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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