The American Automobile Association, or AAA, rates hotels and restaurants in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, to provide a guide for travelers around North America. It uses full-time professionally trained evaluators who check each property on an annual basis, using a two-tiered "Diamond" system.
The AAA approves properties that meet and uphold its extensive evaluation criteria. This is a mark of quality assurance for the traveler.
AAA's evaluators give each approved property a diamond rating from one to five. This rating describes the level of service that a traveler can expect, from simple to luxurious with five diamond rating being the highest.
To get an AAA rating, a property must apply to the AAA for an assessment on whether they meet the AAA requirements for comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality. The AAA will send one of its evaluators to the property unannounced to make the assessment and give the rating.
