A clear guide for every establishment
A two star TGCSA grade tells guests they can expect clean, functional, consistently serviced accommodation at a fair price, with reliable basics in place across rooms, bathrooms, public areas and safety.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa runs the official, annually renewed star grading system for hotels, guest accommodation, self catering, lodges, backpackers and hostels, and caravan and camping sites. tourismgrading.co.za+1
What a two star grade means in plain language
Two star means you meet all minimum entry requirements and deliver a modest step up in comfort and consistency compared with one star, while staying value focused. The exact criteria depend on your category, and are set out in TGCSA’s official grading matrices. tourismgrading.co.za
Who this level suits
- Budget friendly hotels and small hotels that keep things simple and dependable.
- Guesthouses, country houses and B&Bs that offer daily servicing and breakfast.
- Self catering units with basic but complete kitchens and sound housekeeping.
- Backpacker and hostel operators with clean dorms or private rooms and well managed ablutions.
- Caravan and camping parks with tidy, well lit sites and well maintained shared facilities. tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3
How to qualify, one page view of key requirements
Below are the most common two star expectations that cut across categories, followed by category specifics. The cited TGCSA matrices show where an item applies at two star.
Safety, security, and lighting
- Basic, fit for purpose safety and security measures, emergency contact information, clear evacuation signs, secure access for guests.
- Good lighting in entrances, stairways, passages and parking, with light switches near entrances. tourismgrading.co.za+1
Bedrooms and beds
- Clean, fit for purpose beds with proper base and mattress in good condition.
- Clean bedding with at least one pillow per sleeping position, plus bedside light for private rooms.
- Functional furniture such as a bedside table or shelf and hanging space. tourismgrading.co.za
Bathrooms
- Impervious finishes on floors and walls, hot and cold water, toilet with seat and lid, mirror above the basin, towel rails and hooks, safe shower enclosure or good quality curtain. tourismgrading.co.za
Public areas
- Seating sized to the space, clear directional signage to bedrooms and reception, acceptable temperature control and ventilation. tourismgrading.co.za
Housekeeping and service
- Daily servicing of bedrooms and bathrooms, polite, professional staff, accurate billing and clear guest information at check in and check out. tourismgrading.co.za
Category specifics at two star
Hotels, small hotels, apartment hotels, boutique hotels
- Reception can be limited hours, provided there is a night bell or direct line to the host or manager.
- A beverage service must be offered, a bar is optional, public areas are furnished and lit to a safe standard.
- Reservation and check in systems must capture guest records accurately, and invoices must be clear.
- Elevators are required if guest rooms are more than two floors above or below entrance level. tourismgrading.co.za+2tourismgrading.co.za+2
Bedrooms and bathrooms in hotels
- Daily cleaning, beds made daily, en suite bathrooms the norm in hotel categories, with fit for purpose finishes and ventilation. tourismgrading.co.za
Food and beverage in hotels
- If meals are provided, breakfast and other meals are served at advertised times, food is well presented and at correct temperature, with basic provision for dietary needs. tourismgrading.co.za
Guest accommodation, guesthouse, country house, bed and breakfast
- A host or representative is contactable twenty four hours every day.
- Host is on site to check guests in or is within a five minute drive.
- Public areas include a guest dining room and guest lounge for the exclusive use of guests.
- Daily servicing of rooms, bathrooms either en suite or exclusive use.
- Breakfast is provided in B&Bs, country houses must offer a scenic or natural outlook such as mountain, water or bush. tourismgrading.co.za
Service and housekeeping
- Accurate reservation and billing, computer and internet facilities available for guest use, linen changed regularly, and staff maintain a neat appearance. tourismgrading.co.za+1
Self catering accommodation, exclusive use and shared
- Kitchens include a hygienic work surface, washing up sink with hot and cold water, adequate storage, covered waste bin, refrigerator, kettle, toaster and a two plate cooker at minimum.
- Microwave ovens are expected, an extractor fan or suitable ventilation is required.
- Cutlery and crockery are supplied for the maximum number of occupants.
- TV with free to air channels is acceptable, Wi Fi throughout is welcomed where feasible.
- Bathrooms may be inside the unit or, if external due to location, at least one bathroom per six guests is acceptable.
- Bedrooms have a bedside table or shelf at each permanent sleeping position and fit for purpose hanging space. tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3
Game lodges and nature lodges
- Public areas are furnished and lit to safe standards, passages and stairs are free from obstruction with clear signage, temperature is controlled to be comfortable.
