Cranley Ratings - the hotel rating system

Awarded to a very exclusive group of the world's finest properties that are characterised by distinctively unique features of ultimate luxury and exclusivity that clearly set it among the world's very best. Enjoying distinctive features that may include exceptionally luxurious and spacious accommodation, world-class service, a high staff ratio, an extensive range of modern contemporary facilities, prime location, iconic design, expansive or unique grounds, private facilities that may include a private beach, spa and/or golf course, high levels of local authenticity and a level of exclusivity and privacy that often includes celebrity status. Properties that enjoy and excel in most of these distinctive features contend for the coveted Cranley 12 rating.

Awarded to a small group of the world's finest properties that are characterised by distinctively unique features of ultimate luxury and extensive high quality and modern contemporary facilities for leisure, business or family. Enjoying distinctive features that may include luxurious accommodation, world-class service, prime location, iconic design, an extensive range of modern contemporary facilities, integral access to further modern facilities, expansive grounds, private or common facilities including beach, spa or golf course and high levels of local authenticity. Properties in this category often offer an extensive range of facilities but without the same levels of exclusivity, privacy and level of personalised service as properties awarded the Cranley 12.

Awarded to the world's deluxe properties that are characterised by features of luxury and extensive and/or quality contemporary facilities for leisure, business or family. Enjoying modern and spacious accommodation, extensive business and conference facilities, excellent levels of service, extensive guest facilities or high quality selected facilities, prime location and/or grounds, iconic design and a private beach, spa or golf course. Properties in this category are characterised by offering an extensive range of services or a high standard of selective services but without the same levels of exclusivity, scale or personalised service as properties awarded the higher ratings.

Awarded to properties that are characterised by quality facilities for leisure and business guests, or families. Features may include spacious or modern accommodation, business and conference facilities, good quality service, a good range of guest facilities, good location and/or grounds and may include a beach and/or spa. Properties in this category are characterised by offering a good range of typical five star services and are often in prime location but do not normally enjoy the same levels of exclusivity, scale, quality or modernity, décor or combination of these as properties awarded the higher ratings.

Awarded normally to well-located properties characterised by a good range of accommodation and guest facilities. Features may include good levels of service, comfort and quality and may benefit from nearby amenities including shopping or business areas, a choice of restaurants, concierge, 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning. Facilities may include a conference centre and/or business services, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Accommodation will usually be more spacious or luxurious than properties of lower ratings but will not be as sophisticated, expansive or of the same quality, finishing or enjoy the same service levels as higher rated properties.

Awarded normally to properties characterised by a more limited range of accommodation and/or guest facilities. Features may include good levels of service, comfort and quality. Normally in a good location with nearby amenities including shopping or business areas and a basic choice of restaurants with concierge, 24-hour room service, a fitness centres and business centre, laundry and dry-cleaning services. Accommodation will usually either be of reasonable size or quality or a reasonable range or quality of guest facilities will be available, but rarely will high levels of both.

Awarded normally to what guests typically characterise as four or three star properties that are well located. Accommodation is progressively less spacious and facilities are less expansive, stylish or perhaps of lower quality than for higher rated properties and services may not include all of the services of higher rated properties. Some properties may boast modern features and facilities while others may be more dated but enjoy good size accommodation, though rarely will a property in this rating benefit from size, scale, quality and service all at the same time.