Visit Wales operates a policy whereby it only lists accommodation which has been fully inspected and graded for quality. The inspections or quality assessments are undertaken on an annual basis, so you can book with confidence, knowing that featured accommodation has been checked out by Visit Wales' own quality assessors. All places featured - from the smallest farm house to the largest hotel or self catering complex have been assessed for quality and given a star rating.

5 stars - exceptional quality
4 stars - excellent quality
3 stars - very good quality
2 stars - good quality
1 star - fair to good quality

Star quality grades also apply to individual self-catering properties and caravan and camping parks.

Visit Wales also recognizes and features other accommodation which has been inspected by the AA/RAC (Automobile Association/Royal Automobile Club). While the Visit Wales star scheme concentrates primarily on quality the AA/RAC schemes are based more on the provision of facilities and services.

The AA/RAC also use a scheme of 1 - 5 stars to rate hotels. For guest houses and other small establishments, however, the AA/RAC use the diamond symbol to show the rating.