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| AAA Diamond Ratings are assigned after a property is AAA Approved. |
Try on AAA Diamond Ratings For a Perfect Fit
The AAA Diamond Ratings are not performance scores "earned" by hotels. The ratings are a designation assigned after a property is AAA Approved to help members know what to expect.
To use an automotive analogy, some people are perfectly satisfied with a compact economy car, so the extra price for a luxury car would not be in keeping with their needs or sense of value. The same could be said about One Diamond lodgings. If you're on a trip across America and just need a place to sleep and shower along the way, a One Diamond property offers a lot of value.
The need for more space or features would steer some car buyers to the choice of a mid-sized sedan or small SUV, just as some travelers would prefer the moderately enhanced décor and amenities of a Two Diamond property. Even more comfort and amenities would be found in a full-size sedan or SUV, as would be found at Three Diamond properties.
Statistics show that in 2007 there were 452 traffic fatalities in Puerto Rico, and of those, 145 were pedestrian fatalities. Many of those pedestrian fatalities were among children from 1 to 14 years of age.
Four Diamond properties are the equivalent of luxury cars, with a high degree of style (amenities) and performance (service). This may be some (fortunate) buyers' standard choice, or it may be something to wait and plan for. The upscale accommodations and amenities of a Four Diamond property would be suitable for a special vacation or business trip that involves entertaining clients.
Exclusive Five Diamond properties could be compared to ultra-luxury vehicles that most of us rarely see. Currently, less than one-half of 1 percent of AAA Approved hotels are Five Diamond establishments. The level of service they provide is the equivalent of having a driver for your ultra-luxury vehicle. If you want to be pampered (for a price) and stay where the rich and famous may choose to stay, look to the Five Diamond properties.
A common misconception is that because AAA's ratings span from one to five Diamonds, the Three Diamond rating must be average. In truth, because just a small percentage of listings are Four and Five Diamond establishments—based on member needs—a Three Diamond rating is a commendable achievement for most above-average hotels.
Check the Diamond Rating definitions in the front of every TourBook® guide, or visit AAA.com/Diamonds. Diamond Ratings can be found in AAA's print, online and mobile travel information products.
For more information, call or stop by your local AAA office.