Hotel or guest house?

Are you one of the establishments who removed 'hotel' from your business name at the start of the year as you're assessed under the guest accommodation scheme? If so, you may wish to take time to check that the rating and any logos on your business entries on directory websites and your own website are up to date.

It's important that on websites the star rating is shown alongside the designator to avoid misleading customers. It should also be clear if the rating is, for example, four-star Guest House or four-star Hotel.

Commercial websites are gradually waking up to the need to show the ratings and the designators. Sites such as Late Rooms are leading the way by removing 'hotel' from the names of guest houses, as well as strongly promoting ‘official’ ratings from VisitBritain or the AA.

For further guidance and to request a comprehensive advice sheet, please email feedback@visitbritain.org.

You can find detailed information on the National Quality Assessment Scheme for Guest Accommodation at www.qualityintourism.com/asp/guestaccommodation.asp.