UPDATE -  The AA have now changed the rating system.  They now award stars as opposed to diamonds - with yellow stars replacing the red diamonds.

Below is the original page from February 2004, which is now slightly out of date


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This text is  re-printed from the AA Web site

  Diamonds

Bed & Breakfast accommodation is assessed in a different way to hotels, with the emphasis on guest care and quality rather than provision of extra facilities. Establishments are awarded a diamond rating from one diamond at the simplest level to five diamonds at the luxury end, based on an assessment of cleanliness, service, bedroom comfort, bathroom facilities and the standard of food.

You can expect to find the following minimum standards at all diamond levels:

• Friendly, professional check in and check out, with a properly prepared bill
• Comfortable rooms equipped to modern standards
• Furniture and soft furnishings in good condition. Bedding and towels changed for each new guest and at least weekly if the room is taken for a long stay
• Adequate storage, heating, lighting and a sufficient hot water supply
• Full, cooked breakfast, but if this is not provided, the fact must be advertised and a continental breakfast given instead

Red diamonds recognise the very best establishments within the three, four and five Diamond rating levels.