FIVE-STAR HOTELS will have to watch out (and three-star too). VisitBritain, VisitScotland and the Wales Tourist Board have got together with the Automobile Association (AA) and Royal Automobile Club (RAC), to agree a set of common standards for all aspects of guest accommodation. From 2006, they will all work from the same criteria and guidelines to decide how many stars are awarded for listings and sign boards. One of the problems is that guests (and hoteliers too) don”t know what standards are required for various ratings. To be rated as even a one-star hotel, the establishment needs to have a minimum of six letting rooms all with en-suite bathroom, a clearly defined reception area, with staff on call 24 hours, and a dining room offering an evening meal at least five days a week. To obtain two stars the hotel”s dining room is required to be open for breakfast service seven days a week, and for three stars the property needs to offer additional room service of hot drinks and light snacks throughout the day and evening. Four-star hotels must in addition have reception staff on duty 24 hours, a full service restaurant, and at least half the rooms equipped with a bath as well as a shower in the en-suite facilities. For a five-star rating, the hotel must offer enhanced services including valet parking, escort to guest rooms and 24-hour room service. These establishments need to have additional services such a business centre, spa or leisure centre.
http://www.theaa.com http://www.rac.co.uk