Accommodation Category Definitions
Backpackers
The Backpackers category includes budget shared accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or hotel.
Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen; otherwise this can be hired. Some rooms may also have TVs, fridges, tea and coffee and storage facilities.
Facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, lounges and laundries are usually shared, although private and ensuite bathrooms are sometimes available. Properties range from small converted houses to large hotel-like establishments.
Guest and Hosted
The Guest & Hosted category includes bed & breakfasts, farm and home stays, guest houses, boutique lodges, inns, country hotels and similar establishments providing "home-like" or "character" accommodation.
Kitchen/cooking facilities are not usually provided, although some properties may offer self-contained cottages. Depending on the style of the property, bedrooms may include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and a phone. Lounge facilities are usually shared with the hosts and/or other guests. Bathrooms may be ensuite, private or shared. Breakfasts are a feature and are usually part of an all-inclusive tariff. In more remote areas, other meals may be provided on request.
Holiday Park
The Holiday Park category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries in addition to a variety of additional features.
Camping Sites - Guests can choose between powered and non-powered sites for tents and campervans, and use communal facilities. Some parks also offer ensuite sites with water, drainage and private facilities, and on-site caravans which may have cooking facilities but usually no bedding.
Standard Cabins - Provide beds or bunks, and bedding is often available for hire. Guests use communal toilets, showers, laundry and cooking facilities.
Kitchen Cabins - Provide hot and cold water and cooking facilities and equipment. Bedding is usually available for hire.
Ensuite Units - Have their own shower and toilet. Guests use communal cooking facilities.
Self Contained Units - Provide TV, equipped kitchen, shower and toilet, often with more than one bedroom. Bedding is provided or available for hire.
Park Motels - Provide TV, equipped kitchen, shower and toilet, or a similar unit with a tea/coffee-making facilities only. Full bedding and towels are provided.
Lodges/Group Accommodation - may vary from bunk rooms to ensuite rooms. Communal facilities are in the same building. Pillows and mattresses are supplied.
Hotel
The Hotel category includes properties with at least one licensed bar and restaurant, on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.
All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and there is on-site management at all times. All provide breakfast, whether in a restaurant or breakfast room, or via room service. Some hotels have conference and banqueting facilities.
A standard room usually has one room for both sleeping and living, with an ensuite bathroom. A suite will usually have a living room and at least one separate bedroom, and possibly a mini kitchen. Hotel apartments usually have both mini kitchens and laundry facilities.
Self-Contained and Serviced
The Self-Contained & Serviced category includes motels, motor lodges, motor inns, motel apartments, serviced apartments and serviced holiday cottages.
Units are serviced daily or as otherwise agreed with the guest, and are self-contained providing at least tea and coffee-making facilities and a private or ensuite bathroom. Frequently, cooking facilities (microwave and/or range) are provided within the accommodation unit so guests can prepare their own meals independently. Milk, tea, coffee and sugar are supplied for guests' immediate use.
Off-street car parking and all bedding and linen are provided. Communal laundry facilities are available and some units may have their own laundry facilities. Units may have TVs, phone, iron and modem for computer use. At extra cost, breakfasts can usually be ordered the night before. There is a responsible person constantly in charge on site. A studio has one room for both living and sleeping. Other units can have one or more separate bedrooms.
Exclusive
The Exclusive category offers the finest of locations, facilities, activities and service. They range from destination retreats offering golf, fishing, food and wine or wilderness adventures, to stylish urban and design hotels and secluded beach or lake front villas.
Most provide dinner which is often included in the tariff along with other meals. However, some are bed and breakfast only, while others are self-catering or available with chef and service staff.
Exclusive properties first achieve a 5 star grade with a 90% or better score.
