⭐ Understanding Star Ratings for UK Accommodation

When choosing accommodation in England, you may notice star ratings displayed on hotel and guesthouse listings. These ratings are awarded by Visit Britain and The AA—the two main national tourism assessment bodies—and range from one to five stars, reflecting the overall quality of the guest experience.

But there’s more to the story…

🔍 What Do the Stars Really Mean?

While star ratings are meant to indicate quality, not all stars are equal. That’s because each type of accommodation—whether a hotel, guest house, B&B, self-catering cottage, or holiday apartment—is assessed using a different set of criteria.

For example:

• ⭐⭐⭐ Hotel = Very good service and facilities

• ⭐⭐⭐ Guesthouse = Different standards, often less formal and fewer facilities than a hotel

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Self-catering cottage = Still likely below a 4-star hotel in luxury or service level

So always check the text under the stars on the blue Visit Britain or yellow AA logo. It tells you what type of accommodation was assessed—hotel, guest house, or self-catering.

⚠️ Be Aware of Classification Confusion

Some properties still call themselves “hotels” but are actually assessed as guest houses to meet easier criteria. This means:

• A place called a “hotel” might not offer the facilities or standards you’d expect

• Two properties with the same star rating may offer vastly different experiences

💬 Even MoneySavingExpert.com warns:

“Don’t trust the star system.”

🛎 Accommodation Types and Their Criteria

Here’s how stars are typically awarded across different categories:

🏨 Hotels

• Licensed and offer dinner at least 5 nights a week

• All rooms must have en-suite or private bathrooms

• ⭐⭐⭐ Hotel: Room service + permanently staffed reception

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel: Spacious rooms, suites, concierge, and top-tier facilities

🏡 Guest Accommodation / Guest Houses

• Often family-run with varying levels of service

• ⭐⭐⭐: Private bathrooms; sink in room if not en-suite

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: All rooms en-suite + high-quality furnishings and hospitality

🏠 Self-Catering Accommodation

• Assessed based on layout, kitchen facilities, comfort, and cleanliness

• Cleanliness is especially important across all rating levels

🏕 Holiday, Touring & Camping Parks

• Rated 1–5 stars based on overall quality

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parks: Offer exceptional standards in facilities and maintenance

🏅 Gold & Silver Awards

Properties that exceed expectations in cleanliness, hospitality, and service may earn:

• Gold Awards – Exceptional overall quality

• Silver Awards – High standards just below Gold

These awards appear alongside the star rating.

🌐 Online Reviews: Your Best Guide

Given the inconsistencies in the current star system, it’s wise to read online reviews before booking. Sites like Google, TripAdvisor, or Booking.com allow you to see what previous guests actually experienced.

🔍 Tip: Don’t rely on just one review. Read several to get a well-rounded view.

🏞 What the Star System Misses

Stars don’t reflect:

• The location

• The views

• The peacefulness or surrounding beauty

Yet these can significantly impact your holiday experience.

✅ Final Advice

• Always check the accommodation type under the star symbol

• Be cautious when comparing like-for-like across different types

• Use online reviews to confirm real experiences

• Don’t assume more stars = more luxury unless you’re comparing within the same category