The rating scheme in England lists the following benefits of participation in the scheme.

• Unlimited use of VisitEngland’s internationally recognised marque and star rating in all your promotional material, providing potential visitors the assurance that your accommodation has been independently assessed. The star ratings are promoted by many commercial websites, including Active Hotels and LateRooms.com.
• Annual assessment by one of VisitEngland’s professional assessors. ‘Mystery guest’ overnight stay every year for all hotels, irrespective of star rating. For guest accommodation and hostels, the frequency of overnight stays varies, depending on the star rating (1-3 years) and accolades. All other schemes have annual day visit assessments. The assessor will award your star rating and give advice on how to maintain and improve your rating as well as maximise the potential of your business.
• Written report after each assessment, outlining strengths and areas for improvement, with individual scores for each area of the business assessed. NEW for 2011 – why not opt for an electronic version of your assessment report and enjoy a 1% paperless discount on your participation fee. Please contact the helpline if you would like to take advantage of this discount and join the 86% of participants who have already taken up this option.
• Free exterior sign if you are a new joiner, to promote your star rating to your customers, and annual certificate to all participants to display in reception. All participants can purchase additional signs and stickers from VisitEngland’s range of signage.
• Silver and Gold awards for hotels and guest accommodation - opportunity to gain recognition of high achievement through VisitEngland’s special awards.
• Gold awards for self-catering and serviced apartments in recognition of the top scoring properties.
• Breakfast awards sponsored by Kellogg’s – the award recognises those hotels and bed & breakfasts that offer their guests a quality and choice of breakfast, service and hospitality which exceeds what would be expected at their star rating. It will help visitors find those places where the owners, managers, chefs and staff have gone the extra mile to ensure the breakfast will exceed expectations.
• Access to marketing opportunities (including websites and guidebooks) offered by destinations that operate ‘assessed only’ policies.
• Free subscription to VisitEngland’s Quality Edge magazine – twice-yearly publication, packed with marketing hints and tips and case studies from operators from all sectors.Free annual subscription to AccommodationKnowHow.co.uk (the Pink Booklet online) – widely respected online resource, which provides straightforward information and advice to help you unravel the legislation and regulations that affect your business.
• Eligibility for annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, celebrating the best of English tourism in 15 categories.
• Opportunity to take paid advertisements in the annual VisitEngland Accommodation Guides. Better coverage than ever with five new iPhone Apps.

Find out more at the Quality in Tourism website or read our articles about Quality Assessments.