Accommodation Gradings Explained

All the accommodation in Cornwall featured on this website has been quality assessed so you can make your choice confidently knowing that each establishment has been graded according to the quality on offer, and complies with either VisitBritain and/or the AA. Therefore you can be assured that the standards and choice are right for you.

Some establishments listed may have recently applied to be graded are therefore awaiting assessment - these establishments will show 'Award Pending'.

The national assessing bodies (VisitBritain and the AA) now assess Hotels and Guest House/B&B accommodation in Cornwall to the same criteria and award 1-5 stars. VisitBritain also inspect and grade Self Catering and Camping and Caravanning sites, awarding 1-5 stars.

The star gradings reflect the overall quality of the accommodation and experience. The establishments are quality checked by independent assessors who work to ensure that the standards you find are what you would expect. 

Gradings made easier

1 Star - Simple, practical, no frills
2 Star - Well presented and well run
3 Star - Good level of quality and comfort
4 Star - Excellent standard throughout
5 Star - Exceptional standard with a degree of luxury.

What the gradings mean

The Quality Rose

The Quality Rose is the official mark of England's official nationwide quality assessment scheme and is an independent, reliable and an impartial assessment of quality covering every type of accommodation. 

AA Serviced Accommodation

There are two separate schemes - one for Hotels and one for B&Bs/Guest Houses. 
 

Hotel categories include:

Hotel, Country House Hotel, Small Hotel, Town House Hotel, Metro Hotel. Hotels are required to be licensed, offer dinner on at least five nights per week (unless a Metro Hotel) with all rooms having en-suites or private bathrooms.

Guest Accommodation categories incude:

Guest Accommodation, Bed & Breakfast, Guest House, Farmhouse, Inn, Restaurant with Rooms (no star rating).

Accolades - Gold and Silver Awards

These accolades are awarded to Hotels and Guest Houses/B&Bs and recognise exceptional quality in all areas, particularly in service and hospitality.

 

AA Red Star Hotels

From large luxury hotels to snug country inns, red star hotels are the best in the UK. They are selected from each of the star rating levels for their exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service.

AA Yellow Star Hotels

AA Yellow Stars recognise the very best guest accommodation within the 3-5 star rating.

Hostels

Hostels offer safe, budget prices accommodation for families, young people and large groups and are star rated. Higher rated accommodation often provides en-suite rooms.

 

Self Catering

Includes the categories Self Catering, Serviced Apartments, Approved Caravan Holiday Home.

Assessments are carried out on the general layout and design of the accommodation taking into account the comfort of both bedrooms and bathrooms. Quality and range of kitchen equipment is assessed and, most important of all, cleanliness.

Individual caravan holiday homes are assessed to ensure they provide clean and comfortable accommodation, gaining Approved Caravan Holiday Home status.

VisitEngland Gold Award for Self Catering

This accolade is awarded to Self-catering and serviced apartments (new for 2009) and recognises exceptional quality in all areas, particularly in service and hospitality.

Holiday, Touring Parks and Camping Parks

These star ratings reflect the overall quality of the park ranging from 1-5 stars or pennants if awarded by the AA.

  
Other

National Accessible Scheme (NAS)

If you have particular mobility, visual or hearing needs, look out a for the National Accessible Scheme logos. Properties and attractions displaying these symbols will have met the National Accessible scheme criteria. View all NAS graded properties in Cornwall suitable for disabled visitors.

Walkers and Cyclists Welcome

Offers facilities for walkers or cyclists.

Families Welcome

If you are planning a break with the family, look out for the Families Welcome scheme awarded to businesses that provide facilities and services for families of varying ages and combinations and information to help make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Welcome Pets

Provides facilities specifically for your pet and provides information to help make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Quality Accredited Agency

Awarded by VisitBriain after an assessment of the office policies, practices and procedures, but does not have a policy of assessing all their properties through VisitBritain.

Rose Award

Awarded to Holiday, Touring and Camping Parks with exceptional facilities.

David Bellamy Conservation Awards

These awards are made each year to parks which can demonstrate policies showing active concern for the environment. Three levels of excellence can be achieved: Gold, Silver and Bronze. View all David Bellamy Award sites in Cornwall

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS)

A marketing and advisory tool for tourism businesses supporting the local area and environment. It is Europe's largest and most successful 'green' accreditation scheme for the tourism sector. View all GTBS graded properties in Cornwall

British Holiday and Home Parks Association Member (BH&HPA)

Established exclusively to serve and represent the interests of the British parks industry.

Rosette Ratings for Hotels with Restaurants

Regonising the quality and service of food.

NEW Breakfast Award for Serviced Accommodation

VisitEngland's first Breakfast award. Sponsored by Kellogg's, the award recognises Hotels and B&Bs that offer their guests a quality and choice of breakfast, service and hospitality that exceeds what would be expected at their star rating.

Cornwall Tourism Awards

Awarded annually to highlight the quality, innovation and sheer hard work of tourism practitioners across Cornwall. View Tourism Awards page.