Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts Rating System Explanation
What is a ratings system?
A ratings system is a measurement of what you can expect when staying in a hotel, eating in a restaurant, or going to a movie. Hotels and other accommodations are generally rated in three to five categories, from the lowest to highest. Different symbols are used by each rating association to signify these categories. For example, diamonds, crowns, stars, suns, etc.
CBBHosts have decided to use precious metals, going from a basic assurance level of Bronze, to Silver, Gold and at the very top, Platinum.
The CBBHosts Rating system is entirely optional among our member Hosts. Members do not pay for their Rating.
It must be emphasized that these Ratings do not mean that one property is "better" than another. Each is unique. The development of an objective, measurable, self-assessed rating system cannot take every feature or amenity into account. Furthermore, the most important aspect of your comfort and satisfaction at a bed and breakfast is not addressed at all in the ratings: the hospitality of the Host.
What makes this Ratings system different from existing ones?
CBBHosts have tried to factor in many of the things/amenities available in our wonderful Canadian B&B's which are generally not included. Things such as, is there a space available where guests can interact with other guests, are there bathrobes provided? CBBHost Ratings are self-assessed, meaning that the Hosts themselves have completed the ratings chart.
Many rating systems rely on the subjective judgment of an inspector. "Good housekeeping," "Attractive front yard," "Good quality artwork" etc. These cannot be objectively measured or self-rated, and are not included in the CBBHost Ratings. We only measure things that can be counted, verified. How many chairs, books, etc.; what are the room dimensions, the sizes of the beds, etc. It is our belief that generally, Hosts who have put the effort and expense into providing these extra facilities are unlikely to neglect their front yard, artwork or general housekeeping, and therefore the objective rating has overall relevance.
Unlike any other rating system in the accommodation industry, the CBBHosts Ratings evaluation chart is included here for your review, both in advance of, and after your visit. Instead of hiring inspectors to ensure that our Hosts have rated themselves correctly, we allow our Guests to verify, and encourage reporting back whenever discrepancies are noted.
How are the Ratings determined?
Minimum requirements
Membership in Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts is limited to properties of six guest rooms or fewer (suites count as one room), with the owner/host living on the premises, and offering at least a self-serve continental breakfast.
Room servicing is also a requirement of membership of CBBHosts, unless other arrangements are made at the request of the guest for reasons of privacy. This service varies widely from one property to the next. Normally, the daily routine involves the following as needed: emptying wastebaskets, bedmaking, refreshing bedrooms, refreshing towels and bathrooms. On longer stays, linens are generally changed after three days, room thoroughly cleaned, bathroom sanitized.
At all levels of CBBHosts, you may also expect a clean, comfortable accommodation, meeting all local building codes and licensing requirements, and a caring Host to welcome you, who lives in the home and is familiar with the surrounding area to give you, the Guest, a wonderful vacation.
The above are the minimum requirements for membership, with or without a Rating.
Leaf-rated assessments
If the Host has applied for a Rating, and confirms meeting the above minimum requirements, a Bronze Leaf is awarded.
A point system of measurable, countable, verifiable services, amenities, facilities is then computed, and, according to the total points, a higher level Leaf is awarded: Silver, Gold or Platinum.
The scoring takes into account the variation in properties, recognizing that some will score at the highest level in one category, and a lower level in another. An average is computed, and in some case, Extra Mile points awarded for special services or facilities.
The score sheet is published for each rated property, and may be accessed by clicking their Leaf on the provincial page featuring their bed and breakfast. In this way, you may see the full range of rated amenities and services available. Of course, you are also advised to visit the individual Web site of the bed and breakfast for more detailed descriptions, and a phone call or e-mail to the Host is always a good idea if you have special needs.
What should I really expect in a B&B?
Please take a moment to read over our Frequently Asked Questions page for information on B&B etiquette, bathrooms, tipping and packing. Especially if this is your first visit!
What about prices?
Pricing of members' accommodation is totally each B&B's choice, and will reflect several factors, such as amenities, location, and service given.
Complaints?
Surely not! But if you do have a complaint regarding an unfair representation of a Rating or category within the Rating, please address welcome@canadabbhosts.com and it will be investigated for you. You must provide your name, date of stay, and bed and breakfast name. If a Host is found to have knowingly misrepresented their self-assessed Rating, their Leaf will be revoked. Any further compensation is a private matter between the Guest and the Host and entirely outside the purpose, ability or liability of CanadaBBHosts.
Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts, its owners and members, make no representation that these self-assessed Ratings are accurate. Each Guest is entirely responsible for making their own informed choice of accommodation. CanadaBBHosts cannot be held responsible for the Guest's satisfaction.