AA ratings explained
In 2006, in collaboration with VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales, the AA developed Common Quality Standards for inspecting and rating accommodation. These standards and rating categories are now applied throughout the British Isles. In addition, out of the many thousands of restaurants in the UK, the AA identify over 2000 as the best by awarding them Rosettes for culinary excellence. The Rosette is an award, not a classification, and they are awarded annually on a rising scale of one to five. AA Rosettes are solely awarded by our hotel and restaurant inspectors, whose visit is a snapshot, whereby the entire meal, including ancillary items (when served) is assessed.
Affiliations & Accolades
PoB Hotels
Hartwell House & Spa is proud to be a member of PoB Hotels, a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles. PoB Hotels only invite the very best independent hotels to join their collection - but there's much more to it than that. Think of PoB Hotels as the key and each hotel as a door to new experiences. Each completely unique. Each hand-picked. Each the Pride of Britain.
Established in 1982 by a group of 12 passionate hoteliers, PoB Hotels today has grown to over 50 city-based, countryside and coastal locations. The essence of PoB Hotels is built on its British heritage, honouring provenance and sincere, authentic service. They love the independent nature and unique culture at each property. What ties the hotels together is not being the same but celebrating individuality with a common vision - offering guests the best experiences.
They're all about pairing each guest with an experience that's extraordinary and unique, so all members are inspected annually to ensure they live up to the PoB standard. Plus, admission of new members is subject to successfully passing an anonymous overnight inspection and a ballot of the membership.
In 2022, PoB Hotels partnered with EarthCheck, the leading global sustainability certification programme. This step formalises an ongoing commitment to responsible travel and an effort to promote sustainable practices across its collection.
Read MoreConde Nast Johansens
Condé Nast Johansens is a global collection of independent luxury hotels, spas and venues approved annually by local experts. We select the best properties from around the world for inclusion in our collection. Savvy travellers know booking directly with the hotel ensures a premium experience.
Hartwell House are proud to be Conde Nast Johansens Award Finalist for 2025 in their Awards for Excellence.
Conde Nast JohansensRebecca Recommends
Representation company for service focused, luxury hotels and travel related services. Today Rebecca Recommends is one of the leading luxury travel representation companies in the United States.
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AA Ratings: Awarded 4 Red Stars; 2 Rosettes; AA Notable Wine Award
4 Red Stars: The AA's supreme accolade for hotels, regardless of size or type of operation. A hotel awarded red stars has been selected by the AA as one of the best hotels in the British Isles, offering excellent levels of quality throughout, outstanding levels of hospitality and service.
2 Rosettes: Excellent restaurants that aim for and achieve higher standards and better consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, as well as obvious attention to the selection of quality ingredients. Around 40% of restaurants/hotels within the AA Restaurant Guide have two rosettes.
AA Notable Wine List Award: The continuing evolution of the Hartwell House wine list gives us a great challenge, and indeed pleasure, in sourcing and tasting wines to ensure we have both balance and harmony throughout the old world to the new. Our wine list has a page dedicated to the cellarman’s choice, we also continue this theme throughout the list, highlighting wines of particular merit and interest, as a guide to helping you choosing the right wine to accompany your meal.
AA Housekeeper of the Year 2023 - Nicola Burton
The AA Hospitality Awards is AA Hotel & Hospitality Services’ annual black tie event. It’s a highlight in the industry calendar with over 1,000 guests from hotel and restaurants across the UK. The 2023 awards evening was hosted by celebrity TV presenter and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman and held at the Grosvenor House in London on 25th September 2023.
The AA Housekeeper Award 2023 was awarded to Nicola Burton from Hartwell House and Spa in Buckinghamshire. This award recognises outstanding commitment and performance, identifying a housekeeper who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Good Hotel Guide - Winner of Editor's Choice 2023 awards for Spa Hotels
The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their entry as they do in most rival guides. No money changes hands, and the editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels.
Read MoreGood Hotel Guide - Winner of Editor's Choice Awards 2022 awards for Historic Hotels
Hartwell House has been chosen as a Winner of the Good Hotel Guide Editor's Choice 2022 award in Historic Hotels category.