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The Grading System
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We are proud to be part of the the
Wales Tourist Board / Visit Wales (VW) quest for quality. All the
properties in the brochure, supplementary list and website have been
registered with VW and have been, or will be in the near future,
inspected by their grading officer. The VW and STS grading inspections
are concerned mainly with the overall quality of the property.
VW take into consideration the whole package from brochure presentation,
the quality of the information we provide the guest about the property,
key arrangements, welcome on arrival, cottage notes as well as the
quality of the property. VW Have recently changed their criteria, which
is resulting in some properties being downgraded for comparatively minor
items - which we have recommended our owners to rectify. There are over
30 categoriesassessed starting with first impression of the exterior.
All rooms are assessed on space, floor covering, decoration, furnishing,
lighting and furniture. Cleanliness, design, general impression are also
marked. Items such as dishwashers, freezers, tumble dryers and
microwaves influence the VW grade as do the provision of central heating
and the number of WC’s.
For the purposes of the STS grade these items do not influence the grade
as they will be listed in the property description if present. The STS
grade is designed to give an indication of the property standard which
would not be readily determined from the other information provided. In
both systems the overall mark determines the grade, but will be
moderated by the weakest aspect of the property. The STS grade is also
influenced by every ‘Guest Quality Questionnaire
Feedback’ returned by guests at the property. In this way we believe we
can improve, and more accurately represent the standards of the
properties we recommend.
To help you make your choice the STS grades indicate the following
standards: WTB/VW grades are available on request..
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An exceptional overall
level of quality, with the highest standards throughout
including cleanliness, maintenance, range of equipment and
guest care. Outstanding attention to detail with many
personal touches. |
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An excellent overall level
of quality with greater attention to detail. High standards
of cleanliness. Layout of property more likely to be
designed with guest comfort in mind. |
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A very good quality
overall, with very good standards of cleanliness. Ample
space and good quality furniture and fittings. |
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A good overall quality in
most aspects of the property. A good standard of cleanliness
and maintenance. |
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Fair to good quality
overall, with furniture, furnishings and fittings all in
sound condition and offering a good standard of cleanliness.
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Wales Tourist Board Quality Advisors annually inspect our office
procedures and brochure for accuracy. At the time of publication, the
most recent report from the Wales Tourist Board dated 03/09/2006 stated:
'Sea & Mountain Cottages are a professionally run agency that promotes
an overall excellent standard of service to its clients and customers. A
new reception room for present and new clients, offering very
comfortable easy seating, is now where the offices were and office staff
work upstairs in a modern office environment.
Based in Porthmadog, its staff and partners have extensive knowledge of
its existing portfolio and operational areas and enjoy a great deal of
repeat business.
Customer care and efficiency is at the forefront of this proactive
company with considerable investment in information technology in recent
months with online bookings about to become "live". They offer virutal
tours to clients so potential holidaymakers can obtain an accurate
concept of the property.
An updated brochure is produced every year - 2007 in draft form
presently - and this further compliments a very user-friendly website,
which attracts a considerable amount of hits and allows online enquiries
or live bookings.'
(Updated 3.10.07)
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