Quality Gradings
National Grading Schemes have been central to Premier Cottages since our inception almost 30 years ago, as they were relied upon by guests as a way to differentiate quality standards between properties across the British Isles. Premier Cottages has also relied on them, only granting membership to owners of luxury properties that have achieved the schemes' highest grades – 4 or 5 Stars.
However, with the advent of independent customer reviews, high-quality photographs, comprehensive descriptions and even 3D tours, guests are no longer solely reliant on Tourist Board Gradings to inform their accommodation choice.
In addition, recent announcements have meant that common standards, which previously existed across the home nations, have now diverged. This lack of consistency going forward means there is a need for Premier Cottages to formalise its existing Quality Assessment processes to provide guests with consistent assurance of quality and luxury across the entire Premier Cottages collection.
The vast majority of Premier Cottages Members have elected to retain their national grading status, where it is still available, and these properties are clearly marked on their property pages.
In light of these changes, Premier Cottages is delighted to announce two new Quality Assessment marques under the Premier Cottages brand – Premier Cottages 4 Star, and Premier Cottages 5 Star. Every cottage in the Premier Cottages collection must achieve these 4 or 5 Star quality ratings, as measured by our robust quality assurance processes. Look out for the new quality logos across our website!
Premier Cottages Quality Gradings
Cottage graded 5 stars - exceptional quality against the Premier Cottages Quality Grading Assessment.
Cottage graded 4 stars - excellent quality against the Premier Cottages Quality Grading Assessment.
Independent Quality Gradings - VisitEngland, VisitScotland, VisitWales, Quality in Tourism, and the AA
Cottage graded 5 stars - exceptional quality - by an independent national accreditation body
Cottage graded 4 stars - excellent quality - by an independent national accreditation body
Cottage graded 4 or 5 stars - excellent quality - by Fáilte Ireland
The Member is required to undertake and observe the following Code of Conduct:
- To maintain the highest standards of guest care, cleanliness, and service
- To describe accurately in the property listing the facilities and services provided
- To make clear to guests exactly what is included in all prices quoted for accommodation. Details of charges for additional services/facilities should also be made clear
- To provide terms and conditions clearly explaining cancellation policies at the time of booking
- To deal promptly and courteously with all enquiries, requests, bookings and correspondence from guests
- Ensure complaint handling procedures are in place and that complaints received are investigated promptly and courteously and that the outcome is communicated to the guest
- To give due consideration to the requirements of guests with disabilities and guests with special needs, and to make suitable provision where applicable
- To provide public liability insurance and to comply with all applicable planning, safety and other statutory requirements
- To allow a representative from Premier Cottages or an independent national accreditation body (Tourist Board, QiT, or the AA) reasonable access to the establishment, on request to confirm the Code of Conduct is being observed
Disabled/Accessibility Grading:
Currently only VisitEngland operates a disabled or accessibility grading scheme (the National Accessible Scheme or NAS – see https://www.visitengland.com/plan-your-visit/access-all/national-accessible-scheme. Consequently, this website can only indicate those cottages in England with these grades, in Scotland, Wales and Ireland this website can only indicate those cottages that have some facilities to meet special needs. You can use Cottage Search to identify cottages with special facilities and then by viewing the cottage’s description you can see whether or not the cottage will meet your needs. However, you should contact the cottage’s owner direct to check that the facilities offered are suitable to meet any special needs.
Complaints:
If you think that any aspect of a cottage does not meet its grading, you should first discuss your concerns with the cottage’s owner who in agreeing to The Code of Conduct has undertaken to have a complaint handling procedures in place and that complaints received are investigated promptly and courteously, and that the outcome is communicated to the guest. In the unlikely event you feel that your complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved please email Premier Cottages on quality@premiercottages.co.uk