Quality of Accommodation in Edinburgh
Guidelines for choosing Edinburgh accommodation
The Scottish Tourist Board is responsible for regularly assessing accommodation standards in Edinburgh for tourists. VisitScotland has produced a Star Grading System using a scale of 1 to 5 stars that is consistent and impartial. This makes it far easier to choose a guest house or bed and breakfast because you know what to expect.
The 5 Star Scheme gives you a reference point when choosing your hotel, guest house or other types of accommodation. It basically gives "clear indication of cleanliness, ambience, hospitality, service, accommodation standard and food" which can vary significantly across Edinburgh.
The higher the number of stars, the more you should expect to pay for accommodation per each night. The accommodation 5 star quality scheme can be interpreted as follows:
- 1 Star Accommodation - Acceptable
- 2 Star Accommodation - Good
- 3 Star Accommodation - Very Good
- 4 Star Accommodation - Excellent
- 5 Star Accommodation - Exceptional
All accomodation rated by the Scottish Tourist Board have this sign outside their front door, with the appropriate accommodation type and number of stars clearly visible. You can spot it easily from the road and the number of stars is guaranteed to reflect the quality of the place.
Notes about the accommodation scheme
- The scheme assesses all types of accommodation, from guest houses and bed and breakfast to hotels, self catering apartments and hostels and camping parks.
- Choose Edinburgh accommodation that bears the 5 Star Scheme sign to be sure of its quality. From what I could see, most guest houses and hotels have 3 or 4 stars but you occasionally see the odd 1 or 2 star accommodation.
- If an accommodation in Edinburgh is not rated by VisitScotland it doesn't necessarily mean it does not provide the level of quality and comfort you need. As a matter or precaution, though, only choose an unrated accommodation if recommended to you by family or friends.
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