English Tourism Council, AA and RAC Diamond and Star Schemes

If a guest house or hotel has a diamond or star rating, you can expect to find the following minimum standards at all Diamond levels:

• Clean, comfortable, secure accommodation, with bedrooms equipped to modern standards.
• Beds, bedding and other bedroom furniture and equipment in good condition.
• Bedding and towels changed for each new guest, and at least weekly if the room is taken for a long stay. Additional pillows and blankets should be available on request.
• Adequate lighting and comfortable seating, a wardrobe or equivalent, shelves or drawers.
  Curtains or blinds correctly fitted and functioning.
• Adequate, clean and comfortable floor covering with bedside rugs, or fitted carpets.
• Proper attention to hygiene in bathrooms and WCs; adequate provision of toilet tissue and fresh soap.
• Adequate heating at no extra cost, and extra heating available at no extra cost on request.
• Hot water available at reasonable times.
• Normally a full, cooked breakfast will be available, although some establishments may offer only a continental breakfast. Note that a few establishments display room only rates - if this is the case, breakfast will be charged extra!

What the Diamonds mean

To be awarded any Diamonds at all, establishments must provide sufficient quality in all areas of operation shown below. They are given a score from 1 to 5 in each section. If they do not achieve a sufficient quality standard, they cannot be awarded a diamond rating at all.

The standards they are judged on are:

• Cleanliness and Housekeeping
• Service and Hospitality
• Bedroom Facilities
• Bathroom, Shower, WC and en-suite Facilities
• Food Quality and Service
• Public Rooms such as guest lounges
• Safety and Security, Exterior and Interior Appearance and upkeep

The awards take all these factors into account.

At all Diamond levels, cleanliness and good housekeeping are of the highest importance and the emphasis of the assessment for a Diamond rating is on guest care and quality rather than the provision of extra facilities.

Once everything has been assessed, the scores are converted into a percentage which is then turned into a Diamond rating:
1 Diamond - Standard Quality - reflects a score of between 20% and 34%
2 Diamonds - Standard Quality - reflects a score of between 35% and 49%
3 Diamonds - Good Quality- reflects a score of between 50% and 69%
4 Diamonds - High Quality - reflects a score of between 70% and 84%
5 Diamonds - Outstanding Quality - reflects a score of 85% and more.

What the Stars mean

One Star establishments are practical accommodation with a limited range of facilities and services. There will be a restaurant or other eating area open to you for breakfast and dinner. Alcoholic drinks will be served in a bar or lounge. A majority of the rooms will have en suite facilities.

Two Star establishments have everything one star places have but will be more comfortable and better equipped. They will offer a good range of services and personal style service.

Three Star establishments have everything one and two star places have. They will offer a significantly greater quality and range of facilities and services. They are normally more spacious and will offer a more formal style of service with a receptionist on duty, room service and a laundry service.

Four Star establishments have everything one, two and three star places have. They offer superior comfort and quality. All bedrooms will be en-suite. The hotel will have spacious public areas and will have a strong emphasis on food and drink. Room service should be available 24 hours a day.

Five Star establishmentshave everything one, two, three and four star places have. They are spacious, luxurious establishments of the highest international quality throughout. There will be a range of extra facilities and the hotel will be amongst the best in the industry.