- Meals and beverages are provided on the property, breakfast is at least continental in scope, lunch and dinner are available and presented at correct temperatures.
- Staff are professional and attentive, table appointments match the meals offered. tourismgrading.co.za+2tourismgrading.co.za+2
Backpackers and hostels
- Dormitories and private rooms have adequate ventilation and main lighting, each room has a central light and each bed in a dorm has its own light at two star and above.
- A waste bin and a suitably sized mirror are provided in dormitories, non smoking private rooms are available.
- Communal bathrooms meet clear ratios at two star, at least one bath or shower per twelve guests and one toilet and one washbasin per ten guests in shared accommodation, all with hot and cold water at all reasonable times.
- En suite private rooms, where offered, meet the same fit for purpose standards as communal bathrooms. tourismgrading.co.za+2tourismgrading.co.za+2
Caravan and camping sites
- Sites are clearly numbered, level, accessible from a service road, with acceptable overhead clearance and drainage.
- Lighting is adequate on internal roads and at facility entrances, security is fit for purpose, telephones are available at reception.
- Separate ablutions for male and female guests unless private or family facilities are provided.
- Public toilets include a basin with running water and soap, mirror, hand drying facility, covered light, hook on the door, toilet paper with spare rolls, lidded bins, and a toilet brush with holder.
- Laundry rooms, if provided, include at least one washing machine or deep wash troughs, clean running hot and cold water, and basic work surfaces and equipment. tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3tourismgrading.co.za+3
How to get your two star grade, step by step
- Apply online on the TGCSA website, complete the once off application, pay the invoice once pre approved. tourismgrading.co.zatourismupdate.com
- Prepare for assessment using the criteria matrix for your category and star level, then host the accredited assessor on the agreed date. tourismgrading.co.za
- Annual renewal follows automatically, grading is valid for one year, you will be re assessed after payment of the renewal invoice. tourismgrading.co.zatqit.southafrica.net
- Consider support Many establishments qualify for a grading support discount from the Department of Tourism, with an extra saving for TOMSA levy payers when available. Check the current programme window. tourism.gov.zatourismgrading.co.za
What a two star grade does for your property
- Trust and visibility You join the only nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, with a listing on the TGCSA website, which many buyers and travellers filter for when booking. tourism.gov.za
- Market fit Two star aligns well with cost conscious domestic and regional travellers, student groups, sports teams, and tour series that require consistent standards.
- Operational focus The criteria give your team a shared checklist for safety, cleanliness, maintenance and guest information, which reduces complaints and raises review scores over time. tourismgrading.co.za
Readiness checklist for two star
Use this as a final walk through before you book your assessment.
- Emergency information displayed, passages and stairs lit, signage to rooms and reception is clear. tourismgrading.co.za
- Beds, bedding, bedside lighting and hanging space are in place for every sleeping position. tourismgrading.co.za
- Bathrooms meet fit for purpose standards for your category, including ratios where applicable. tourismgrading.co.za
- Public areas are furnished to allow easy movement, with acceptable temperature control and ventilation. tourismgrading.co.za
- Daily servicing is scheduled and recorded, invoices and guest records are accurate. tourismgrading.co.za
Contact and useful links
- Apply or check criteria tourismgrading.co.za, Apply Now. tourismgrading.co.za
- Questions for TGCSA feedback@tourismgrading.co.za, Tel +27 11 895 3000, Bojanala House, 90 Protea Road, Chislehurston, Sandton. tourismgrading.co.za
Frequently asked questions
How long is a two star grading valid
One year, with automatic renewal on payment of the renewal invoice, followed by re assessment. tourismgrading.co.za
Can I move from one star to two star at renewal
Yes, if you meet two star criteria for your category at reassessment, the award can change accordingly. Use the official matrices to prepare. tourismgrading.co.za
Do I need an elevator in a two star hotel
Yes, when guest rooms are more than two floors higher or lower than the entrance level, a lift is required. tourismgrading.co.za
What bathroom ratios apply to two star backpackers
Provide at least one bath or shower per twelve guests, and at least one toilet and one washbasin per ten guests in shared accommodation. tourismgrading.co.za
What kitchen equipment is expected in two star self catering
A hygienic work surface, sink with hot and cold water, refrigerator, two plate cooker, microwave, kettle, toaster, covered waste bin, and sufficient cutlery and crockery for the maximum occupancy. tourismgrading.co.za
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