Accommodation Types

Under the national quality assurance scheme, accommodation is assessed according to its type. There are four main types: hotels, guest accommodation, self catering and caravan & camping.  Each has several categories and below is a brief explanation of the categories used by Quality in Tourism for serviced accommodation: i.e. hotels and guest accommodation... 

Hotels

Includes the categories Hotel, Small Hotel, Country House, Town House, Metro and Budget Hotel.

• Hotels have a minimum of six bedrooms, but are more likely to have 20+ rooms

• Small Hotels have a maximum of 20 bedrooms and likely to be more personally run

• Country House Hotels have ample grounds or gardens, in a rural or semirural location, with emphasis on peace and quiet

• Town House Hotels are in a city/town centre location and are of high quality with a distinctive style. High ratio of staff to guests

• Metro Hotels are found in city/town centres, offering full hotel services, but no dinner. Will be within easy walking distance of a range of places to eat

• Budget Hotels are part of a chain of branded hotels offering clean and comfortable en suite facilities, 24 hour reservations and a consistent level of facilities. They are not awarded a star rating.

Guest Accommodation

Includes the categories Guest Accommodation, Bed & Breakfast, Guest House, Farmhouse, Inn, Restaurant with Rooms.

• Guest Accommodation is the category which encompasses anything from one-room B&Bs to larger places, which may offer dinner and be licensed

• Bed and Breakfasts generally accommodate no more than six people. It's like staying as a special guest in someone's home

• Farmhouses offer bed and breakfast and sometimes dinner, always on a farm

• Guest Houses tend to have more than three rooms and may offer dinner to their guests. Some may be license

• Restaurants with Rooms are just that - the restaurant is the main business and they will be licensed 

• Inns are pubs with rooms which serve food in the evenings, as well as breakfast. Sometimes access to guest accommodation may be restricted during the day, but you will be advised on booking.