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Feature Article
AAA's Diamond Rating Program-the Universal Language of QualityOne of AAA's unique member services, the AAA Diamond Rating Program takes the guesswork out of finding the right
property and/or restaurant to suit you travel needs.
So how does the AAA Diamond Rating Program work, what do the
diamonds mean and what information does the program provide to travelers to help them make decisions about where to stay and dine?
Diamond Standards
Found in AAA's TourBook© guides, AAA's diamond ratings provide travelers an effective way to select quality lodgings and restaurants that meet their individual needs. To be considered for AAA rating and approval, lodgings and restaurants must undergo a thorough inspection by one of AAA's 60 full-time, trained evaluators. Each year, they inspect more than 40,000 properties and restaurants to be sure they meet the minimum requirements that our members have indicated are important to them. For example, at any AAA approved property, travelers can be assured they'll find deadbolt locks, light switches near the door, smoke detectors, comfortable beds, and a clean, well-maintained room-just to name a few basic requirements.
Inspections are made without advance notice to the establishment so day-to-day conditions can be judged more accurately. The accommodations are examined for overall appearance, room equipment, maintenance, housekeeping, and management, among other amenities.
Changes in the lodging industry continually affect the rating system, so each establishment must be visited at least once a year. An awareness of these changes is a major factor in the differences between newer properties and older ones. To stay with the times, establishments must continually make improvements.
After meeting these requirements, AAA determines a diamond rating that reflects the establishment's overall quality. The rating ranges from one to five diamonds. Although one diamond is AAA's minimum rating, a One-Diamond property is still better than one-third of the lodgings in operation, since the majority of unlisted properties do not meet AAA's minimum standards.
Diamonds Defined
A One-Diamond rating indicates that an establishment meets AAA's basic requirements. Lodgings are modest, yet comfortable and designed for the budget-minded traveler. Restaurants are clean, casual and family-oriented. At the Two-Diamond level, the lodging maintains the attributes of a One Diamond establishment, while showing noticeable enhancements in room décor and quality of furnishings. The Three-Diamond tier offers a degree of sophistication beyond Two-Diamond establishments. Additional amenities, services and facilities may be offered, and there is a marked upgrade in physical attributes, services and comfort.
The AAA Four Diamond Award is given to those establishments that create a truly memorable experience for guests. Lodgings feature a high level of service amid luxurious surroundings. Restaurants provide a dining experience best suited for adults with a highly skilled staff and elegant atmosphere. In Colorado this year, 18 lodgings and 20 restaurants have been awarded the Four-Diamond distinction. Only five percent of the properties and restaurants in the Diamond Program achieve this level of excellence.
AAA's highest designation, the Five Diamond Award, is given to those rare ultra-luxury establishments that are typically world-renowned. They exhibit an exceptionally high degree of service; the property is striking and luxurious and provides many extra amenities. Guest services are executed and presented in a flawless manner. A professional, attentive staff is there to pamper each guest. The facilities and operation of properties at this level help establish the industry standards in hospitality and service. Fewer than one-half percent of all properties and restaurants reviewed receive this prestigious award. This year, Colorado has three properties honored with AAA Five Diamonds: The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, C Lazy U Ranch in Granby and The Little Nell in Aspen.
AAA's goals for restaurant ratings are similar to those for accommodations. This program offers members a wide variety of restaurants from which to choose, and paints a comprehensive picture of restaurants at each diamond level. Food quality is most critical to the overall rating, but other factors also are considered, such as service and atmosphere. Again, the program's aim is for the member to know what to expect.
AAA also inspects private campgrounds. Anything that hinders the outdoor feeling members expect to find can prevent qualification. Examples include: overloaded trash cans, tangled webs of wire, hoses emerging from trailer hook-ups and poor drainage from the restrooms.
Ranging from an economical stay for a good night's sleep and a quick bite at a coffee shop, or a week at a luxurious resort with sumptuous five-course meals, AAA's Diamond Rating Program offers AAA members the quality information they have come to expect and trust.
If you are interested in making reservations at any AAA-rated lodgings, contact your nearest AAA Travel office.
Silver Anniversaries and New Awardees in 2001
Since the Diamond Rating Program's inception in 1977, five properties have maintained AAA Five-Diamond status continuously, and Colorado has three of them-The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and C Lazy U Ranch in Granby. Having earned this coveted distinction for 25 consecutive years, these properties have proven themselves as a standard by which others are judged. Not to be overlooked, The Little Nell in Aspen is celebrating their 10th year as a Five Diamond property-another mainstay of the award program.
The three 25-year Five Diamond lodgings located outside of Colorado are:
€ Camelback Inn, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
€ Greenbrier Resort, in Sulphur Springs, W. Va.
€ Four Seasons Hotel, in Vancouver, B.C.
Also celebrating a 25th anniversary are three Four Diamond properties here in Colorado:
€ Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
€ General Palmer Hotel, Durango
€ Lost Valley Ranch, Sedalia
Colorado's newest Diamond properties:
Making their first appearance for the Four Diamond award, this year's lodgings additions include the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Hotel Monaco in downtown Denver, Rockledge Country Inn in Manitou Springs, Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, and The Westin Westminster just outside of Denver. New on the restaurant Four Diamond award list is Restaurant Conundrum and The Century Room in Aspen, and Ludwig's Restaurant in Vail.
2001 Four Diamond Lodgings in Colorado
Aspen - Hotel Jerome (11)*
The St. Regis Aspen (3)
Avon - Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa-Beaver Creek (11)
Broomfield - Omni Interlocken Resort (1)
Colorado Springs - Old Town GuestHouse (3)
Denver - Brown Palace Hotel (25)
Hotel Monaco (1)
Loews Giorgio Hotel (13)
The Westin Tabor Center Denver (6)
Durango - General Palmer Hotel (25)
Edwards - The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera (11)
Englewood - Inverness Hotel & Golf Club (2)
Keystone - Keystone Lodge (12)
Manitou Springs - Rockledge Country Inn (1)
Sedalia - Lost Valley Ranch (7)
Vail - Sonnenalp Resort of Vail (1)
Vail Cascade Resort (5)
Westminster - The Westin Westminster (1)
2001 Four Diamond Restaurants in Colorado
Aspen - The Century Room (1)
Renaissance (3)
Restaurant Conundrum (1)
The Restaurant (9)
Avon - Beano's Cabin (10)
Boulder - The Flagstaff House Restaurant (12)
Colorado Springs - Charles Court (7)
The Penrose Room (10) Primitivo Wine Bar (3)
Denver - Palace Arms (12)
Restaurant Kevin Taylor (2)
Tante Louise (4)
Tuscany at the Loews Giorgio Hotel (4)
Edwards - Grouse Mountain Grill (4)
Englewood - The Swan (11)
Keystone - Alpenglow Stube (8)
Keystone Ranch Restaurant (11)
Vail - Chap's Grill & Chophouse (1)
The Left Bank (11)
Ludwig's Restaurant (1)
*Indicates number of consecutive years in the program.
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