To coincide with the launch of the new 2016 AA Hotel and B and B Guides, the AA has launched the new Silver Stars Awards for both the Hotel and Guest Accommodation recognition schemes.
The launch of the new Silver Star rating recognises hotels that have been selected for their superior level of quality, high standards of hotel keeping and for the quality of food within its star rating.
Silver Stars for Guest Accommodation identifies establishments that offer a superior level of quality within their star rating, high standards of hospitality, service and cleanliness.
The Silver Stars Award is reflected in both editions of the guide book, the AA.com and the mobile apps.
Silver Starholders
Currently there are four two Silver Star hotels, 35 three Silver Star hotels and 43 four Silver Star hotels. Of these Silver Star hotels 72 are in England, four are in Scotland, two are in Wales, two are in Northern Ireland and two are in the Channel Islands.
For Guest Accommodation, the 2016 AA B&B Guide features 38 three Silver Stars, 128 four Silver Stars and 41 five Silver Stars (186 in England, 11 in Wales and 10 in Scotland).
AA Hotel Rating Scheme
The AA has been recommending hotels since 1908 but in 1912 it was felt that a more critical approach was necessary to indicate the kind of hotel listed in the handbook. The AA’s Secretary, Stenson Cooke had once been a wine and spirits salesman and felt that the star rating of brandy would be a familiar yardstick to apply to hotels. From then on the AA star rating for hotels was born and establishments were awarded between one and five rosettes depending on a set criteria following a visit from an AA Hotel Inspector. In 1974 a new Red Star rating was introduced to highlight hotels that are a cut above the rest and are specially selected by the inspectors.
To find out more about the AA Hotel Rating Scheme click here