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Accommodation Standards

VisitEngland, the national tourism authority, manages the quality standards rating scheme for accommodation in England. A similar scheme is run by the Automobile Association (the AA).

There are different classification categories for "hotels" and "guest accomodation", and so it is important to understand this.

To be classified under the hotel assessment an establishment has to "have a minimum of 6 bedrooms, be licensed and offer dinner (unless suitable for Metro Hotel category). Also all bedrooms must be ensuite or have a private bathroom". The Guest Accommodation classification is likely to be suitable for accommodation providers which "are likely to be smaller than hotels with perhaps more of a family home feel and approach, and a less structured service."

It is therefore important to check the accommodation classification; 4-star guest accommodation cannot be compared to a 4-star hotel. Different criteria apply.

The following descriptions of what to expect apply to all types of accommodation. Use them as a general guide to what you can expect from Hampshire hotel and guest accommodation providers.

Simple, practical, no frills.
Well presented and well run.
Good level of quality and comfort.
Excellent standard throughout.
Exceptional with a degree of luxury.

Hotel Classification

One Star

The key requirements for achieving a One Star hotel rating are:

Minimum bedroom sizes as follows:
- Single 5.6 sq.m/60 sq.ft
- Double 8.4 sq.m/90 sq.ft
- Twin 10.2 sq.m/110 sq.ft
100% of bedrooms must have an en-suite or private facilities.
Resident guests, once registered, should have access to the hotel at all times. Proprietor and/or staff to be on site and on call to resident guests 24 hours a day.
All areas of operation should meet the minimum standards for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality as well as the minimum standards for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
A dining room/restaurant or similar eating area serving a cooked breakfast seven days a week - unless the hotel is designated a Town House Hotel.
A dining room/restaurant or similar eating area serving evening meals at least five days a week - unless the hotel is designated a Metro Hotel or a Town House Hotel.
A bar or sitting area with a alcohol licence. Hotel open seven days a week during its operating season. On every day open, providing the level of service and facilities appropriate to its star rating. Proprietor and/or staff available during the day and evening to receive guests and provide information/services such as hot drinks and light refreshments.
A clearly designated reception facility.
All current statutory obligations met and Public Liability cover provided.
Reservation procedures in line with current statutory requirements.

Two Star

In addition to the requirements for One Star:

All areas of operation should meet the Two Star requirements for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
A dining room/restaurant or similar eating area serving evening meals at least seven days a week.

Three Star

In addition to the requirements for Two Star:

All areas of operation should meet the Three Star requirements for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
Once registered, resident guests have access to the hotel at all times during the day and evening (e.g. from 7a.m. until midnight) without use of a key.
Access available outside these times.
Room service of hot and cold drinks and light snacks (e.g. sandwiches) during daytime and evening.
One room service meal, either continental breakfast or dinner, clearly advertised in bedrooms.
All bedrooms with en-suite bathroom.

Four Star

In addition to the requirements for Three Star:

All areas of operation should meet the Four Star requirements for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for
the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
Once registered, resident guests should have 24 hour access, facilitated by on-duty staff.
Enhanced services offered, e.g. 24 hour room service including cooked breakfast, offer of luggage assistance, meals at lunchtime or table service on request at breakfast.
At least one restaurant, open to resident guests and non-residents, for breakfast and dinner seven days a week.
All bedrooms with en-suite bathroom and all with WC and thermostatically controlled shower. Additionally, at least< half of these bedrooms should have a bath.
At least one suite available.

Five Star

In addition to the requirements for Four Star:

All areas of operation should meet the Five Star requirements for cleanliness, maintenance and hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.
Hotel open seven days a week all year.
Enhanced services offered, e.g. valet parking, escort to bedrooms, proactive table service in bars and lounges and at breakfast, concierge service, 24 hour reception, 24 hour room service and full afternoon tea.
At least one restaurant, open to resident guests and non-residents, for all meals seven days a week.
All bedrooms with en-suite bathroom with WC, bath and thermostatically controlled shower.
A choice of environments in public areas of sufficient size to provide generous personal space.
Additional facilities, e.g. secondary dining, leisure, business centre or spa.
A number of permanent luxury suites available.

Guest Accommodation