Hotels and exclusive use | QA guidance

The VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme for hotels and exclusive use accommodation has been developed in partnership with the industry to provide a comprehensive, independent, accurate assessment of the quality of experience they are offering across all areas of their business.  

The scheme is designed to inspire and encourage improvement within the hotels and exclusive use sector, helping every Quality Assurance Member achieve their full potential in providing the best possible guest experience. 

Quality Assurance Membership and displaying your award speaks volumes to your visitors – it demonstrates you take quality seriously.

What type of business are you?

VisitScotland will use the following definitions when deciding whether to grade a business as a hotel or as an exclusive use venue. If your establishment does not meet these definitions, please consider whether an alternative sector’s criteria might be more appropriate, such as our small serviced accommodation guidance.  

Hotel - a commercial establishment providing a minimum of six letting bedrooms. The establishment will have a license to serve alcohol and in most cases meal service will be provided. Where no meal service is offered, this should be made clear to the consumer at the time of booking and clearly advertised on the website. 

Exclusive use venue - an accommodation for one customer or party with a minimum let of one day. The venue will have a minimum of three letting bedrooms and hold a residential licence or equivalent. The venue will also provide a full range of services to guests including all meals.