AA TRAVEL GUIDES CATEGORY DEFINITIONS - 2004
ALL-SUITE HOTEL (ASHO)
Managed like a hotel but the accommodation offers a kitchen or kitchenette and is usually serviced.
B&B GUEST HOUSE STYLE (BBGHS)
A B&B is individually or family-owned and has under 10 rooms. Dinner is generally not served, unless the location is one where dinner would not be available. It is unlikely to have a liquor licence. More formal than a B&B Homestay. Guest accommodation may be in a separate house which is used only by B&B guests. The lack of dinner being served and the small number of rooms distinguishes this from a guest house.
Large – 5 rooms or more Small – 1-4 rooms
B&B HOMESTAY (BBHO)
As for B&B Guest House Style, but you are likely to stay in the same house as the family and the emphasis is on meeting and mixing with the family. Under 10 rooms, generally not serving dinner.
B&B GUEST HOUSE WITH SC (BBGSC)
A B&B or Guest House which also offers self-catering accommodation.
Large – 5 rooms or more Small – 1-4 rooms
CARAVAN &/OR CAMPSITES (CC)
Sites with or without power points with communal ablution facilities. Usually no, or very few, fixed units for accommodation. May have leisure facilities like a playground, swimming pool etc. Children are welcome.
COMMERCIAL HOTEL (COMH)
Hotels where the accommodation and facilities are geared to business travellers. The bar is usually an important element of the hotel. Recreational facilities may include a pool and a gym. Families including children are welcome.
COUNTRY COMMERCIAL HOTEL (COCOM)
In the country, where the accommodation and facilities are geared towards the business traveller. The bar is usually an important element of the hotel. Recreational facilities may include a pool and a gym. Families, including children, are welcome.
COUNTRY-STYLE RETREAT (CSRS – SMALL) (CSRL – LARGE)
Located in a peaceful location and offering a tranquil, refined ambience for leisure travellers. The emphasis is on getting away from it all. On-site dining facilities of a high standard may be available or the suites may be self-catering. Many such retreats restrict access to children.
Large – 15 rooms or more Small – 1-14 rooms
FAMILY RESORT (FAMRE)
As for leisure hotels but usually independently owned with the emphasis on affordable family accommodation. Many leisure facilities are offered and families with children are welcome.
FARM ACCOMM (FARM)
This may be self-catering, B&B or guest house accommodation and is usually located on a working farm where guests are invited to view the farm operations or even to participate.
FINE COUNTRY ESTATE (FCE)
These establishments are characterised by supremely elegant and sophisticated accommodation with the finest touches. This is complemented by a unique and magnificent landscape that enhances the ambience of privacy and seclusion. These properties are renowned for their outstanding personal service, attention to detail, exceptional décor and world-renowned cuisine.
FULL SERVICE HOTEL (FSHO)
May be small or large, situated within a metropolitan area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available together with all the expected hotel services, in very comfortable, well-designed en suite rooms and public areas including (cocktail) bar facilities. For leisure or business travellers and may have conference and/or banqueting facilities.
GAME &/OR NATURE RESERVE (GNR)
A conservation area, state- or privately-owned, where an important element of the visit is to experience nature and/or see game. May be a nature reserve where activities such as birdwatching and hiking are major attractions, or a game reserve where game-viewing can be done. The accommodation and ambience are casual and relaxed
GAME LODGE (GLOD)
Luxurious accommodation. The game experience is central to the guests’ stay. Generally within a reserve offering game drives and all meals etc. as part of the inclusive rate.
GUEST HOUSE DINNER BY ARRANGEMENT (GHDR)
An establishment with anything between 1 and 20 rooms, where dinner is available by prior arrangement. Public areas are solely for the use of guests. The owner/manager may/may not live on site. May also serve meals to non-resident guests.
Large – 9 rooms or more
Small – 1-8 rooms
GUEST HOUSE FULL SERVICE (GHFS)
Very similar to Guest House Dinner on Request but dinner is available in a restaurant-style or home-style environment.
HERITAGE ACCOMM (HERIT)
Accommodation located within a building, which may be a national monument, the history of which is an important element of the experience of staying there.
HOTEL/GUEST HOUSE GARNI (HGHG)
Garni establishments are widespread in Europe. Such an establishment may have the character of a large guest house or even a small hotel. The defining factor is that breakfast is the only meal served on site.
LEISURE HOTEL (LEIHO)
Hotel-style accommodation with extensive public areas and recreation facilities including restaurant(s) and bar(s), primarily aimed at holiday- makers but also accommodating conference visitors, business travellers and touring groups. May have à la carte facilities.
LUXURY HOTEL (LUXHO)
May be small or large. Well-designed rooms and public areas. Top quality décor and the highest service standards. Extensive public areas available for guests and non-resident guests. À la carte dining, 24-hour room service and reception, bars, concierge facilities. Likely to have conference/banqueting facilities. Gift/curio shop(s) on site.
LUXURY LODGE (LULO)
This accommodation must be of the highest standard, set in peaceful surroundings either in town or in the country. Furnishings, ambience, food preparation and service should be of exceptional quality. Can be small or large but whatever the size, personalised service is of the utmost importance.
LUXURY RESORT WITH VARIED ACCOMM (LURES)
Hotel-style and/or self-catering accommodation with extensive, well-designed public areas and recreation facilities including restaurant(s) and bar(s), primarily aimed at holiday makers, but also accommodating conference visitors and executive business travellers. Top quality furnishings and service. May have à la carte facilities.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMM/BACKPACKERS (OAB)
Often very basic accommodation offering no meals. May be in separate en suite rooms, rooms sharing a communal bathroom or dormitories.
RESORT WITH VARIED ACCOMM (RVA)
A resort with both hotel-style and self-catering accommodation possibly including camping and caravan sites. Many leisure facilities are offered and families including children are welcome.
SELECTED SERVICE HOTEL (SSHO)
Hotels (privately owned or branded) offering only selected services. Services like concierge, 24-hour room service and dining facilities may not be available. Other services may be available but at an additional cost.
SELECTED SERVICE HOTEL BUDGET (SSHOB)
As for selected service hotel but rooms only have the most basic facilities and rates are usually a lot lower.
SC COTTAGE(S)/CHALET(S) (SCCC)
Self-contained, free-standing cottage(s) or chalet(s) with kitchen(s) in a garden or bush setting. Generally small with limited leisure facilities.
SC RESORT (SCR)
Self-catering accommodation consisting of chalets, cottages or apartments. Extensive recreational facilities like swimming, tennis, squash, boating, horse-riding etc. and generally quite large. May have caravan and/or camping sites.
SC SUITES/APARTMENTS (SCSA)
Self-contained units including a fully-equipped kitchen. May be a high rise building. Generally do not have a restaurant or many recreational facilities.
SMALL HOTEL/INN (SHI)
Comfortable, homely ambience, serving home-cooked meals and operating a friendly local pub. Usually fewer than 45 rooms – ideal for the business executive away from home.