
personal touches.
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