The AA , RAC and VisitBritain all operate ratings schemes for hotels, guest houses and campsites.  These scemes work in harmony with each other to ensure across-the-board standards at each level.  Visitors are able to know in advance the standard of accommodation they are choosing and be confident that they will not find that the property does not meet their expectations. In addition the ratings system provides the ability to make effective complaints or endorsements to a national body or bodies.

Pendle Borough Council supports the ratings schemes in order to ensure that all visitors to the area have an enjoyable stay with no unpleasant surprises!

Star Ratings for Hotels

The 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. Hotels are also assigned a "type" such as "townhouse".

Diamond Ratings for Guest Accommodation

Guest Accommodation covers a wide variety of serviced accommodation for which England is renowned, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, inns and farmhouses.The diamond ratings reflect visitor expectations, whereby quality is seen as more important than facilities and services. Guest Accommodation is required to meet progressively higher standards of quality and guest care as they move up the scale from one to five diamonds.

Self Catering

If you are looking for a self-contained holiday home, look for the star. The classification of one to five stars assesses the quality including comfort, space, facilities and cleanliness of the self catering accommodation. 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.

Star and Pennant Ratings for Caravan and Camping Sites

Caravan and camping sites and parks are rated from one to five stars by VisitBritain. More stars indicate a greater level of facilities and quality. The AA's Pennant Rating Scheme is a five point scale based on the site's style and the range of facilities. As the pennant rating increases, so the quality and variety of facilities and amenities is greater.

Other Ratings

Ratings are also given to other facilities such as tourist attractions and restaurants. Again, these help in guaranteeing a uniform level of service and facilities across Britain and ensuring that visitor expectations are met.

For more information on the rating systems and to find out what you can expect from different star, pennant and diamond ratings visit the Quality in Tourism website.

If you are a business working in the tourism industry who would benefit from being included in the national ratings system, visit our business section for advice and information on how to get rated.