Classification

The national tourist boards operate a classification and grading system; participating hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs have a plaque at the front door. If you want to be confident that your accommodation reaches basic standards of safety and cleanliness, the first classification is ‘listed’, which denotes clean and comfortable accommodation. One crown means each room will have a washbasin and its own key. Two crowns means washbasins, bedside lights and a TV in a lounge or in bedrooms. Three crowns means at least half the rooms have private bathrooms and that hot evening meals are available. And so on up to five crowns.

In addition there are also gradings (‘approved’, ‘commended’, ‘highly commended’ and ‘deluxe’) which may actually be more significant since they reflect a judgment on quality.

In practice there’s a wide range within each classification and some of the best B&Bs don’t participate at all because they have to pay to do so. A high-quality ‘listed’ B&B can be 20 times nicer than a low-quality ‘three crown’ hotel. In the end actually seeing the place, even from the outside, will give the best clue as to what to expect. Always ask to look at your room before deciding. As ever, single rooms are in short supply. The worst value accommodation tends to be in big towns where you often pay more for inferior quality (abrupt service, chaotic décor, ropey fittings).