Ratings explained

The following information explains about the different types of accommodation you are likely to find within this website. All accommodation has been inspected and approved by either The AA, VisitBritain or the Exeter & Essential Devon Tourism Partnership.

What standards to expect at each rating level:

* acceptable overall level of quality

** good overall level of quality

*** very good overall level of quality

**** excellent overall level of quality

***** exceptional overall level of quality

Progressively higher levels of quality and customer care are provided for each of the star ratings. The more stars the higher the overall level of quality.

Hotel accommodation

Awarded between one and five stars, the scheme focuses on quality including customer care, the range of services available, variety and standard of facilities. A one-star property will have at least 75% of bedrooms with en-suite or private facilities, while a five-star grading guarantees luxurious and spacious surroundings with the highest international quality of service and superb cuisine.

Guest accommodation (including Guest Houses, B&Bs, Inns & Restaurants with Rooms)

Guest accommodation is rated using one to five stars. Properties are likely to be smaller than hotels with perhaps more of a family home feel and approach. Ratings reflect quality rather than facilities and services. As a result, establishments are required to meet progressively higher standards of quality, cleanliness and guest care as they move up the scale.

Hostel accommodation

Hostel accommodation, including hostels catering solely for groups, are rated from one to five stars. Hostel accommodation is assessed for both quality and facilities. Bunkhouses and camping barns are also assessed, although they are not give a star rating.

Self Catering accommodation

Self-catering accommodation is assessed on its overall quality. Minimum entry requirements include pricing and conditions of booking must be made clear. All properties will have their own kitchen and bathroom facilities and local information should be provided to help guests make the most out of their stay.

Holiday Home, Touring and Camping Parks

The rating for holiday home, touring and camping parks reflects the overall quality of the park and has been developed following extensive research. A rating of one to five stars is awarded based on over 50 separate aspects including cleanliness, environment and the quality of facilities and services provided.

Campus accommodation

Campus accommodation includes educational establishments such as universities and colleges with sleeping accommodation in halls of residence or student village complexes and may be serviced of self-catering. They are

Exeter & Essential Devon Tourism Partnership

The Exeter & Essential Devon Tourism Partnership aims to raise the profile of tourism within the area with visitors and local people. Accommodation showing this symbol has been inspected by the Exeter & Essential Devon Tourism Partnership.

Accommodation awards

VisitBritian Gold and Silver Awards

These awards are given to hotels and guest accommodation only that reach the highest level of quality in specific areas identified by guests as being really important to them. Gold and Silver awards reflect the quality of comfort and cleanliness found in bedrooms and bathrooms as well as the quality of service enjoyed by guests.

AA Merit Score

In addition to the star classification, the AA score each hotel an AA Merit Score in the form of a percentage. This indicates the level of quality achieved within each star rating and will help you to compare hotels with the same number of stars.

AA Inspector's Choice

From large luxury hotels to snug country inns, the Top Hotels are our best hotels in the country. They are selected from each of the star-rating levels for their exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service.

AA Rosette

Most star-rated hotels have their own restaurants and these, too, are inspected by The AA. As with independent restaurants, rosettes from one to five are awarded annually to hotel restaurants for the quality of their food. Not all restaurants receive an AA award, but will generally serve enjoyable food.