In response to consumer demand, VisitBritain, the Automobile Association and RAC joined forces to create one overall rating scheme for serviced accommodation, using stars to represent Hotels and Diamonds for Guest Accommodation which include such establishments as guesthouses, inns, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts. The scheme puts greater emphasis on quality in Hotels and Guest Accommodation - particularly in areas of cleanliness and guest care. VisitScotland, Wales Tourist Board, Jersey Tourism and Guernsey Tourism, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland operate their own schemes. However, the VisitBritain, AA and RAC grading scheme will apply to assessments undertaken throughout the UK by the AA and RAC.
Star ratings symbolize the level of service, range of facilities and quality of guest care that you can expect. Hotels are required to meet progressively higher standards as they move up the scale from one to five stars. The gradings are as follows: One star: Practical hotel accommodation with a limited range of facilities and services, but a high standard of cleanliness throughout. Restaurant or eating area for breakfast at least. 75% of bedrooms will have en-suite or private facilities.

Two stars: Better equipped bedrooms, all with in suite,private bathroom and a color TV. A lift is often available. Dining services available.
Three stars: Higher standard of services and facilities including larger public areas and bedrooms, a receptionist, room service, laundry service.
Four stars: Hotel accommodation offering superior comfort and quality; all bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, fitted overhead shower and WC. Spacious and well appointed public areas. There should be more of an emphasis on food and drink. Room service of all meals and 24 hour drinks, refreshments and snacks. Dry cleaning service available. Excellent customer service.

Five stars: A spacious, luxurious hotel offering the highest international quality of accommodation, facilities, services and cuisine. An overall wider range of extra facilities should be available to guests. Guests are very well cared for by professional, attentive staff providing flawless guest services.

Travel Accommodation

Travel Accommodations include budget or lodge-style accommodation usually purpose built, and close to main roads, motorways or city centers. There may or may not be a public area and a food and beverage outlet. Travel Accommodation can often form part of a motorway services operation. Reception hours may be restricted and payment may be required on check-in with limited services provided. This style of accommodation provides a consistent level of quality and service. There is no star rating for Travel Accommodation.

Townhouse Accommodation

Townhouse accommodations include small, personally run, town or city center hotels. They offer a high degree of quality, with superior bedrooms, suites and service. Townhouses may or may not have public rooms or formal dining arrangements associated with hotels, and can offer high quality room service and are usually located in areas well served by restaurants. All Townhouses are rated four of five star.

Restaurant with Rooms

These establishments generally include a restaurant, bistro, and brasserie operations with the addition of guestrooms for overnight accommodations. Establishments included in this sector will:

* normally be a maximum of 12 bedrooms, clean and well maintained and generally reflecting at least the level of quality normally associated with a two star hotel.

* have a restaurant which is the principle operation within the establishment and is available to non-residents for main meals on all days open.

* have an emphasis on food quality rather than extensive meals, all meals prepared with good technical skills with significant use of seasonal and local, fresh produce.

Inn''s, Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts

Diamond ratings for Guest Accommodation including British Inn''s, Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast''s reflect visitor expectations of this sector, where quality is seen as more important than facilities and services. As a result Guest Accommodation is required to meet progressively higher standards of quality and guest care as they move up the scale from one to five diamonds.

One diamond Guest Accommodation: clean and comfortable accommodation, providing breakfast, and helpful service.
Two diamond Guest Accommodation: Good overall level of quality and comfort, with greater emphasis on guest care.
Three diamond Guest Accommodation: Well maintained, practical decor, a good choice of breakfast dishes, a very good level of customer care.
Four diamond Guest Accommodation: An even higher level of quality and comfort. Very good levels of customer care.

Five diamond Guest Accommodation: Exceptional overall quality in furnishing and rooms and customer care, anticipating guests'' needs. Exceptional level of quality.

* Included in the diamond system are overnight accommodations provided by Inn''s, guesthouses, farmhouses and bed & breakfasts.

Camping

Camping sites in Britian can be small intimate spaces to large family areas. Camping will allow you to enjoy the outdoors and relax in the natural beauty of the countryside. Types of camping areas include Holiday Parks, Touring Parks and Camping Parks. The British Tourist Authority can offer suggestions for budget conscious travelers looking to plan their Irish itinerary, but be prepared as most camping destinations will require a bit of traveling to reach them. Do not fear, car rental in Britain is exceptionally easy and is sure to bring you to that perfect little spot.

Farmhouses

Farmhouses are becoming very popular because they offer a rural experience with the friendliness and the hospitality of the locals. Accommodations range from simple Bed & Breakfast type accommodations to a bale of hay in the barn. You will, however, find that many properties offer something in the middle, with a bed, sometimes shared guestrooms, and always for a great price. Popular with young, adventurous travelers throughout Europe are farm stays that offer a place for a sleeping bag in the barn in exchange for a little money or in exchange for chores. While some farmhouses in Ireland offer exceptional country accommodations combined with a culinary or weaving lesson. The opportunities are abundant and rewarding.

Self Catered Holidays in Britain

For those travelers looking for a most unique experience during their vacation in Britain, property rental may be for you. Rentals range from studio flats in London to restored castles on the English countryside and offer travelers a chance to experience British culture as if you lived there. Leasing a property is a popular option for well season travelers who recognize the value of self catered properties. Whether your dream is living on a houseboat, in a manor home or charming cottage, your dreams are well within your reach, and most times at considerable savings. Rental properties in Ireland are popular for groups who use their rental as a base for their daily excursions and are also a most popular option for lovebirds looking for that perfect place to host their destination wedding. Do be sure, that if given the option, you sign up for cleaning service, after all, you are on vacation!!!

Traditionally sought by the backpacking, student traveler, hostels remain the most competitively priced accommodations throughout Europe. In Britain there are a wide variety of styles for all budgets. Hostels still offer multiple beds, shared bathrooms and in some cases curfews, but in the 21st century travelers have access to hostel information including ratings and facilities online. You can plan your trip, long or short, and plot your path based on your personal requirements.