What
AAA has revealed its 2019 Five Diamond Award list. With 10 new additions, the group of properties represents 121 hotels — just 0.4 percent of the 27,000-plus AAA Inspected & Approved hotels across North America.
Why It Matters
Properties that receive a AAA Five Diamond Award undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes inspections, anonymous stays and review by a panel of experts. With 10 new hotels on the 2019 list, including Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Montage Los Cabos; Baccarat Hotel New York; and Hotel Emma in San Antonio, advisors now have more selling points for upscale clients.
Fast Facts
- Additions to the 2019 list include: Baccarat Hotel New York in New York City; Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver; Hotel Emma in San Antonio; Montage Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico; Rosewood San Miguel de Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; The Dominick Hotel in New York City; The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston in Houston, Texas; and The St. Regis Mexico City in Mexico City.
- Hotel Emma is San Antonio’s first Five Diamond establishment.
- Hotel trends observed by AAA inspectors, often appearing first at high-end properties, include continued developments in the use of technology to enhance service. In response to this trend, AAA recently updated its hotel Approval Requirements & Diamond Rating Guidelines, which reflect the importance of connective technologies such as availability of in-room tablets, mobile apps, interactive kiosks, mobile key technology and digital messaging services.
- This year, there are 1,722 Four Diamond hotels. Hotels at the Four Diamond level represent just 6.3 percent of AAA Inspected & Approved hotels.
- The complete lists of 2019 AAA Four and Five Diamond Hotels are available at www.AAA.com/DiamondAwards.
What They Are Saying
“The Five Diamond Rating is an impressive accomplishment that recognizes the upper echelon of hotels,” said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. “These properties have extraordinary physical qualities, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence in delivering a highly personalized experience.”
The Details
AAA
www.aaa.com
