Is this the scheme for me?

This scheme assesses accommodation ranging from rural bothies to large group youth hostels with activities on offer. Not all types of hostel are given a star rating, but all of them must meet a set of minimum requirements.

There are 3 different membership levels for the Hostel scheme.

Quality Star Rating

This involves an assessment testing all services, resulting in a star rating (from 3 to 5) if the criteria are met. When you apply to join the scheme, you’ll be assessed and rated by a professional assessor who will visit as a mystery guest. The assessor will then discuss their visit and give you constructive feedback.

As well as your establishment having a page on RatedTrips.com, you’ll have access to VisitEngland logos, signage, and a range of marketing benefits.

Note: The following types of hostels are only available for Quality Assessed or Visitor Ready membership, but must still meet or exceed minimum standards of cleanliness, maintenance and quality:

Bunkhouse: Rural accommodation, which can be booked by groups or individuals. Services and facilities may be limited but will include a self-catering facility.

Camping Barn (bothy, bod): These provide very simple accommodation in a rural setting, often referred to as ‘stone tents’. They have the advantage of being roomy and dry. Visitors should normally expect to bring their own sleeping bags and cooking equipment. Groups or individual travellers may be accepted.

Quality Assessed

This accreditation level involves a full assessment’ testing all services to ensure minimum quality standards are met, but with no star rating awarded. Properties are eligible for, and may achieve, other associated awards such as our Welcome scheme accolades.

Visitor Ready

This is a free, entry-level accreditation scheme that will provide your business with a digital badge to verify that all mandatory legal requirements are being met. Displaying the badge on your website will show that you are a safe and trusted venue to visit.

Your Visitor Ready account can also be used as a secure online wallet for your compliance documents, and you can receive reminders for when documents need to be renewed.

Sign up to Visitor Ready here.

How to apply

• Download the information pack and review the Quality Standards relating to your scheme to find out more about what the assessor will be looking at when they come to assess your hostel
• Contact us to get a quote for joining the scheme
• Download and complete the application form, and return it to us with your complete payment. We accept payment by credit/debit card, BACS, cheque or direct debit