Star rating assessments
The business will make an application to the AA or Tourism NI for assessment. For a hotel this includes an overnight stay.
The initial assessment is done 鈥榠ncognito鈥 - meaning that the business will not know it is being assessed. The assessor checks in as a guest and stays overnight.
This method ensures that the assessor is not treated any differently and so gains an honest impression of the business.
The next morning, the assessor introduces themselves and takes the owner through the assessment criteria. Advice will be given on quality improvements that are required.
A certificate will be issued giving the hotel a star rating based on the criteria the hotel met. The hotel can display the number of stars and use this when promoting the business.
Annual inspections take place to ensure standards continue to be met. There is a charge for this which ranges in price depending on the star rating.
What is assessed?
The assessors will check standards in each of the following areas:
- Hospitality
- Service
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Cleanliness
- Dining room/restaurant
- Public areas 鈥 reception/sitting areas/washrooms
- Exterior