Travelers seek a home away from home
AAA has updated its Diamond Rating Guidelines, the blueprint for assigning
Diamond Ratings to more than 32,000 lodgings throughout the United States,
Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, to reflect current trends in the industry.
The new guidelines, which are effective immediately, were created with input
from AAA’s 65 fulltime hotel inspectors, along with key industry
representatives. The guidelines incorporate changes in the tourism industry
since the last revision in 2001 and reflect the expectations of both business
and leisure travelers. The most notable trend represented is the industry-wide
shift to residential-inspired design and amenities in response to guests’ desire
for a lodging experience more reminiscent of home.
“The travel industry is constantly changing,” said Michael Petrone, director
of AAA Tourism Information Development. “AAA inspectors evaluate more than
60,000 lodgings and restaurants each year and are in a unique position to
recognize and validate trends as they occur. They use both established standards
and subjective elements in assigning ratings. The revised Diamond Rating
Guidelines reflect the current standards at each rating level—from the economy
to luxury segments.”
The new focus, although still highly comfort-oriented, has expanded to
include entertainment, experience and environment. Some of the comforts of home
that inspectors say travelers seek are improved beds and bedding, the latest
technology (flat-screen televisions, WiFi, MP3 connectivity) and brighter, more
stylish bathrooms with designer-style amenities. Inspectors report that new and
renovated guestrooms are becoming more spacious with finer touches such as
millwork, built-in closets and furniture finish treatments. Some brands are
providing increased flooring options such as custom tile work, wood or laminate
flooring with a wood-grain look, all with area rugs.
While the overall Diamond Rating description of properties remains the same,
individual inspection criteria has been updated. Outdated elements such as
armoires and public telephones have been removed. In addition, the guidelines
reflect broader allowances for properties with exterior corridors, shower-only
bathrooms and boutique-design concepts.
Additionally, the updated Diamond Rating Guidelines provide increased
descriptions that will aid inspectors and property owners in determining
qualifications for each Diamond Rating. Vague terms such as ‘quality,’ ‘good’
and ‘very good’ have been replaced with examples that provide properties greater
flexibility to achieve their goals. “The last thing we want is homogeneous
results,” said Petrone, “Properties should continue to look foremost to their
guests and satisfy their needs. The AAA Diamond Rating Guidelines will continue
to be a mirror of the most recent hospitality trends.” To view the new Diamond
Rating Guidelines click here.
The assignment of a AAA rating of One to Five Diamonds marks the completion
of a successful annual evaluation. The first step is to become AAA Approved,
when properties must meet AAA’s rigorous initial requirements. Consumers can
access complete Five and Four Diamond Award lists and information at AAA.com/Diamonds.
AAA’s Diamond Rating
System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and uses
a professional staff of fulltime inspectors to conduct on-site evaluations on an
annual basis using published criteria available to all establishments. With
32,000 lodgings approved, AAA provides more lodging options than any other
rating entity. AAA considers and investigates member feedback during reviews,
but does not depend on guest opinions to derive a rating. In addition, AAA
provides travelers the opportunity to post comments about their experiences at
AAA Approved establishments. “This update is a reflection of our commitment to
our members by assigning ratings that allow travelers to select lodging and
restaurants that will meet or exceed their expectation at every level,” said
Petrone.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA
provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and
automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit,
fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security
of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com
