Picking a scheme
There are a number of different membership levels for Hotels and Guest Accommodation, each with their own criteria and benefits. Establishments may be inspected under the Common Quality Standards as either a Hotel or Guest Accommodation. Those participating in the Guest Accommodation scheme cannot use ‘hotel’ as part of their business name; assessment would be as an hotel if this were the case.
- Full Membership involves an overnight inspection testing all services, resulting in a star rating if the criteria is met.
- Associate Membership is a marketing-only option for establishments already rated by one of the tourist boards. No inspection will take place and AA Associate Membership ceases should membership of the tourist board cease.
- Advertised with Visit involves an overnight inspection testing all services but no star rating is awarded. The Rosette award may be awarded for culinary excellence.
- Advertised without Visit is a marketing-only option without an inspection.
Improving and celebrating great hotels
We offer a full range of training and consultancy services to establishments on our schemes.
Full scheme members are eligible for our Hospitality Awards, including Red Stars (Inspectors’ Choice), Silver Stars and Breakfast Award. Members of both the full scheme and Advertised with Visit can be awarded the Rosette award for culinary excellence.
Full Membership
When you apply to join the scheme, you’ll be inspected and rated by one of our professional inspectors who will visit overnight as a mystery guest. The following morning the inspector will discuss their visit and give you constructive feedback. Please note that the bed & breakfast rate should be waived or refunded in-line with our scheme Terms and Conditions.
New applications for AA 5-star Hotel recognition are accepted on the understanding that a minimum of 2 overnight visits will need to be completed prior to confirmation of this rating, and the applicant agrees to refund the AA Inspector’s second overnight visit expenses on check-out.
In order to achieve a star rating, the Common Quality Standards must be met. As well as your establishment having a page on RatedTrips.com, you'll have access to AA logos and a range of signage, and marketing benefits.
Associate Membership
If your hotel has been assessed and rated by VisitEngland, VisitScotland, VisitWales or Tourism Northern Ireland, you can still join any one of our schemes.
The Associate recognition scheme simply uses the rating awarded to your establishment by one of these tourist boards, entitling your establishment to a range of marketing benefits. There is no need for a visit from one of our inspectors. You would be able to market your establishment as an AA X Star Associate member.
If your recognition with VisitEngland/VisitScotland/Visit Wales/Tourism Northern Ireland ceases so will your recognition with the AA.
Advertised with Visit
This involves an overnight inspection testing all services but no star rating is awarded. The Rosette award may be awarded for culinary excellence. As well as your establishment having a page on RatedTrips.com there are a host of marketing benefits.
Advertised without Visit
This is a marketing-only scheme and an inspection does not take place. Your establishment will feature on RatedTrips.com as 'AA Advertised' and without a star rating, and there are a host of marketing benefits too.
Contact Us
AA Hotel & Hospitality Services
Grove House
Chineham Court
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8AG
[email protected]
01256 844 455