National Quality Assessment Scheme

National Quality Assessment Scheme - Hostels

		Includes Bunkhouses, Camping Barns, Backpacker, Group (such as Youth Hostel Accommodation) and Activity Accommodation.
*Indicative of rating achieved

Scheme Designators have been developed to help consumers understand the different types of accommodation available.

Hostel	Star rated accommodation often in shared rooms with bunk beds, family rooms may also be available. Hostels normally welcome individuals, families and groups, many of who are staying on a short-term basis. Hostels often have quite a formalised structure, which may or may not include restricted access, meal service etc.
Backpacker	Very similar in style to a Hostel, but may be run on less formal lines such as 24 hour access. They are often more appropriate for longer-term independent travellers and the younger end of the market and they tend not to take family groups.
Group Accommodation	Star rated accommodation often in shared rooms with bunk beds. Predominantly group bookings only accepted. May be fully serviced or Self-Catering.
Activity Accommodation	Star rated accommodation normally provided on a group basis. The establishment will also offer fully certified or licensed activities. May be fully serviced or Self-Catering.
NB The above four types of accommodation will be star rated.
Bunkhouse	Rural accommodation, which can be booked by groups or individuals. Services and facilities may be limited, but will include a Self-Catering facility.
Camping Barn	These provide very simple accommodation in a rural setting, often referred to as 'stone tents'. They have the advantage of being roomy and dry. Visitors should normally expect to bring their own sleeping bags and cooking equipment. Groups or individual travellers may be accepted.
NB The above two types of accommodation will not be star rated, but will meet or exceed minimum standards for cleanliness, maintenance and quality.

How to Apply

		Look at the standard to check that you are happy with what will be assessed In order to allow greater functionality on this website and to support our sustainable stance, on reducing the need to print wherever possible, we have made the decision to create interactive Standard PDF’s for all of our schemes. This allows you to navigate through the document using the contents page to take you straight to the appropriate section, and when you have finished you can merely toggle back to the contents page using the back button, at the top of each page.

		Check the fees and benefits leaflet below to work out the costs or use the Hostel Fees Calculator Bunkhouse Fees Calculator Camping Barn Fees Calculator Please note: from 1st December 2008 all fees will be charged with a VAT rate of 15%. Please take this into account when calculating your payment. For confirmation of fees please use the on-line fee calculator which correctly calculates the prices, inclusive of VAT, at the new rate or call the helpdesk on 0845 300 6996 for help.

		Complete the application and send with your payment (made payable to VisitBritain) to Quality in Tourism. We are also able to accept credit card payments (by phone) and BACS payments.



Standards	Fees & Benefits	Application	DD Mandate

Additional Schemes

Make the most of your property’s potential and stand out as a specialist with any of the following schemes: -