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The Star Rating System for Hotels

The English Tourism Council's star rating will help you choose the accommodation that's right
for you. Assessors have visited hotels, flats, houses, cottages and serviced appartments 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. Please note that some hotels choose not to participate in the rating system, so that the
absence of a rating does not indicate poor quality of amenities or service.

How to choose the Star Rating that is right for you.

Quite simply, the more Stars, the higher the overall level of quality you can expect to find.
Establisments 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.

Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings. One
star hotels tend to be smaller, privately owned, properties. Accommodation is simple and
practical with limited facilities and services. At least 75% of bedrooms will have en-suite or
private bath/shower rooms. There is an eating area offering breakfast to residents and their
guests, plus a licensed bar or lounge. Dinner may or may not be offered. Friendly and courteous
staff offering efficient if limited levels of service.

Two star hotels tend to be small, privately owned properties, including resort hotels, Inns and
Small commercial hotels. Accommodation offers a good degree of space and convenience. Décor
and furnishings may be simple but are well maintained. All bedrooms will have en-suite or
private facilities. Services may be limited but efficient, provided by proprietor, management or
well-trained staff. Breakfast is offered daily to residents and their guests. Dinner is available at
least five nights per week.

A more formal style of hotel, likely to be larger than one and two star hotels, with a greater range
of facilities and services. Bedroom accommodation will be spacious and designed for comfort
and convenient use,including Colour television, telephones, radios and desk/dressing table areas.
Public areas will include lounge seating, a restaurant and bar.
More formal service will include a staffed Reception desk. Dinner will be provided seven nights
per week and light snack lunches are available in the bar or lounge, together with a wide range of
drinks. Continental breakfast is available from Room Service. There is a laundry service
available.

More formal service is expected at this level. Accommodation is of a very high standard,
offering a wide range of facilities and services. All bedrooms will be designed and furnished for
comfort and ease of use, with very good quality furniture, beds and soft furnishings. All rooms
will have en-suite bath and shower facilities.

Service will reflect attention to detail and quality. There must be a formal reception and porters’
desks with uniformed staff offering a proactive style of service. The restaurant will be open for
lunch and dinner seven days per week. Serious attention is paid to food and drink. Table service
is available in the bar or lounge. Cooked and continental breakfast available, cold snacks and
beverages available from Room Service 24 hours per day.

Where leisure facilities are provided these will be of a high quality, very well maintained and
supervised as appropriate.

Accommodation must be of luxury quality with services to match. Spacious bedroom suites and
public areas. A selection of catering options all offering cuisine and service of the highest
international quality. Extensive range of facilities include leisure, retail and conference services.
Highly trained, professional staff providing exceptional levels of anticipatory service.