A Common Standards Update
This brief guide is for Accommodation providers a Hotel guide will follow latter.
The AA and Quality In Tourism (QIT) is now inspecting Guest Accommodation against the new star rating Quality Standards. Funnily enough our business has had 5 inspections this year, two with Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) and 3 with the AA; this has lead to a greater understanding of the new standards and the impact on the industry. Having cut their teeth on the larger establishments the AA particularly is turning its attention to the smaller establishments. The AA has said it will aim to complete the first phase of inspections by the middle of 2007, in time to have star ratings for all properties in the 2008 AA B&B Guide. I am sure Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) will not be far behind.
The New Standards
There is a common date for final completion of all inspections by January 2008. This target date is shared with Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales. Although; as you would expect; all four organisations are working to different time tables!
Result, there may be some star’ed establishments in the same vicinity as diamond’ed establishments, this will undoubtedly lead to guest confusion in the mean time.
One thing that we all need to consider as we get nearer to the 2008 deadline is the word “hotel” in an accommodation provider’s property name. In arguing the point with the unmoving powers at Visit Britain as an industry we may cause more confusion to the guest during this intervening period, this is something that we must accept; if we are to continue to argue this point on behalf of the members.
As a possible fallback position with regard to the word “Hotel” it may be wise to consider that the word “Hotel” could be substituted with say a word like “Gotel”, meaning “guest hotel” as this is so similar in wording that the guest would know it is a form of “Hotel”; plus it is only one letter change, minimizing costs. Do remember though! That the Scarborough Hotels Association has voiced its members concerns at the highest level with Visit Britain on the matter of retention of the word “hotel” for accommodation providers and they have extended the provision of dropping the issue until 2008, though Visit Britain are still adamant that after this date the word “hotel” must be dropped..
Inspections
Inspections; “get the knowledge” and “get aware” before your inspection is the word of the day, do your own critical inspection of your own premises, look for “quick wins” with regard to service enhancements. Download the guides or ask Alison at the Scarborough Hospitality Association to email you them! When the inspector comes discuss any concerns you may have with them.
I understand that anomalies in the recommended rating are being resolved locally between the AA and the relevant Tourist Board through the Area Inspectors or Area Manager so for example a “three diamond” and “3 star AA” on the same property should not happen!
It is probably going to be late 2008, when all four organisations have completed the entire process of grading under the new standards; only then will it be evident where some ratings may need review.
What Designator should you be listed under?
Well there are six different designators for Guest Accommodation. These must be used in conjunction with your star rating to avoid confusion with the full-service ‘Hotel’ scheme; i.e. those establishments who in Visit Britain’s opinion can use the word “Hotel” Your designator will be the same for all organisations you are involved with, for us in Scarborough it is presently Visit Britain and the AA.
B&B
This is best for any accommodation provided in a private house, run by the owner and with no more than six guests
Guest House
Accommodation for more than six guests and run on a more commercial basis.
Farmhouse
Accommodation provided on a working farm or smallholding
Inn
Accommodation provided in a fully licensed establishment
Restaurant with Rooms
Destination restaurant offering overnight accommodation with a maximum of 12 bedrooms
Guest Accommodation
Any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements is eligible for this general designator
Ok! What’s the difference between the “old” standards and the “new” standards?
According to surveys conducted the new star ratings are more robust than the diamond standards; apparently for two reasons
Physical requirements: a full en-suite (or private) bathrooms to achieve four or five stars. If you have in room basins the maximum you can get is three stars.
Service and cleanliness; overall level of quality in all areas, especially hospitality, cleanliness, bedrooms, bathrooms and breakfast, is far higher than before. Therefore, if you were at the lower end of your diamond band and have made no positive changes, then you might be graded at a lower star level than you perceive you should be at; so now is the time to look at these issues!
Above all remember this is an entirely new scheme, and must be viewed as such. The inspectors are allowed to take a flexible attitude until the end of 2007, where they can see that proprietors are making changes or have plans for improvements, but do remember this flexibility is based on subjective application; so keep on the good side of the inspector during the inspection process and remember they are there to help you, so remain calm and friendly.
If you have any further queries about the new rating system, do contact the association for information.
