Quality Standards

We assess and rate accommodation under a set of quality standards agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities – Quality Standards are the basis for the inspections that take place.

Types within the Guest Accommodation/B&B scheme

B&B: Accommodation provided in a private house by the owner.
Inn: Accommodation provided in a fully licensed establishment, providing evening meals and with the bar open to the public.
Restaurant with Rooms: A maximum of 12 bedrooms provided on the site of a restaurant.

Quality Star Rating

Ranging from 3 to 5, star ratings denote the standard of quality for bed and breakfasts.
★ ★ ★ Friendly welcome, and good-quality, well-presented beds and furniture. A choice of good-quality, freshly cooked food is available at breakfast.
★ ★ ★ ★ Attentive, more personalised service. At least half of the bedrooms are ensuite or have private bathrooms. Very good beds and high-quality furniture. Breakfast offers a wider choice, fresh ingredients is cooked and presented with a high level of care.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Awareness of each guest’s needs with nothing being too much trouble. Rooms all ensuite or with own bathroom. Excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast includes specials/home-made items, high-quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.

Quality Assessed

This accreditation level involves a full inspection, testing all services to ensure minimum quality standards are met, but with no star rating awarded. Establishments are eligible for, and may achieve, other associated awards such as our food scheme AA Rosettes and Spa Awards.