The AA star classification for hotels began way back in 1912.
The AA first began by recommending hotels and eating establishments to its members in 1908 buyt it wasn’t until 1912 that they decided to give classifications or stars.
As taken from The AA accommodation star ratings guide, 4 star hotels must have the following:
“Professional, uniformed staff respond to your needs or requests, and there usually are well-appointed public areas. The restaurant or dining room is open to residents and non-residents, and lunch is available in a designated eating area.”
There are many other criteria The AA look for including cleanliness, decor and services such as room service, room size and laundry/dry cleaning for example.
Many consumers know a minimum standard of accommodation they wish to stay in so the star classification for hotels is a good starting point when searching. It may also give added confidence should a hotel be selected if the consumer then finds out the hotel has a high star rating.
Take the Lake District for example. Until recently there were very few 4 start hotels which was extremely hard to believe as anyone that has visited the Lake District knows there are some fantastic hotels. Competition is fierce in areas such as the Lake District so it is not a surprise that a large number of hotels have been carrying out major refurbishments and renovations. In fact, some of the refurbishments seen in Lake District hotels rival any in the country for the quality of their interior design and fittings in bedrooms to overhauls of menus and staff uniforms. Hotel rooms with individual styling and design offering space, luxurious toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets and his and hers baths. With some of the best scenery in the country and some of the best hotel architecture, it is long overdue that the Lake District has more 4 star hotel classifications.
In the Lake District there are smaller individual hotels that have achieved a 4 star hotel classification from The AA but there are also businesses offering hotel accommodation as well as spa and leisure facilities and a choice of restaurants and bars.
Of course, there are many hotels classified as 4 star hotels but which may be perceived and classed differently to different people. Now that the internet has enabled us to search and compare 4 star hotels across the country, even hotels with this high classification have to work hard to entice customers. Thankfully The AA have introduced a merit score which gives a percentage score for each rating so it is easier to compare hotels with the same star rating. The merit score will help some people decide but many people will get a good feeling from looking on a 4 star hotels website especially if it is a well designed, easy to use website with good photography.
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