The Diamond Rating System established by the American Automobile Association (AAA) is a hotel and restaurant rating system that covers properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Maintained as a free service for AAA members, the diamond ratings are updated each year using a team of professional evaluators who make on-site inspections of each property.
The Diamond Rating system assigns a rating of between one and five diamonds to each AAA Approved hotel and restaurant listed in both the print and online versions of the AAA TourBook.
According to AAA.com, ratings are assigned by the organization's team of professional evaluators based on the level of service, amenities and decor, ranging from no frills to luxurious, that are offered by each establishment. At present, there are about 58,000 properties on the list.
According to AAA.com:
A one-diamond property meets AAA's basic requirements for comfort, cleanliness and hospitality, providing essential, no-frills accommodations.
A two-diamond property is one that offers slightly more than the basics, with moderately-priced enhancements to its overall attributes, design and amenities.
A three-diamond property is one with a more luxurious style and upgrades in amenities, level of comfort and physical attributes provided.
A four-diamond property is upscale in all areas, with an obviously enhanced level of quality, extensive array of amenities and a high degree of service and hospitality.
A five-diamond property offers the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, with first-class accommodations, personalized services and amenities, and an unmatched level of comfort.
To receive an AAA Diamond rating, a restaurant or hotel property must first achieve AAA Approved status. According to AAA.com, hotels and restaurants do not pay to be included, but may apply for evaluation for a basic fee. All valid applications are considered.
To apply for evaluation, properties must first meet 27 essential requirements of comfort, cleanliness, safety and security, based on member expectations. Once it has been determined that the establishment meets these requirements, the application will be approved and a thorough, on-site inspection of the property will commence.
The criteria used for both the Approved and Diamond Rating evaluations are updated periodically using a variety of input, from AAA member surveys, evaluation staff and hospitality industry representatives. Revisions are made according to changing industry standards in the areas of technology, design, decor, amenities, recreation and services.
The AAA TourBook, which is available in 26 regional guides, includes a listing of all AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in each region. Guides can be obtained in printed form as well as online at AAA.com.
AAA Approved and Diamond listings are also built into the organization's online, members-only travel tool, Internet TripTik, which allows members to access top-notch maps, point-to-point driving directions and detailed travel information such as avoiding construction delays, finding the best fuel prices and sightseeing activities available along travel routes.
