VisitBritain’s unique Gold and Silver Awards are given to establishments in serviced accommodation in recognition of exceptional quality within their Star rating, properties therefore already need to be accredited in order to enter these awards.  

A review of Gold and Silver Awards has been undertaken in tandem with new assessment criteria for serviced accommodation. Whilst remaining an indicator of exceptional quality, key changes have been made to the way awards are achieved.  In order to demonstrate consistent levels of high quality, especially in key areas identified by consumers as very important, serviced accommodation will now have to achieve high scores in all areas, rather than an average high score, as was the case previously.

In guest accommodation, the areas are:

• Housekeeping
• Hospitality
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Breakfast 

And for hotels: 

• Housekeeping 
• Hospitality
• Service
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Food 

Judged on an overnight assessment, an assessor uses his or her experience and benchmarking knowledge to recognise excellent and exceptional standards. Silver is awarded to establishments that outperform their quality rating and Gold represents ‘the best of the best’.  Awards can be achieved by hotels and guest accommodation at all star levels. For example, a bed and breakfast establishment or guesthouse may sit at two- or three-star level due to the absence of washbasins in bedrooms or insufficient en suite bathrooms, but may have exceptional quality standards in all the key areas. A Silver or Gold Award is still achievable.

Quality in Tourism assessors will be pleased to advise owners who are keen to retain their awards or gain one for the first time.  There is, however, no master checklist to work through in order for an establishment to achieve an Award and there are no specific guidelines or checklists for accommodation providers looking to achieve a Gold or Silver Award. The granting of an Award is at the discretion of VisitBritain.

Listings of all Gold and Silver Award Properties can be found in the 'Enjoy England - Official Guide to Quality' (formerly known as the 'Where to Stay Guides') and in our accommodation listings on the Enjoy England or VisitBritain web site.