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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 easy

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 RoseThe 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.


Serviced Accommodation

AA StarsThere 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 include:

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

Gold Award for Serviced AccommodationSilver Award for Serviced AccommodationAccolades - 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 StarAA 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 StarAA Yellow Stars

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

 

The Quality RoseHostels

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

The Quality RoseIncludes 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.

Holiday, Touring Parks and Camping Parks

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

 

Other

National Accessible SchemeNational Accessible Scheme

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. Quick link to NAS graded properties in Cornwall suitable for disabled visitors.

Walkers WelcomeCyclists WelcomeWalkers and Cyclists Welcome

Offers facilities for walkers or cyclists.


 

 

Families WelcomeFamilies 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.


Pets WelcomeWelcome Pets

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

 

Quality Accredited AgencyQuality 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 AwardRose Award

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

 

 

David Bellamy Conservation AwardsDavid 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. Quick link to David Bellamy Award sites in Cornwall


Green Tourism Business SchemeThe 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. Quick link to GTBS graded properties in Cornwall

 

Bristish Holiday and Home Parks Association MemberBritish Holiday and Home Parks Association Member (BH&HPA)

 


Rosette Rating for Hotels with RestaurantsRosette Ratings for Hotels with Restaurants

Regonising the quality and service of food.


Cornwall Tourism AwardsCornwall Tourism Awards

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