UK Hotel Star Rating System
The AA has been recognising accommodation across Britain for more than a century - first assessing hotels in 1908 and introducing its Star Rating scheme in 1912 to recognise and reward establishments for the quality and range of their services and facilities. In 2006, the AA worked with the national tourist boards to develop Common Quality Standards, creating a unified approach to hotel assessment across the UK. These standards continue to underpin the AA’s inspection framework today.
In 2023, the AA refreshed its Quality Standards through an independently chaired Quality Advisory Board, bringing together representatives from across the hospitality industry. The updated framework modernises and simplifies the criteria, ensuring ratings remain relevant, consistent and reflective of contemporary guest expectations. Today, AA inspectors assess not only the physical product but the overall guest experience, with ratings awarded based on quality rather than a checklist of facilities.
Hotel star ratings in the UK are awarded and managed by four nationally recognised and accredited bodies: The AA (via AA Hotel Services), VisitEngland, VisitScotland, and VisitWales. The AA also remains a long‑standing partner to the British hospitality sector and continues to play a central role in maintaining trusted, independent hotel assessment across the UK.
How the AA Hotel Rating System Works
Every hotel assessed by the AA undergoes a full inspection by professional inspectors who evaluate the quality of accommodation, service, and facilities. Ratings range from Three to Five Stars, with each level reflecting progressively higher standards of comfort, hospitality, and attention to detail.
Inspectors score each area - including cleanliness, service, food, bedrooms, bathrooms, and hospitality on a scale from 1 (acceptable) to 5 (excellent). These scores are combined to form an overall percentage, which determines the star rating:
| Three Star | Four Star | Five Star |
| 55-69% | 70-84% | 85-100% |
Beyond the numbers, inspectors consider six key aspects of quality: intrinsic value, condition, comfort, attention to detail, guest choice and ease of use, and presentation. This ensures ratings reflect not just facilities, but the overall guest experience.
Hotels that meet minimum quality standards but do not receive a star rating are recognised as Quality Assessed, confirming that all essential services have been inspected and approved.
Cornwall's Only 5-Star Country House Hotel
The AA's hotel star rating system positions The Nare as Cornwall's leading hotel...
The Nare has been the highest rated hotel in Cornwall for the last 30 years according to The AA. It is one of only two AA 5 star hotels in Cornwall and the only five-star country house hotel.