Quality Ratings
Star award ratings for holiday accommodation as issued by Visit England - (Tourist Board) and AA
DAVAS (Dorset Approved Visitor Accommodation Scheme) - accreditation by Visit England
(Note that we reserve the right to refuse or remove any advertisement if accommodation
does not meet our own quality standards, or we receive justified customer complaints)
DAVAS - Dorset Approved Visitor Accommodation Scheme
This scheme ensures that the accommodation meets all legal requirements regarding health and safety and good customer practices are being implemented, confirming an acceptable level of cleanliness and comfort. Accredited by Visit England using criteria implemented nationally.
Bed & Breakfast / Guest Houses
Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is normally limited to a maximum of six people / three rooms.
Guest Houses
Normally offer more than three rooms and may offer dinner. Some may also be licensed.
1 Star
Clean and comfortable. A full cooked or continental breakfast. Other meals, where provided,
must be freshly prepared. Clean bed linen, towels and fresh soap. Adequate heating with hot
water available at reasonable times for bathing or showers, at no extra cost. An acceptable overall
level of quality and a helpful service.
2 Stars
All the above, plus a higher level of quality and comfort with greater emphasis on guest care in all areas.
3 Stars
All the above, plus a good overall level of quality. Well maintained, practical decor. A
good choice of dishes for breakfast. All other meals, where provided, will be freshly prepared using
quality ingredients. Minimum facility of wash basin in bedroom. A greater degree of comfort and guest care.
4 Stars
All the above, plus a very good level of quality and comfort. At least 50% of bedrooms have en-suite or
private bathrooms. A very good degree of guest care and extra attention given to cleanliness and warmth of welcome.
5 Stars
All the above, plus an excellent overall level of quality and comfort with ample space and a degree of luxury.
A fine quality bed, high quality furniture and interior design. All bedrooms have en-suite or private facilities.
Other meals, where available, made with fresh seasonal local ingredients. Excellent levels of guest care.
High Quality Awards (Additional to Star Ratings)
VB gives 'Gold' and 'Silver' awards within their ratings to indicate quality achievement.
AA awards 'Yellow' Stars to indicate quality achievement.
Welcome Host A commitment to Courtesy and Service. Indicates that at least 50% of staff have attended this course, intended to promote the highest standards of service and a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors.
Hotels / Inns
Note: The Tourist Board issue individual ratings for Hotels and Inns.
The difference can sometimes be vague and establishments may have an historical name which differs from their official rating.
Inns may have a Public House attached or near to the accommodation.
1 Star
A high standard of cleanliness. Limited range of facilities and services. Friendly and
helpful staff. Dinner served five nights a week.
2 Stars
All the above, plus better equipped and more comfortable accommodation. A straight forward range
of services with a more personal touch. Dinner available every night of the week.
A lift is normally available.
3 Stars
All the above, plus greater quality and a higher standard and range of services and facilities.
Usually larger hotels with more spacious public areas and bedrooms. All bedrooms with en-suite
facilities. A more formal style of service. Room service of continental breakfast.
Laundry service. Greater attention to quality of food.
4 Stars
All the above, plus superior comfort and quality. At least 50% of all bedrooms have both en-suite
shower and bath facilities. More emphasis on quality food and drink. Skilled staff anticipating
and responding to needs and requests. Room service of all meals. 24 hour drinks and snacks.
5 Stars
All the above, plus luxurious and spacious surroundings. The highest international quality of
accommodation, services and a range of extra facilities. Professional attentive, highly trained
staff. Superb cuisine. Striking decor. Exceptional comfort. Sophisticated ambience.
High Quality Awards (Additional to Star Ratings)
VB gives 'Gold' and 'Silver' awards within their ratings to indicate quality achievement.
AA awards 'Red' Stars to indicate quality achievement.
Self Catering
1 Star
Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.
2 Stars
All the above, plus improved overall level of quality. All units self-contained. Two
bathrooms where there are eight guests or more.
3 Stars
All the above, plus good overall level of quality. Good standard of maintenance and decoration.
Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave oven.
4 Stars
All the above, plus very good overall level of quality. Vert good care and attention to detail will be
obvious throughout. Either an access to washing machine and drier, or a 24 hour laundry service.
5 Stars
All the above, plus excellent overall level of quality. High levels of decor, fixtures and
fittings. Excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of
accessories and personal touches. Video player, telephone. Fully controllable heating.
Holiday and Camping Parks
1 Star
Acceptable quality standard.
2 Stars
Good quality standard.
3 Stars
Very good quality standard.
4 Stars
Excellent quality standard.
5 Stars
Exceptional quality standard.
David Bellamy Award
This is an independent award scheme specifically for Holiday Parks and Camping Sites.
The award is made to parks and sites that achieve certain Conservation and Environmental standards.
The three achievable awards are 'Gold', 'Silver' and 'Bronze'.
