What
AAA has debuted a new version of its AAA Diamond Program, in which ratings have been replaced with designations. A Diamond designation reflects AAA’s professional inspector reviews using updated, member-centric guidelines.
Why It Matters
The new version is meant to reflect the latest traveler expectations and industry trends; AAA has removed outdated criteria in favor of factors that more directly relate to guest comfort, design and layout. The program can provide a great opportunity to upsell clients on a property; provide backup for your own claims about a hotel or resort; and assure customers that they’re getting the product they desire.
Fast Facts
- Under the new system, previously One and Two Diamond hotels and restaurants will transition to the Approved designation, while Three, Four and Five Diamond establishments will retain their designations.
-The 2020 inspection cycle will be the determining factor for all properties’ future designation.
- An example of AAA removing outdated criteria in favor of other factors includes how AAA inspectors will now look for sufficient storage space and shelving for clothes and personal belongings in guestrooms, and not for ironing boards or printed guest information.
- The AAA Diamond Program comprises nearly 60,000 properties in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, including some 27,000 hotels and more than 30,000 restaurants. To be included in the AAA Diamond Program, properties must pass an unannounced, on-site evaluation. Hotels must provide acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality; restaurants must meet requirements for cleanliness, food preparation and service.
-More specific details the new AAA Diamond Program can be found at AAA.com/Diamonds.
What They Are Saying
“We’ve transformed the AAA Diamond Program to help travelers better understand the overall quality, range of facilities and level of services offered by a property,” said Stacey Barber, executive director for AAA Travel Information & Content. “Unlike ratings from unknown users sharing their opinions, the Diamond designations are provided by experienced professionals using consistent guidelines to tell travelers what a property offers.”
“Only the best hotels and restaurants are included in AAA’s Diamond Program: Professional inspectors eliminate substandard places from consideration as a service to our members,” Barber added. “For more than 80 years, travelers have relied on AAA’s trusted recommendations, and these latest changes only strengthen AAA as a go-to source for relevant information and advice for all trip-planning needs.”
The Details
AAA
www.aaa.com
AAA Diamond Program
www.aaa.com/diamonds
