Travel: AA and Visit Scotland Ratings Explained.

An explanation of what those stars actually mean officially.

AA Star Ratings

Star ratings, from one to five, are used to assess guest accommodation.

Minimum quality requirements for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, facilities and service. A cooked or substantial continental breakfast is served in a dining room or eating area, or bedroom only.

Courteous service, well-maintained beds, and breakfast prepared with a good level of care.

A 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 greater choice, and fresh ingredients are cooked and presented with a high level of care.

Awareness of each guest needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms are ensuite or have a private bathroom. Excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast includes specials/home-made items, high-quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.

Highly Commended Guest Accommodation

Yellow Stars indicate that an accommodation is in the top ten percent of its star rating. Yellow Stars only apply to three, four or five Star establishments.

Visit Scotland Star Ratings

VisitScotland uses a five-level star grading system to indicate the standard of customer care and range of facilities on offer at assessed establishments.

The number of stars awarded to a property indicate that it is:

Acceptable – 1 star
Good – 2 stars
Very good – 3 stars
Excellent – 4 stars
Exceptional – 5 stars

Here are links to documents outlining what is required for Hotels and Self Catering accommodation.