National Quality Standards Establishments that offer accommodation in the UK are assessed to a set of common quality standards. These standards are agreed by the UK tourist authorities VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Visit Walesand The AA. Accommodation is assessed under 3 broad categories:

• Hotel
• Guest Accommodation
• Self Catering

The 'self-assessed' star ratings on www.BookDirectRooms.com are displayed for the benefit of the online guest to indicate the quality and services provided at properties that have not been assessed by one of the above tourist authorities. Star ratings, from one to five, show the standard of quality for hotels, guest accommodation and self catering. The following brief summary gives the main standards within their ratings.

Star Rating	Hotel	Guest Accommodation	Self Catering
	Courteous staff provide an informal yet competent service. All rooms are ensuite or have private facilities, and a designated eating area serves breakfast daily and dinner most evenings.	Minimum quality requirements for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, facilities and services. A cooked or substantial continental breakfast is served in a dining room or eating area, or bedroom only.	Minimum quality requirements for cleanliness, maintenance, fixtures, fittings, and furnishings. Items provided are adequate and functional, all in working order, and are fit for the purpose intended.
	A restaurant or dining room serves breakfast daily and dinner most evenings.	Courteous service, well-maintained beds, and breakfast prepared with a good level of care.	A good standard of quality overall is required, with improved coordination and use of space, and a wider range of items provided.
	Staff are smartly and professionally presented. The restaurant or dining room is open to residents and non-residents.	Friendly welcome, and good-quality, well-presented beds and furniture. A choice of good-quality, freshly cooked food is available at breakfast.	Detailed evidence of care and external maintenance. A good provision of local information and additional recreational items; well-finished fittings and décor and a kitchen well-stocked with cookware, crockery, cutlery and utensils.
	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.	Attentive, more personalised service. At least half of the bedrooms are en suite or have private bathrooms. Very good beds and high quality furniture. Breakfast offers a greater choice, and fresh ingredients are cooked and presented with a high level of care.	Very good to excellent standards throughout, with high quality coordinated furniture, fixtures and fittings. Ample space with well-planned layout of furniture; high quality and very good range of kitchen equipment.
	Luxurious accommodation and public areas, with a range of extra facilities and a multilingual service available. Guests are greeted at the hotel entrance. High quality menu and wine list.	Awareness of each guest's needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms are en suite or have a private bathroom. Excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast includes specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.	Exceptional and outstanding levels of comfort throughout, with an excellent range of items. High quality furniture with striking interior design; an excellent range of kitchen appliances, cookware, crockery, cutlery and utensils, all in pristine condition.