Taken from the Quality Standard booklet for Self-Catering Accommodation.

The following sliding scale indicates examples of quality, which may be in evidence, in order to achieve the various levels of quality (One to Five). These indicators are representative of what might be seen at each quality level, but they are neither exhaustive nor prescriptive; that is to say they are included to offer suggestions on how quality can be improved and enhanced, but will not in themselves guarantee a higher quality grade. The assessors’ personal tastes in style or design are not considered.

Exterior

• Appearance of buildings.
• Grounds, gardens and parking.
• Environment and setting2 Cleanliness.

Public areas (corridors/stairways/dining room/lounge areas)

• Bedrooms.
• Bathrooms.
• Kitchen.

Management Efficiency

• Pre- arrival guest information including brochure.
• Welcome and arrival procedure.
• In-unit guest information and personal touches.

Public areas: dining rooms, lounge areas, hallways, stairs and corridors

• Decoration.
• Flooring.
• Furniture, furnishings and fittings.
• Lighting and heating.
• Space, comfort and ease of use.

Bedrooms

• Decoration.
• Flooring.
• Furniture, furnishings and fittings.
• Lighting and heating.
• Beds.
• Bedding and linen.
• Space, comfort and ease of use.

Bathrooms and WCs

• Decoration.
• Flooring.
• Fixtures, fittings, sanitary ware.
• Lighting, heating and ventilation.
• Space, comfort and ease of use.

Kitchen

• Decoration.
• Flooring.
• Furniture and fittings.
• Lighting, heating and ventilation.
• Electrical equipment.
• Crockery, cutlery and glassware.
• Kitchenware, pans and utensils.
• Space, comfort and ease of use.

Additional Facilities

• Laundry.
• Recreation.
• Reception, shop, bar, restaurant.

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