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…
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.
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.”
Here’s how stars are typically awarded across different categories:
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
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
Assessed based on layout, kitchen facilities, comfort, and cleanliness
Cleanliness is especially important across all rating levels
Rated 1–5 stars based on overall quality
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parks: Offer exceptional standards in facilities and maintenance
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.
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.
Stars don’t reflect:
The location
The views
The peacefulness or surrounding beauty
Yet these can significantly impact your holiday experience.
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