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Visit Scotland | Alba

How do we we determine your Star rating?

The Quality Assurance Grading Visit comprises of an assessment of the quality of the entire guest experience. It takes into account every point of interaction guests will have when engaging with your business.  

There are two main aspects which are assessed: 

  • the appropriate levels of quality must score in line with the Star rating awarded
  • all minimum entry requirements need to be in place

1. What do the Star ratings mean?

Our Star ratings are represented by 1 to 5 stars

  • 5 Star - reflects an exceptional standard, with an overall percentage score of 87% to 100%
  • 4 Star - reflects an excellent standard, with an overall percentage score of 75% to 86%
  • 3 Star - reflects a very good standard, with an overall percentage score of 60% to 74%
  • 2 Star - reflects a good standard, with an overall percentage score of 48% to 59%
  • 1 Star - reflects an acceptable standard, with an overall percentage score of 34% to 47%

2. How we score quality

A potential 44 elements are assessed depending on the nature of the business.  A score from 0 to 5 is awarded for each element. This will result in an overall percentage score that will place your establishment within one of five grading bands.

However, it is not simply the overall percentage score that determines the final award.

If any of the 44 potential elements assessed scores zero this will result in no award being confirmed. Please note, where any element is not applicable, no assessment will be made and there will be no penalty for not providing any of these facilities or services.

In addition, the property must score a minimum of three in any element relating to cleanliness for an award to be confirmed.

No other area to score more than one Star rating band below the overall award.

The minimum shower:bed ratio must be met for each Star rating.

 

The minimum percentage scores and shower:bed ratios required for each Star rating are shown in the following table.

 

1 Star 

2 Star 

3 Star 

4 Star 

5 Star 

Overall

34% 

48% 

60% 

75% 

87% 

Cleanliness 

64% 

64% 

64% 

76% 

88% 

All other areas  

34% 

40% 

54% 

67% 

80% 

Shower:bed minimum ratio 

1:10 

1:10 

1:8 

1:6 

1:4 

Please note that bunkhouses have a minimum shower:bed ratio of 1:20

3. Areas and elements scored

4. Minimum entry requirements for a Star rating

Read our detailed minimum entry requirements to be considered for a Star rating as a hostel. You can also browse additional requirements for higher Star ratings where applicable.

Browse the minimum entry requirements for a Star rating
Exterior of the Gardiesfield Youth Hostel, on the island of Unst, Shetland