Many travel Web sites and guidebooks use some type of rating system. Are all rating systems the same?
There is certainly no shortage of rating systems. The methods, standards, and sources used to compile the information vary widely in levels of reliability and accuracy. When considering rating recommendations, ask yourself the following questions:
How are properties selected for evaluation? Hotels and restaurants that meet AAA's basic rating requirements may apply for evaluation by AAA. AAA considers all valid applications.
Who is performing the inspections? AAA employs a full-time staff of 65 professional evaluators who visit more properties than other inspectors.
What are the criteria used? AAA develops its objective criteria in conjunction with members and top professionals from the hospitality industry.
How are properties of inferior quality identified or excluded? AAA's two-pronged rating system ensures that only quality properties are listed by AAA; prior to receiving a Diamond Rating, properties must first meet the rigorous criteria to become AAA Approved.
How well known and trusted is the source? AAA is the oldest and most respected rating authority in North America.
How current is the information? AAA updates property ratings annually.
Who is served by the rating information? AAA's Diamond Rating system is maintained as a service for members. Members do not pay for hotel and restaurant information, and properties do not pay for evaluations, ratings, or basic listings.
What are the results? Ultimately, the success of any rating program is measured by user satisfaction. In member surveys, AAA TourBook users expressed a 92 percent satisfaction rating with property listings.
How do the AAA Diamond ratings differ from the lists of the top hotels and restaurants often published in travel magazines?
AAA's Diamond Ratings is the only system that covers all of North America and one of only two rating systems that do physical, on-site evaluations. AAA rates more properties than any other rating system and does not depend solely on the opinion of the properties' patrons for a rating. AAA's Diamond Ratings is the only system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis.
How does AAA rate hotels and restaurants?
To review the AAA Diamond Rating process, click here.
How do I find AAA Diamond rated hotels and restaurants?
AAA TourBooks®, 26 regional guides available in print and online at AAA.com, feature AAA Diamond rated hotels and restaurants. Printed guides are available at over 1,100 AAA clubs offices throughout the United States and Canada. Or, visit AAA.com to find AAA Diamond rated hotels and restaurants.
The AAA.com TourBook® guide has all the same information as the printed guide and more. You will discover countless places to eat, and stay, including AAA Diamond ratings, AAA rates and easy online hotel bookings. In addition, you'll find information on AAA approved campgrounds, attractions, destinations, points of interest and special events.
In addition, AAA Diamond rated hotels and restaurants can be found on AAA's online mapping services -- Internet TripTik® and AAAmaps.com.
How does AAA develop the Diamond rating criteria?
AAA Approved and Diamond Rating criteria for hotels and restaurants are updated periodically using feedback from AAA member surveys, AAA's evaluation staff and hospitality industry professionals and organizations. Revisions to evaluation criteria are driven by the quality and service expectations of members. Revisions to the Diamond Rating criteria are driven by ever-evolving industry standards in the areas of design, décor, technology, amenities, recreation, and services. This process ensures that AAA's standards remain current and valid.
Isn't a One Diamond property just a poor Three Diamond property? Is a One Diamond restaurant or hotel considered bad?
This common misconception relates to rating systems that assign their lowest rating level to inferior properties. In contrast, AAA eliminates inferior properties from its rating system altogether. Properties that apply for AAA evaluation must first meet basic requirements based on member expectations. Next, those selected for evaluation are further screened for detailed quality criteria to become AAA Approved. Only then is a AAA Diamond Rating assigned.
AAA approves and rates only hotels and restaurants that are clean, well-maintained, and offer a level of features to meet basic expectations of AAA members. As a result, properties at every AAA Diamond level meet and uphold favorable quality standards. A One Diamond hotel differs from a Three Diamond hotel in that it will have a simpler level of design features, amenities, and often a much lower price - ideal for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable, no-frills, budget-oriented accommodation. Likewise, a One Diamond restaurant could be that unassuming, order-at-the counter hamburger joint that just happens to serves the best burgers around!
Do hotels and restaurants pay a fee to receive a Diamond Rating?
Lodging properties pay an application fee when requesting evaluation by AAA. The nonrefundable fee has no bearing on the outcome of the evaluation. If the applicant is Approved, AAA places a basic listing in the TourBook® publication and on AAA.com. Our goal is to gather and provide comprehensive travel information for the benefit of AAA's nearly 50 million members to ensure they have a more enjoyable travel experience.
There are optional, fee-based marketing opportunities, such as advertising, open to Approved hotels and restaurants, but these programs are completely independent from AAA's evaluation and Diamond Rating process.
How do I know what Diamond Rating is right for me?
The wide spectrum of quality hotels and restaurants listed by AAA provides adequate choices for travelers looking for affordable, comfortable, family-oriented hotel accommodations as well as those who want to indulge in luxurious surroundings and first-class service. The right establishment for your needs may vary by purpose, budget, time restraints, and more, depending on whether you are on a drive trip, business trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. However, no matter what the occasion, you can turn to AAA for recommended hotels and restaurants to meet your expectations and needs. To learn more about the Diamond Rating system, click here.
What is the difference between TourBook® listings that have red Diamonds and those that have black Diamonds?
The red AAA Diamonds identify AAA Official Appointment (OA) hotels and restaurants in the print and AAA.com TourBook listings. OA properties pay an annual licensing fee allowing them to display AAA logos and promote their AAA Approved status and Diamond Rating. There is no difference in levels of quality or standards between red Diamond listings and black Diamond listings; both were evaluated using the same Diamond Rating criteria.
