AAA uses a system that covers hotels in North America. Hotels must apply to be evaluated. If accepted, they are subject to an in-person, on-site evaluation. The evaluators are all trained by AAA in what to look for in each property, and each property is inspected once per year. There are 27 basic requirements, which cover areas of safety, cleanliness and overall comfort. Five diamonds is the highest rating given, but it is hard to achieve this rating: As of 2009, less than 100 hotels have achieved it in North America.
It is fairly easy for most hotels to achieve a one-diamond rating. These hotels are usually budget accommodations. They have a basic building and landscaping. The guest rooms are functional, usually consisting of a wall-mounted television, basic toiletries, a telephone and some vending and ice machines. There are no safety or cleanliness issues, as any hotel with safety or cleanliness issues will not be endorsed at all by AAA. Prices for one night usually average around $40.
To achieve a two-diamond rating, a hotel must have good curb appeal, with a covered drive-up over the lobby entry. There must be nice decor and seating in the lobby. The hotel must offer some kind of food, whether it is a continental breakfast or an attached restaurant. The guest rooms must have a TV with remote, a clothes rack, toiletries, a vanity outside of the toilet and shower, and matching furniture. The hotel must also have lighted parking and a coin-op laundry. These hotels average around $80 for a one-night stay.
Three-diamond hotels have better curb appeal than two-diamond hotels. They offer luggage carts, and the floors are wood or tile, with accent rugs. Three-diamond hotels may offer a gift shop or gift area in the lobby. They have swimming pools, hot tubs and an exercise room. The food offerings are better than two diamond, which means a full buffet breakfast or a higher-quality restaurant. The guest rooms are larger, have better linens and closets with hangers. The rooms also offer coffee makers, hair dryers, movie options and Internet access. There may also be valet laundry offered. These hotels range between $100-$200 per night on average.
To earn a four-diamond rating, the hotel must have excellent curb appeal and upscale architectural features and decor, such as marble flooring, granite countertops and high-thread-count linens. The lobby will offer a large gift shop and concierge service. The swimming pool and fitness area will include a spa, steam room, food served poolside and high-quality exercise equipment. The hotel must contain a full-service, upscale restaurant with lounge. The guest rooms should have duvet covers over comforters, a TV armoire, mini bar, an iron and board, higher-grade floors in the bathrooms (such as ceramic tile), large, plush towels, high-grade toiletries, luggage racks, high-speed Wi-fi Internet service and valet laundry. Such hotels range from $150 to more than $300 per night.
The major difference between four- and five-diamond ratings is the level of service offered. Five-diamond hotels must offer outstanding service, including greeting guests by name, escorting them to rooms, leaving chocolates on the pillow and anticipating every need of each guest before they even ask. The lobby should feature antiques. The pool and fitness area should have attendants. The hotel should offer a full-service spa, as well as several upscale restaurants and at least one lounge. The guest rooms should contain linens, furniture and artwork of the highest quality, with closets that include several pillow choices, umbrella, robe, CD player and CDs, fax machine, and the highest-quality toiletries. Many also include in-room business desks and computers.
