Redspokes Cycling Grades – How We Classify Our Tours
Accommodation plays an important role in shaping your overall travel experience, from how well you rest at night to how deeply you connect with the places you visit. Our grading system is designed to give you a clear and realistic idea of what to expect, helping you choose the style of trip that best matches your comfort preferences, travel priorities, and sense of adventure.
Rather than focusing solely on star ratings, we look at accommodation in context. In remote or developing regions, the best available option may be simple but full of character, while in major cities or popular destinations, comfort and style naturally increase. Each grade reflects a balance between location, atmosphere, facilities, and how well the accommodation complements the journey itself.
Whether you’re happy with basic lodgings that bring you closer to local life, prefer reliable comfort after a full day of exploration, or enjoy a higher level of refinement without sacrificing authenticity, our accommodation grading helps set expectations and ensures there are no surprises along the way.
TRADITIONAL (BASIC)
Traditional accommodation focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and proximity to the experience rather than luxury. This level often includes guesthouses, homestays, trekking lodges, camping, or basic local hotels — particularly in rural, mountainous, or remote areas where options are naturally limited. Facilities are straightforward, and décor is usually functional rather than refined.
Rooms may have shared bathrooms, limited hot water, or basic furnishings, and standards can vary significantly depending on location. What these accommodations may lack in modern comforts, they make up for in character, local interaction, and access to incredible landscapes or cultural experiences. This grade is ideal for travellers who value immersion and adventure over amenities, and who are comfortable embracing the realities of travel in less developed regions.
Example Tour: Vietnam North East
COMFORTABLE (MID)
Comfortable accommodation offers a well-judged balance between character and convenience. This level typically features carefully chosen small hotels, boutique guesthouses, and welcoming family-run properties that provide a reliable standard of comfort while maintaining a strong sense of place. Rooms are generally clean and well-appointed, with private bathrooms in most locations.
While overall standards are higher and more consistent, there may still be the occasional simpler stay when travelling through rural or remote areas. These are selected as the best available options and are included to allow access to less-visited regions. This grade suits travellers who appreciate comfort and privacy at the end of the day, but who are still happy to accept some variation as part of an authentic journey.
Example Tour: North Thailand
PREMIUM
Premium accommodation represents the highest level of comfort available along the route, featuring 4–5★ hotels or outstanding boutique lodges chosen for their quality, style, and service. These properties often stand out for their design, setting, and attention to detail, offering spacious rooms, excellent dining, and thoughtful amenities.
Despite the elevated standard, the focus remains on enhancing the travel experience rather than isolating you from it. Locations are carefully selected to complement the journey, whether that’s a luxury lodge in a dramatic natural setting or an elegant hotel in a historic city centre. This grade is ideal for travellers who enjoy refined comfort and exceptional service while still wanting to experience adventure, culture, and a strong sense of place.
Example Tour: Sri Lanka Classic
Need some help?
Still not sure which tour is right for you? Tell us how often you ride, the kind of terrain you enjoy, and your ideal holiday length and we’ll suggest a shortlist of tours that fit you.